Published: 1 March 2026PIB / ANI / ETV BharatRajasthan
IAF Conducts Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran, Jaisalmer; 130+ Aircraft Demonstrate Full-Spectrum Combat Power
AQuick answer
IAF conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran, Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026, with 130+ aircraft including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, ALH Dhruv and LCH Prachand demonstrating full-spectrum combat power for the first time in a simulated operational storyline, with President Murmu as Chief Guest.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26, its large-scale firepower demonstration, at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on February 27, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu attended as Chief Guest, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu. The exercise was a highlight of early March 2026 current affairs reporting for defence and Rajasthan themes.
For the first time in its history, Exercise Vayushakti was executed along a defined operational storyline, transforming the range into a simulated live-combat theatre that seamlessly integrated offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions, and humanitarian assistance operations. Over 130 aircraft participated including Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Tejas, Hawk trainer, Mi-17 helicopter, and indigenous platforms ALH Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. Strategic and tactical airlift platforms C-130J, C-295, and C-17 demonstrated rapid mobility. A night phase showcased precision nocturnal strike capability.
Vayushakti exercises are conducted once every few years to validate operational readiness and serve as a public demonstration of IAF combat power. The choice of Pokhran — historically India's nuclear test site — as the venue underscores the strategic symbolism of the exercise. The event highlighted indigenous platforms including Tejas and Prachand, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the strategic and symbolic significance of IAF's Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran, Jaisalmer featuring 130+ aircraft including indigenous Tejas and Prachand, within India's Atmanirbhar Bharat defence framework.
Answer (50 words):
On February 27, 2026, IAF conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Range, Jaisalmer with President Murmu as Chief Guest. Over 130 aircraft including Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas, and LCH Prachand executed a simulated operational storyline integrating offensive strikes, air defence, and special forces missions, advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat's indigenous defence platforms.
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 / ANI / ETV Bharat
Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Vayushakti and when was Vayushakti-26 conducted?
Exercise Vayushakti is a periodic air power demonstration exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Pokhran, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Vayushakti-26 was conducted on February 27, 2026. The exercise showcases the IAF's combat capabilities including precision strikes, air defence, and electronic warfare. Vayushakti exercises are held roughly every three years and are open to senior officials, foreign dignitaries, and the public.
What was unique about Vayushakti-26 compared to earlier editions?
Vayushakti-26 was the first edition conducted in an operationally scripted combat storyline — meaning the exercise unfolded as a simulated real-world operational scenario rather than a series of individual weapon demonstrations. This made the exercise more realistic, showcasing full-spectrum combat power integration including offensive strikes, defensive interception, and logistics in a unified narrative for the first time.
Which aircraft platforms participated in Vayushakti-26?
Over 130 aircraft participated in Vayushakti-26, including: Rafale (multi-role fighter, procured from France), Tejas Mk-1 (indigenous light combat aircraft), Su-30 MKI (frontline air superiority fighter), and LCH Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter — India's first indigenously developed attack helicopter). Their participation showcased both foreign acquisitions and indigenously developed platforms under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
What is the strategic significance of Pokhran, Jaisalmer for IAF exercises?
Pokhran, Jaisalmer is strategically significant as it is located near India's western border with Pakistan, making it relevant for realistic Western Command operational scenarios. It hosts the IAF's premier live-fire range, providing the vast open terrain necessary for large-scale weapon delivery exercises. Pokhran is also historically significant as the site of India's nuclear tests in 1974 (Smiling Buddha) and 1998 (Operation Shakti).
What is the LCH Prachand and why is it significant for India?
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is India's first indigenously designed and developed attack helicopter, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is designed for operations at high altitudes, including the Siachen Glacier and Himalayan terrain, making it uniquely suited for India's northern borders. Prachand's participation in Vayushakti-26 demonstrated its operational readiness and the maturity of India's aerospace manufacturing capability.
