Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 is the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) massive triennial firepower demonstration. It is currently in the news as the main event is scheduled for February 27, 2026, at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

On February 24, 2026, the IAF successfully conducted a full-dress rehearsal (day-dusk-night) in the Thar desert to prepare for the final showcase.

Why  in the News? Lethality Display: It is the largest air combat drill of the year, involving 120+ aircraft (77 fighters, 43 helicopters, and 8 transport aircraft).

• Strategic Timing: Following the recent “Operation Sindoor,” this exercise aims to reaffirm India’s airspace dominance and deterrence posture near the Pakistan border.
• VVIP Attendance: The event is expected to be witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Key Highlights of Vayu Shakti 2026:

A. Full-Spectrum Operations:

The drill demonstrates the IAF’s ability to “punish the enemy” through day, dusk, and night missions. It covers:

• Precision Strikes: Using long-range missiles and laser-guided bombs.
• Multi-domain Operations: Seamless coordination between air and ground forces.
• Humanitarian Role: Showcasing rapid airlift and evacuation capabilities.

B. Participating “Star” Platforms:

• Fighters: Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas (LCA), Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29.
• Helicopters: Apache (the “tank killer”), Chinook (heavy lift), Prachand (LCH), and ALH Mk-IV.
• Indigenous Focus: A major push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, featuring the Akash and SpyDer surface-to-air missiles.

C. Jointness with Indian Army:

A special feature of the 2026 edition is the integrated coordination with the Indian Army, including:

• M777 Ultra-light Howitzers being airlifted.
• Para Special Forces (Para SF) maneuvers during live combat simulations.

Indian Armed Forces (Military):

Reporting to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), these forces are responsible for national defense and external security.

• Indian Army: The land-based force (largest component).

• Indian Navy: Safeguards maritime interests and protects the coastline.

• Indian Air Force (IAF): Provides aerial defense and strike capabilities.

• Indian Coast Guard (ICG): A maritime law enforcement agency that works closely with the Navy.

2. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF):

Reporting to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), these are often referred to as “Paramilitary” in common language, though they are officially “Armed Police.” Their role is border guarding and internal security.

Force	Primary Role
BSF (Border Security Force)	Guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)	Internal security, riot control, and anti-Naxal ops.
CISF (Central Industrial Security Force)	Protects airports, metros, and nuclear plants.
ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police)	Guards the high-altitude Indo-China border.
SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal)	Guards borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
Assam Rifles (AR)	Counter-insurgency in the Northeast (under MHA/MoD dual control).
NSG (National Security Guard)	Elite counter-terrorism unit (The “Black Cats”).

3. Special Forces (SF):

These are elite units within the military and CAPF designed for high-risk, surgical operations.

• PARA (SF): The Indian Army’s elite special forces (Red Devils).

• MARCOS: The Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (experts in sea, air, and land).

• Garud: The Indian Air Force’s special unit for airfield protection and rescue.

• COBRA: A specialized wing of the CRPF for jungle warfare.

• Special Group (SG): A ultra-secretive unit under the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).

4. Specialized Agency Forces:

• SPG (Special Protection Group): Provides proximate security only to the Prime Minister.

• SFF (Special Frontier Force): A specialized paramilitary unit composed mostly of Tibetans (Vikas Battalion).

• NDRF: Disaster response and rescue (Ministry of Home Affairs).