Published: 28 February 2026PIB / DD News / GlobalSecurity.orgRajasthan
Exercise Vayushakti-26: IAF Conducts Historic Firepower Demonstration at Pokhran, Jaisalmer; President Murmu Sorties in Indigenous LCH Prachand
On February 27, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan — one of the most consequential air power demonstrations in independent India's history. Over 130 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous ALH Dhruv, and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand participated in a seamless day-and-night exercise.
President Droupadi Murmu attended as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the Rajasthan Governor, and service chiefs. In a historic first, President Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed LCH Prachand. For the first time ever, Exercise Vayushakti was executed along a defined operational storyline, transforming into a simulated live combat theatre. The exercise, themed 'From Inception to Execution' and guided by the core values of 'Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek' (Accurate, Invulnerable, and Precise), validated the IAF's full-spectrum combat doctrine integrating offensive air strikes, air defence (using Akash and Spyder systems), special forces missions, and humanitarian assistance operations. The exercise reaffirmed India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) ethos through the prominent role of indigenously developed platforms.
Mains angle
Q: Assess the strategic and doctrinal significance of Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran, noting indigenous platforms and air-defence integration.
Answer (50 words):
On 27 February 2026, the Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, with over 130 aircraft in the first operationally scripted combat simulation. President Droupadi Murmu sortied in the indigenous LCH Prachand. Akash and Spyder air-defence systems featured, validating an Atmanirbhar Bharat combat doctrine.
6-axis classification
CoverageRajasthanSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB / DD News / GlobalSecurity.org
Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
Exercise Vayushakti-26, the Indian Air Force's firepower demonstration at Pokhran Air to Ground Range, Jaisalmer, was scheduled for which date?
Explanation · Correct answer AThe Ministry of Defence's curtain-raiser stated that the Indian Air Force would demonstrate its prowess through Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran Air to Ground Range, Jaisalmer, on 27 February 2026. Therefore, February 27, 2026 is the correct date.
Frequently asked questions
Where and when was Exercise Vayushakti-26 conducted by the Indian Air Force?
Exercise Vayushakti-26 was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Pokhran, Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026. It was the first-ever operationally scripted combat simulation exercise by the IAF, with 130+ aircraft participating.
Which aircraft participated in Exercise Vayushakti-26?
Over 130 aircraft participated in Vayushakti-26 including the Rafale, Tejas Mk-1, Su-30MKI, LCH Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter), and C-17 Globemaster. The exercise showcased India's growing indigenous and multi-role aerospace capabilities.
What was the significance of President Murmu's role in Exercise Vayushakti-26?
President Droupadi Murmu flew a sortie in the indigenous HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) during Exercise Vayushakti-26. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also attended the exercise at Pokhran, Jaisalmer.
Which air defence missile systems were showcased during Exercise Vayushakti-26?
The Akash and Spyder air defence missile systems were showcased during Exercise Vayushakti-26. These systems represent India's growing indigenous and procured air defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Why is Pokhran significant in the context of India's defence history?
Pokhran in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan has been the site of all major Indian nuclear tests — Smiling Buddha (1974) and Operation Shakti (1998). It also serves as the IAF's premier live-fire range for major exercises like Vayushakti.
