Vayu Shakti 2026:
The Indian Air Force will conduct Vayu Shakti 2026, a major air combat exercise near the Pakistan border, showcasing its full spectrum of offensive and defensive capabilities in a simulated war environment.
- It is a major air combat exercise of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- It will be held Pokaran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district and is expected to be the IAF’s largest air combat drill of the year.
- Almost all frontline fighter aircraft and air defence systems that were part of Operation Sindoor will be deployed during the exercise.
- These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Hawk aircraft, which will be seen engaging ground and aerial targets with precision.
- The exercise will be conducted in a simulated wartime scenario and monitored through the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which enables real-time tracking and coordination of air operations.
