Pokhran, Rajasthan | February 24, 2026 The desert skies over the historic Pokhran Field Firing Range thundered with firepower and flawless combat choreography as the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the grand media rehearsal of Vayu Shakti 2026 — a breathtaking showcase of precision strike capability, indigenous defence strength, and full-spectrum air dominance.
Massive Fleet of Aircraft & Helicopters
The rehearsal featured over 120 aircraft and air platforms demonstrating the IAF’s array of combat and support capabilities:
- 77 fighter jets — including frontline combat aircraft such as Rafale, SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI and MiG-29 executing precision strikes on simulated enemy targets.
- 43 helicopters — including attack and support types such as Boeing Apache, Boeing Chinook and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand conducting battlefield logistics and operational drills.
- 8 transport aircraft — such as Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules, Airbus C-295 and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III executing rapid deployment and night landing missions.
The highlight was the blistering strike performance by the formidable combat jets. Rafale aircraft released precision-guided munitions on simulated enemy airstrips, while Jaguars delivered devastating payloads on fortified positions. Su-30MKIs and MiG-29s engaged ground targets to simulate neutralisation of hostile infrastructure with precision and speed.
In a powerful assertion of homegrown defence capability, the Akash missile system engaged and intercepted aerial threats with lethal precision — a testament to India’s growing strength in indigenous air defence under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Helicopters like Apache and Chinook performed complex low-altitude firing drills, heavy-lift operations, casualty evacuation simulations and troop insertions into forward zones. Transport aircraft demonstrated rapid deployment capability and night operations that showcased the IAF’s readiness in high-intensity conflict scenarios.
As dusk turned to night, a synchronised drone show lit up the Pokhran skies with formations symbolising the Indian map and IAF insignia — representing technological advancement and the future of network-centric warfare.
Vayu Shakti is conducted periodically to showcase the IAF’s operational preparedness and combat excellence. The 2026 edition stands as a resounding testament to precision, discipline, and readiness to defend the nation — in war or peace.
The main event on 27 February 2026 will be attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will witness the final execution of this grand power display.
From devastating precision strikes to missile interceptions and support operations, the message from Pokhran was clear:
Kudos to the brave and disciplined Air Warriors of the Indian Air Force for delivering a truly historic rehearsal of Vayu Shakti 2026.
