Source: aajtak
The Indian Air Force conducted a full dress rehearsal for ‘Vayu Shakti-2026’ in the Pokhran field firing range, Rajasthan. This rehearsal on Tuesday showcased the Air Force's incredible firepower, precision strikes, and integrated combat skills.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
The rehearsal started with the thunderous supersonic boom of a Rafale fighter jet, shaking the entire range. Sukhoi-30 MKI dropped 44 bombs on enemy runways and bases. MiG-29 destroyed tank convoys, while Jaguars attacked targets in Sudarshan formation.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
Planes like Mirage-2000, Hawk, and others unleashed rockets, laser-guided bombs, and missiles to obliterate simulated enemy hides such as radars, bunkers, ammunition dumps, airstrips, and petrol stations. All 18 simulated targets were destroyed.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
Helicopters including Apache, Prachanda (LCH), Chinook, MI-17, and Chetak participated. Chinook delivered the M777 Howitzer, while Garud Commandos were deployed via helicopter to free a terrorist-held position.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
The C-130J Hercules executed nighttime assault landings and commando drops. The C-295 also demonstrated assault landings.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
Indigenous missiles such as Akash and Samar successfully destroyed airborne targets. Transport aircraft like the C-17, C-130J, and C-295 were showcased.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
A major highlight was the grand drone show, displaying the map of India, fireworks, and an emblematic aircraft of the Air Force.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
The drone show illustrated the bravery of Nirmaljit Singh during the 1965 Sargodha War, the bombing of Tiger Hill in Kargil, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
There was also a demonstration of thwarting enemy attacks using air defense systems like the S-400. Due to a recent technical incident, the indigenous HAL Tejas Mk-1 did not participate in the rehearsal. The IAF is conducting a safety review of the Tejas fleet, making its participation in the main event unlikely.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
Present at the rehearsal were chief guests Deputy Air Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor and Air Marshal Tejinder Singh of the South Western Command, along with Army and Navy officers, air attachés from friendly countries, and schoolchildren.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
The main event of Vayu Shakti-2026 is scheduled for February 27, 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will also be present.
Photo: ITG
Source: aajtak
This exercise will showcase the complete spectrum of the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities, precision, and readiness to the world.
