IAF to showcase combat might, glimpses of Operation Sindoor

February 11, 2026

New Delhi, Feb 11: The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that it will host Exercise Vayu Shakti on February 27 at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan — a mega air power demonstration designed to display India’s aerial combat capabilities including glimpses of Operation Sindoor, a major offensive mission carried out last year.

Massive Display of Aircraft and Assets

The IAF said that more than 120 defence assets will participate in the exercise, including frontline fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft, underscoring its combat preparedness and precision strike capability. Among the aircraft expected to take part are Rafale, Tejas, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 fighters, along with attack and support helicopters.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor briefed the media that the exercise will simulate precise targeting and weapon delivery operations, giving spectators visible effects on the ground while ensuring safety protocols are maintained. He emphasised that, although long-range missiles like BrahMos will not be used in the same profiles as in wartime, the impact and execution will reflect lessons from Operation Sindoor.

What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was a retaliatory air campaign launched by the IAF in May 2025 following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The operation involved coordinated precision strikes against terror camps and hostile infrastructure across the border a mission that highlighted the Indian Air Force’s capability to conduct deep-strike operations with accuracy. Chief IAF officers later described these efforts as demonstrating both tactical proficiency and rapid response in high-intensity environments.

The upcoming Vayu Shakti exercise will offer the public a glimpse of combat profiles and air formations inspired by Sindoor, allowing citizens to witness how modern air operations are executed and how aerial assets work in concert under integrated command.

Exercise Highlights and Objectives

IAF briefings noted that the event will feature a complete range of operations including offensive and defensive displays, as well as day-to-night missions showcasing the force’s ability to deliver long-range, precision strikes and coordinated multi-platform attacks.

In addition to aircraft and helicopters, air defence systems such as Akash and Spyder will support the exercise, along with transport aircraft like the C-17, C-295 and C-130J. Joint participation by Army rapid deployment forces is also expected in some segments to demonstrate tri-service synergy.

Two new indigenous weapons are also slated to be showcased for the first time, reflecting the IAF’s drive toward self-reliance and advanced defence technologies.

Strategic Messaging and Public Impact

Officials say Exercise Vayu Shakti aims not only to test operational readiness but also to instil confidence among citizens and inspire youth to consider careers in defence services. The exercise underscores India’s growing aerial combat capabilities at a time when the country continues to invest in modern platforms and indigenous systems.

By revisiting combat profiles born out of Operation Sindoor, the IAF intends to illustrate both past operational successes and future strategic readiness in a highly visible manner at Pokhran’s desert range.