From Rafale to Tejas: IAF gears up for full-spectrum air power display at Vayushakti-26
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026. This high-profile drill will showcase the IAF’s advanced operational capabilities, including long-range precision strikes, multi-domain operations, and the use of indigenous platforms like the Rafale fighter jets, which are being manufactured in India for the first time outside France. The exercise aims to demonstrate the IAF’s readiness as a key pillar of India’s national security architecture and its ability to dominate conflict scenarios through decisive air operations.
The event will feature a full spectrum of military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions. Over 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters, and eight transport planes will participate, with advanced weapon systems such as short-range loitering munitions, Akash, and SpyDer surface-to-air missiles also on display. The drill will include day, dusk, and night missions, showcasing the IAF’s tactical and strategic capabilities in various operational environments.
Among the aircraft participating are the Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH Mk-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, and Chinook. The exercise will also highlight the IAF’s role in rapid airlift, rescue, and evacuation operations, both domestically and internationally.
Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor emphasized that Vayushakti-26 will demonstrate the IAF’s ability to win future conflicts, its deterrence strength, and its long-range targeting superiority. The drill is expected to reinforce India’s regional deterrence posture and showcase the operational and technological strengths of its personnel and platforms.
This exercise not only underscores the IAF’s strategic importance but also aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By showcasing cutting-edge capabilities, including the domestically produced Rafale jets, the IAF aims to reaffirm its role as a key player in India’s national security and regional stability. For global observers, Vayushakti-26 will serve as a testament to India’s growing air power and its commitment to modernizing its military for future conflicts.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026