Vayu Shakti 2026: Indian Air Force to Showcase Massive Air Power Near Pakistan Border

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to conduct one of its most significant air power demonstrations in recent years through Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026, scheduled for February 27 near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, close to the Pakistan border. The large-scale exercise is designed to demonstrate India’s full-spectrum aerial warfare capabilities, highlighting operational readiness in a region of high strategic sensitivity.

Held at the Pokhran and Chandan Field Firing Ranges, the exercise will simulate real wartime scenarios, integrating offensive air strikes, air defence, logistics, and special operations. More than 100 aircraft from the Western and South Western Air Commands are expected to participate, underscoring the IAF’s ability to mobilise and sustain high-tempo operations in a contested environment.

File photo of IAF's Vayu Shakti in Pokhran (Photo: India Today) | India Today

Deployment of Frontline Fighter and Attack Platforms

Vayu Shakti 2026 will feature nearly all of the IAF’s frontline combat aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and Hawk jets. This broad deployment reflects the IAF’s focus on maintaining a diversified and technologically advanced fighter fleet capable of handling multiple mission profiles.

A major highlight will be the participation of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, which is expected to conduct live rocket-firing missions. The emphasis on indigenous platforms aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing growing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. Notably, this will be the first Vayu Shakti exercise conducted without the MiG-21, marking the formal transition away from one of the IAF’s longest-serving fighter aircraft.

Network-Centric Warfare and Command Integration

The exercise will be coordinated through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which enables real-time monitoring, decision-making, and coordination across multiple radar and sensor networks. This advanced system allows the IAF to seamlessly integrate offensive strike packages with defensive assets, reflecting the force’s shift toward network-centric warfare.

By testing command-and-control capabilities under simulated combat pressure, the exercise will evaluate the IAF’s ability to manage complex, multi-platform operations while maintaining situational awareness and rapid response capability.

Special Operations and Tactical Airlift Capabilities

Transport and special operations will play a central role in Vayu Shakti 2026. The C-130J Super Hercules aircraft will conduct short-runway landings to deploy Garud special forces in simulated hostile territory, demonstrating the IAF’s capacity for precision insertion and rapid deployment.

For the first time in a Vayu Shakti exercise, the C-295 transport aircraft is expected to carry out a night assault landing, highlighting the IAF’s expanding night-operations and tactical airlift capabilities. Helicopter assets, including Chinook, Mi-17, and Advanced Light Helicopters, will support logistics, troop movement, and combat support missions, further reinforcing joint operational flexibility.

Strengthening Multi-Layered Air Defence

Air defence will be a critical component of the exercise, with multiple protective layers activated to secure Indian airspace. Systems such as the Akash surface-to-air missile, anti-drone platforms, and the Army’s L-70 air defence guns will be placed on high operational readiness. These systems will simulate responses to hostile aircraft, drones, and missile threats, testing India’s ability to counter evolving aerial challenges.

The integration of offensive and defensive elements will reflect a comprehensive approach to modern warfare, where protection of airspace is as vital as strike capability.

Regional Signalling and International Attention

As per international aviation safety protocols, Pakistan has been informed of the exercise through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). While procedural in nature, the location and scale of the exercise carry strategic significance, particularly given ongoing regional security dynamics.

Senior government officials, top military leadership, and defence representatives from friendly foreign nations are expected to witness the drill. The exercise is widely viewed as a strong signal of India’s growing air power, technological sophistication, and rapid response capability along its western front.

The MGMM Outlook

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 represents a major demonstration of India’s evolving air power posture, particularly along the strategically sensitive western sector. By deploying over 100 aircraft near the Pakistan border, the Indian Air Force is highlighting its ability to conduct sustained, high-tempo operations under realistic combat conditions. The participation of frontline fighters such as Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29, along with the formal absence of the MiG-21, reflects a clear shift toward a more modern, technologically capable fleet. The prominent role of indigenous platforms like the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand also reinforces India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and operational capability.

The exercise further underscores the IAF’s transition toward network-centric and joint warfare through systems like the Integrated Air Command and Control System, advanced air defence layers, and integrated special operations. Simulated precision insertions, night assault landings, and multi-layered air defence responses demonstrate readiness across offensive, defensive, and logistical domains. The scale, timing, and location of the drill serve as a strong strategic signal of preparedness, rapid response capability, and operational maturity, reflecting India’s intent to maintain credible deterrence and full-spectrum air combat readiness in a complex regional security environment.

(Sources: India Today, Times of India, Firstpost)