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The Indian Air Force will conduct a large-scale air combat exercise close to the Pakistan border on February 27, aimed at demonstrating its full range of offensive and defensive capabilities in a simulated wartime setting.
The exercise, named Vayu Shakti 2026, will be held near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and is expected to be the IAF’s biggest air combat drill this year. It follows recent high-tempo operations under Operation Sindoor, during which the force tested its readiness across multiple domains.
Defence officials said airbases and assets from the Western and South Western Air Commands will be involved. All participating units have been placed on full operational footing, with more than 100 aircraft likely to take part in the exercise.
Nearly all frontline fighter platforms currently in IAF service will be deployed. These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Hawk aircraft. They will engage both aerial and ground targets during live firing drills. The MiG-21, which has now been retired, will not feature in the exercise for the first time. The indigenous Prachand light combat helicopter will also take part, firing rockets as part of its attack profile.
The exercise will unfold under a simulated war scenario and will be controlled through the Integrated Air Command and Control System. The network will fuse inputs from long, medium and short-range radars to generate a real-time air picture and support both strike and air defence missions.
Transport aircraft and helicopters will also play a key role. C-130J Super Hercules and C-295 aircraft will participate alongside Chinook, Mi-17, Prachand and Advanced Light Helicopters. Drones and loitering munitions used during Operation Sindoor are also expected to be deployed.
For the first time, the C-295 will carry out a night assault landing during the Vayu Shakti exercise. The C-130J will be seen landing on a short runway, inserting Garud commandos into a simulated combat zone and taking off within minutes, while attack helicopters provide cover.
Team BharatShakti
