Air Force To Hold Mega Firepower Exercise 'Vayu Shakti' Near Western Border On February 27

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 13:04 IST

The high-profile drill will feature live armament firing and real-time weapon system engagements aimed at demonstrating the IAF’s operational readiness and combat capabilities

IAF's C-17 Globemaster III during the Vayu Shakti 2024 exercise at Pokhran Range, in Jaisalmer. (PTI)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct its mega firepower exercise, Vayu Shakti, on February 27, defence sources have told CNN-News18. The exercise, which will feature the frontline weapon systems and platforms of the force, will be held close to the western borders in Rajasthan and preparations for the same are ongoing.

The high-profile drill will feature live armament firing and real-time weapon system engagements aimed at demonstrating the IAF’s operational readiness and combat capabilities. Delegations from around 40 countries, along with some VVIPs from within the country, will be witness to the live exercise.

Frontline combat platforms, including Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas and Mirage aircraft, will participate and put up a show with coordinated air operations, precision strikes and integrated mission execution. Several missile systems like Akash will also be featured, the sources added.

The exercise will highlight the IAF’s combat experience and deterrence capability, coming a year after Operation Sindoor in which Indian air power played a decisive role in striking Pakistani bases, downing enemy fighters and forcing Islamabad to seek a ceasefire.

As part of the build-up, a Full Dress Rehearsal (FDR) is scheduled for February 24.

The 2025 edition of Exercise Vayu Shakti had drawn wide attention for its scale and complexity, with extensive live firing, precision bombing and network-centric warfare drills. Multiple fighter types operated in a simulated high-intensity conflict environment, demonstrating the IAF’s ability to conduct swift, coordinated and lethal air operations across the battlespace.

In 2025, the exercise saw participation of 121 aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas, Prachand and Dhruv. Indigenous Surface to Air Weapon systems Akash and Samar were placed demonstrate their capability to track and shoot down an intruding aircraft. Special operations by the IAF transport and helicopter fleets, involving the Garuds and Indian Army elements were also on display.

News india Air Force To Hold Mega Firepower Exercise 'Vayu Shakti' Near Western Border On February 27

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