The Indian Air Force on Friday staged a sweeping demonstration of its aerial strength and defensive readiness, presenting a carefully choreographed exercise before an international audience. The event, 'Vayu Shakti-2026', was held at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and formally inaugurated by President Draupadi Murmu. Journalists and military representatives from allied nations, including the Maldives, attended, underscoring India’s expanding defence partnerships.
The exercise was designed to show how the air force would intercept enemy offensives and deliver retaliatory strikes in the event of an attack. Observers were offered a detailed account of tactical aerial operations, including manoeuvres employed during 'Operation Sindoor', India’s military response to an assault by a Pakistani terrorist organisation. A total of 130 aircraft participated, with indigenously manufactured platforms featured prominently alongside a range of combat weapons and assets, reinforcing India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence production.
The fleet included Su-30 MKIs, Mirage 2000s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, and Mi-17 helicopters, as well as the HAL Dhruv and Prachand, advanced helicopters developed entirely within India. Conducted on the evening of 27 February, the exercise encompassed both daylight and night-time operations, from offensive attack protocols to simulated precision strikes supporting ground and naval forces.
The aerial display formed part of a broader initiative to highlight the capabilities of India’s armed forces. Only a week earlier, the Indian Navy staged a demonstration of maritime strength, reaffirming ties with partners such as the Maldives. Officials stressed India’s defensive doctrine: committed to peace, yet prepared to respond decisively to any threat to sovereignty.