New Delhi, February 12, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): The Indian Air Force (IAF) will demonstrate its operational strength and combat readiness through Exercise Vayushakti-26, scheduled to be held at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026.
Described as the first, fastest and fiercest responder, the IAF will showcase its capability to respond swiftly, dominate the operational environment from the outset and decisively influence the course of operations by converting tactical actions into strategic outcomes. The exercise will also underline the Air Force’s vital role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management, including rapid airlift, rescue and evacuation operations in India and abroad.
The exercise will feature full-spectrum operations involving fighter aircraft, transport planes and helicopters. Key platforms participating include Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Apache and Chinook helicopters, along with Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
Advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash and SpyDer air defence systems, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) will also be demonstrated during day, dusk and night missions.
Exercise Vayushakti-26 will further highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming the IAF’s primacy in airspace dominance, long-range precision strikes and multi-domain operations. The exercise will emphasise the Air Force’s ability to deliver decisive effects using indigenous platforms, aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Guided by the core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek”, the exercise aims to reassure the nation by reinforcing the Indian Air Force’s role as a key pillar of India’s national security architecture.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
