‘Vayu Shakti-2026’ Held Near India-Pakistan Border in Rajasthan.
All Pic. Sanjay Kumawat
Jaipur Rajasthan: A full-dress rehearsal of the Indian Air Force’s mega combat exercise ‘Vayu Shakti-2026’ was conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near Jaisalmer, close to the India-Pakistan border.
The high-intensity drill showcased the operational readiness and combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The exercise began with the formidable Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets targeting and destroying simulated enemy runways and strategic positions. The Sukhoi jets dropped 44 bombs on designated targets, creating massive plumes of dust as they struck.
Following this, MiG-29 fighter jets carried out precision strikes on a convoy of enemy tanks, successfully neutralizing the targets. In the simulated war zone, the Akash missile system demonstrated its capability by destroying aerial targets mid-air.
In a first for the exercise, a Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules aircraft performed a night landing on the runway and returned after deploying Garud commandos. Additionally, the Airbus C-295 transport aircraft executed an assault landing operation. The indigenous HAL Prachand attack helicopters also landed in the simulated combat zone.
Adding to the spectacle, two SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft displayed the ‘Sudarshan’ formation while approaching the target area.
During the rehearsal, officials also explained the concept of Operation Sindoor, highlighting a simulated surgical strike scenario in which 73 fighter jets took off simultaneously from eight airbases across the country.
The HAL Tejas fighter jet was scheduled to participate in the exercise but did not take part due to a reported technical issue. There are reports that the aircraft has been temporarily grounded following the glitch.
The main event of ‘Vayu Shakti-2026’ will be held on February 27. Droupadi Murmu will attend as the Chief Guest. Rajnath Singh and Bhajan Lal Sharma are also expected to be present at the event.