- President Droupadi Murmu attends Vayu Shakti–2026 in Rajasthan
- Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas and Mirage 2000 conduct precision strikes
- Apache, Chinook helicopters perform combat drills
- Exercise simulates integrated wartime operations
GG News Bureau
Jaisalmer, 28th Feb: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday witnessed the ‘Vayu Shakti–2026’ exercise at the Pokhran Firing Range in Rajasthan, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased its combat strength and operational readiness through a live integrated drill.
The large-scale exercise followed a structured operational storyline simulating real-time battlefield conditions. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh were among the dignitaries present.
Advanced fighter aircraft, including Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas and Mirage 2000, executed precision strikes using air-to-ground guided bombs and missiles, targeting simulated enemy bunkers, runways and command centres.
Boeing Apache and Chinook helicopters conducted low-altitude rocket and gun firing drills, casualty evacuation missions and equipment transport operations across challenging desert terrain.
The exercise demonstrated coordinated air superiority, ground support and logistical operations in both day and night conditions, underscoring the IAF’s rapid response capability and multi-domain operational preparedness.
The thundering aircraft manoeuvres and precision bombing in the desert reinforced the Indian Air Force’s role as a key pillar of national deterrence and strategic defence readiness.
