IAF fighter jets to roar near Pakistan border in Vayu Shakti 2026 exercise, echoing Operation Sindoor's might
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Indian Air Force fighter jets will once again be seen roaring near the Pakistan border. On February 27th, the Air Force will deploy its full strength for an exercise modeled after Operation Sindoor. Having demonstrated its prowess in Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force is now conducting this year's first and largest air military exercise in Jaisalmer, near the Pakistan border.
The exercise is called Vayu Shakti 2026. According to defense officials, airbases and assets from the Air Force's Western and Southwestern Commands are participating in the exercise. All units have been fully activated. More than 100 aircraft are expected to participate in the exercise.
Almost all the IAF fighter aircraft and air defense systems involved in Operation Sindoor will participate in this exercise. According to defense officials, Rafale, Sukhoi-30, Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and Hawk aircraft will be seen carrying out precision strikes. Since the MiG-21 aircraft has been retired from the IAF, it will not be seen in this air military exercise for the first time. Additionally, the attack helicopter Prachand will also be seen firing rockets.
According to defense officials, "This exercise will be conducted in a simulated war scenario. The entire exercise will be monitored and controlled by the Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)." It's worth noting that during Operation Sindoor, the IACCS also tracked every Pakistani jet, missile, and drone.
The Army's Akash Tir system was also linked to this IACCS. Information from all the Air Force's high-power, long-range, medium-range, and short-range radars was used to create a complete air picture, based on which each aerial threat was engaged.
Along with the fighter jets of the Indian Air Force, C-130G and C-295 of the Fixed-Wing Transport Aircraft Unit, Prachand, Chinook, MI-17 and ALH of the Helicopter Unit, drones and loitering munitions used in Operation Sindoor will also be used. For the first time in the Vayu Shakti exercise, C-295 will conduct night assault landing drill. Apart from this, C-130J Super Hercules will be seen landing on a short runway and dropping Garud Commandos in the war zone and then taking off again after some time. During this, two attack helicopters will keep the entire operation area safe.
Pakistan is also aware of this Indian Air Force exercise, for which a NOTAM has been issued. However, considering Pakistan's nature, the Air Force has fully activated its air defense system. According to defense officials, the IACCS will monitor the entire airspace for both attack and defense.
Multiple layers of air defense have been prepared, including anti-aircraft guns, anti-drone systems, and operational readiness platforms. These will include the Akash missile system as well as the Army's L-70 guns. According to defense officials, several VIPs have been invited to the Vayu Shakti exercise. Around 40 officials from friendly foreign embassies in Delhi may also be present to witness the exercise.