New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct its first major firepower demonstration since Operation Sindoor, with a focus on emerging warfare dynamics and its operational success during last year’s conflict with Pakistan.
The biennial exercise, titled Exercise Vayu Shakti, will take place on February 27 at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. The 2.30-hour-long event aims to demonstrate the IAF’s combat capabilities and preparedness for future conflicts.
A total of 77 fighter aircraft will participate in the exercise, engaging both ground and aerial targets with live missile firings. In addition, several helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be deployed. The drill will feature the use of 277 weapons, including precision-guided munitions and advanced smart weapons designed for high-accuracy strikes.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said the timing of the exercise gives it added significance. “Coming after Operation Sindoor, the demonstration carries a different connotation,” he noted.
According to the Air Force, the objective of the exercise is to display its operational strength and reinforce deterrence through visible and credible combat capabilities. The event will also illustrate how airspace management and air defence operations are conducted through integrated systems and coordinated sensor networks across multiple agencies.
During Operation Sindoor, the IAF’s integrated command and control framework, working closely with the Indian Army, played a key role in countering Pakistani aerial threats. Officials said the upcoming demonstration will underline the effectiveness of that coordination and highlight the Air Force’s long-range targeting capabilities.
The exercise will also place emphasis on emerging technologies such as UAVs and loitering munitions. Surface-to-air missile systems, including Akash and Spyder, will be showcased as part of the air defence display.
Through Exercise Vayu Shakti, the IAF aims to reaffirm its strategic role in modern warfare and demonstrate readiness to address evolving security challenges.
