Jaisalmer, February 24 The Indian Air Force conducted a full-scale rehearsal of Exercise 'Vayu Shakti', a firepower demonstration, at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in the Thar desert of western Rajasthan on Tuesday.
The rehearsal, which showcased coordinated operations from day to night, was conducted ahead of the main event scheduled for February 27.
Fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters carried out simulated strikes on designated targets in a near-realistic combat scenario. However, the Tejas fighter jet did not participate in the rehearsal due to reported technical issues.
The Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft targeted enemy runways and positions, while the MiG-29 jets struck a simulated convoy of tanks. The Akash missile system also engaged targets.
A C-130 aircraft conducted a night landing, and a C-295 transport aircraft carried out a landing. The Prachand and Apache helicopters, and the Jaguar aircraft also participated in the drill.
Garud commandos of the Air Force descended from helicopters onto a building as part of a simulated counter-terrorism operation. They broke windows, neutralized terrorists positioned around the structure, and rescued hostages. The C-130 aircraft later landed on the runway at night to evacuate the commandos involved in the rescue.
Following the rehearsal, a drone show was organized to showcase the Air Force's capabilities.
The drones formed the map of India, lit up the sky with fireworks, and displayed a symbolic aircraft formation. The show depicted Operation Sindoor.