The Indian Air Force will stage Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on 27 February 2026, showcasing its combat readiness, technological edge and ability to deliver decisive effects across the spectrum of modern warfare.
Billed as a demonstration of the IAF’s role as the first, fastest and fiercest responder, the exercise will underline its capacity to rapidly punish adversaries, dominate the operational environment from the outset and convert tactical actions into strategic outcomes. Alongside combat operations, Vayushakti-26 will also highlight the Air Force’s vital contribution to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) through rapid airlift, rescue and evacuation missions within India and abroad.
The exercise will feature full-spectrum operations involving fighter, transport and helicopter platforms. Aircraft participating include Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi‑30MKI, MiG‑29, Hawk, C‑130J, C‑295 and C‑17.
Rotary-wing assets will include Chetak, ALH Mk‑IV, Mi‑17 IV, Light Combat Helicopter, Apache and Chinook, along with Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
Advanced weapon systems on display will include Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), with missions executed across day, dusk and night scenarios.
Exercise Vayushakti-26 will also spotlight the operational lessons and success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming the IAF’s primacy in airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting and multi-domain operations. A strong emphasis will be placed on indigenous platforms and systems, aligned with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Guided by the core values “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” (Accurate, Invincible and Precise), the exercise aims to reassure the nation of the Indian Air Force’s unwavering readiness and its central role in India’s national security architecture.
