New Delhi, February 11 The Indian Air Force will demonstrate its full range of combat and firepower capabilities during Exercise 'Vayu Shakti' at the Pokharan range near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan on February 27, which will also highlight the success of Operation Sindoor and the IAF's ability to "rapidly neutralize the enemy" and dominate the operational environment.
More than 120 aircraft, including 77 fighter jets such as Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, LCA Tejas, Jaguar, Mirage-2000; Apache, Chinook, and LCH Prachand, as well as Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), will participate in the exercise, according to IAF officials. The C-295 will be used for the first time.
"The C-295 will be used in this exercise for the first time, and it will showcase its night operation capabilities. Also, out of the 277 weapons, surface-to-air guided weapons such as Akash, SpyDer, will be showcased. There will also be integrated and joint operations with the Indian Army, with their M-777 (howitzer), L-70, and troops of Special Forces participating in the exercise, which will last for about 2 hours and 35 minutes," said Wg Cdr Ajit B Wasane.
During a press conference, he presented a PowerPoint presentation on the exercise, stating that 'Vayu Shakti', which will take place at the Pokharan Air to Ground range in a "near-realistic warfare scenario", will also highlight the successful role of the IAF during Operation Sindoor.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year to destroy terrorist infrastructure at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, interacting with reporters, said that the biennial demonstration this time "carries a different connotation" as it is taking place after last year's Operation Sindoor.
When asked if some of the strikes conducted during the decisive military action will be re-enacted in 'Vayu Shakti', the VCAS said, "long-range targeting" will not be showcased in this firepower demonstration at the Pokharan range in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. But the effects of the strikes on the ground will be demonstrated as part of it, he said, without elaborating.
When asked if the demonstration, which takes place near the western border, will carry any strategic messaging to Pakistan and China, he said, "We will conduct our demonstration. What message will go out to anyone... it is up to you to decide."
The defense ministry, in a statement, said, "As the first, fastest and fiercest responder, the Indian Air Force will highlight its ability to rapidly neutralize the enemy, dominate the operational environment from the outset, and decisively influence the course of operations by transforming tactical actions into strategic outcomes."
The exercise will also showcase how the IAF plays a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management by providing rapid airlift and rescue and evacuation from conflict zones within the country as well as abroad, the ministry said.
"Full spectrum operations by fighter, transport, and helicopter platforms including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Su-30MKI, Hawk, MiG-29, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, Chinook, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) will be executed," the statement said.
The exercise will also feature advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), carrying out day, dusk, and night missions, it added.
The exercise aims to reassure the nation by reaffirming the IAF's role as a key component of India's national security architecture, the ministry said.
'Vayu Shakti' will also "highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming the IAF's primacy in airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting, multi-domain operations, and its ability to deliver decisive effects with indigenous platforms guided by the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," it said.
Many also asked the significance of the exercise, which is taking place several months after Operation Sindoor, and given the proximity of the drill's venue from the western border.
After the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, Pakistan had also launched offensives against India, and all subsequent counter-offensives by India were also carried out under Operation Sindoor.
The military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, lasting nearly 88 hours, halted after they reached an understanding on the evening of May 10.
The exercise will be carried out under the Gandhinagar-based South Western Air Command (SWAC). And, the NOTAM (notice to airmen) has been issued, it is learnt.
Wg Cdr Wasane said about 12,000 kg of explosives will be detonated during the course of the exercise. These will be through the use of missiles, bombs, and rockets, he said, adding that a total of 43 events and 23 targets, including in the air or on the ground, will be part of the demonstration, he said.
Aircraft will be launched from bases in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and also Hindon and Vadodara, he said.
He also shared the evolution of 'Vayu Shakti', which traces its origin to the firepower demonstration in 1954, when it was called, and held at Tilpat Range near Delhi, in which Toofani and Spitfire aircraft had taken part.
It was later shifted to Pokharan, and the name 'Vayu Shakti' was lent to it.
