From Rafale to Tejas: IAF gears up for full-spectrum air power display at Vayushakti-26

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026, to demonstrate its operational capabilities.The exercise will showcase the IAF’s air power, including long-range precision strikes, multi-domain operations and indigenous platforms, and will highlight the success of Operation Sindoor as part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push. The IAF said the drill will underline its role as the first responder in conflict scenarios and its ability to rapidly dominate the operational environment and influence outcomes through decisive air operations.Guided by the core values “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek,” the exercise aims to reassure the nation by reaffirming the Indian Air Force’s role as a key pillar of India’s national security architecture.The exercise is set to highlight the IAF’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, including rapid airlift, rescue and evacuation operations in India and overseas.A full spectrum of operations will be demonstrated by fighter, transport and helicopter platforms, including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH Mk-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache and Chinook, along with remotely piloted aircraft.Advanced weapon systems such as short-range loitering munitions, Akash and SpyDer surface-to-air missiles, and counter-unmanned aerial systems will also be showcased in day, dusk and night missions.The exercise will involve 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters and eight transport aircraft, with 277 weapons and 12,000 kg of explosives deployed. Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said the drill would demonstrate the IAF’s capability to win future conflicts, its deterrence strength and its long-range targeting superiority.Exercise Vayushakti-26 is expected to test the Indian Air Force’s tactical and strategic capabilities, reinforce India’s regional deterrence posture, and demonstrate the operational and technological strengths of its personnel and platforms.