IAF to demonstrate air power near the Pakistan border

February 6, 2026 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

Vayu Shakti 2026: IAF to demonstrate air power near Pakistan border

The Indian Air Force is preparing to conduct one of its biggest and most significant air exercises this month.

The large-scale drill, named Vayu Shakti 2026, will take place near the Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on 27 February.

The exercise aims to highlight India’s air combat capability and operational readiness.

Vayu Shakti 2026 has been designed around the experience gained during Operation Sindoor, the recent cross-border military operation targeting terror infrastructure.

Through this exercise, the IAF will display its ability to conduct precision strikes in a high-intensity combat environment. Fighter aircraft will operate in coordinated missions, reflecting real-time war scenarios.

Almost all frontline fighter jets and air defence systems involved in Operation Sindoor will participate.

According to defence officials, aircraft such as Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and Hawk will demonstrate precision targeting. The Prachand attack helicopter will also be seen firing rockets during combat drills.

For the first time, the retired MiG-21 will be absent from an IAF air exercise.

Assets from the Western and South-Western Air Commands will take part, with all units placed on full operational status. Officials estimate that more than 100 aircraft will participate in the exercise.

The drill will be conducted in a simulated war environment and monitored through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

This system played a key role during Operation Sindoor by tracking enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones in real time. During Vayu Shakti, IACCS will control both offensive and defensive air operations.

In addition to fighter jets, transport aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules and C-295 will participate.

Helicopters, including Chinook, Mi-17, ALH, and Prachand, will also be deployed. Drones and loitering munitions previously used in combat missions will feature as well.

A major highlight will be the first-ever night assault landing by the C-295. The C-130J will also perform short-runway landings, deploy Garud commandos, and execute rapid take-offs.

Multi-layered air defence systems, including Akash missiles, anti-drone systems, and L-70 guns, will secure the airspace.

Pakistan has been formally informed, and a NOTAM has been issued.

Several senior officials and nearly 40 foreign military observers are expected to attend, underlining the global interest in India’s growing air power.

Image Credit: Naman Vishwajeet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons