he Indian Air Force (IAF) will demonstrate its operational preparedness and combat capabilities during Exercise Vayushakti-26, scheduled to be held at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
The exercise will highlight the IAF’s role as a first responder, showcasing its ability to dominate the operational environment from the outset of a conflict and convert tactical actions into strategic outcomes. It will also underline the force’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management through rapid airlift, rescue and evacuation operations within India and abroad.
Vayushakti-26 will involve full-spectrum operations by fighter, transport and helicopter platforms, including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, Light Combat Helicopter, Apache, Chinook and Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions, Akash, SpyDer and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems will be employed during day, dusk and night missions.
The exercise will also highlight the success of Operation Sindoor and reaffirm the IAF’s capabilities in airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting and multi-domain operations. It will reflect the increasing use of indigenous platforms in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
