Vayu Shakti 2026

Vayu Shakti 2026 Latest News

The Indian Air Force will conduct Vayu Shakti 2026, a major air combat exercise near the Pakistan border, showcasing its full spectrum of offensive and defensive capabilities in a simulated war environment.

About Vayu Shakti 2026

• It is a major air combat exercise of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• It will be held Pokaran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district and is expected to be the IAF’s largest air combat drill of the year. 
• Airbases and assets of the IAF’s Western and South Western Air Commands will participate in the exercise. 
• All units have been fully activated, with more than 100 aircraft expected to take part.
• Almost all frontline fighter aircraft and air defence systems that were part of Operation Sindoor will be deployed during the exercise. 
• These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Hawk aircraft, which will be seen engaging ground and aerial targets with precision. 
• The MiG-21, now retired from IAF service, will not feature in the exercise for the first time. 
• The indigenous Prachand attack helicopter will also participate, firing rockets during live drills.
• The exercise will be conducted in a simulated wartime scenario and monitored through the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which enables real-time tracking and coordination of air operations. 
• Inputs from long-range, medium-range and short-range radars will be integrated to generate a comprehensive air picture for both offensive and defensive missions.
• Drones and loitering munitions used during Operation Sindoor will also be deployed.

Source: IT

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