Vayu Shakti 2026: IAF Showcases Operation Sindoor Combat Strategy In Pokhran
Air Force simulates precision strike doctrine during major combat exercise in Rajasthan.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recreated the operational playbook of “Operation Sindoor” during the high-profile Vayu Shakti exercise at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, showcasing precision strike capabilities and coordinated combat manoeuvres before senior defence officials and invited dignitaries.
The large-scale firepower demonstration featured frontline fighter aircraft, transport platforms, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems executing simulated strike missions under realistic combat conditions. The drills included precision-guided munitions, beyond-visual-range engagements, and coordinated ground-attack operations designed to replicate the strategic and tactical framework associated with Operation Sindoor, which emphasized speed, surprise, and joint force integration.
According to officials, the exercise was structured to validate operational preparedness, network-centric warfare capabilities, and rapid response protocols. Fighter jets conducted high-accuracy bombing runs, while rotary-wing platforms carried out close air support and battlefield air interdiction simulations. The IAF highlighted the integration of indigenous systems and advanced weaponry, underlining India’s push toward self-reliance in defence production.
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Senior military commanders overseeing the exercise said Vayu Shakti 2026 aimed to demonstrate the Air Force’s ability to undertake multi-domain operations across diverse terrain. The Pokhran ranges, historically used for major military drills, provided a controlled environment for testing real-time coordination between surveillance, strike, and support units.
The recreation of the Operation Sindoor template comes amid evolving regional security dynamics and increasing emphasis on readiness. By publicly displaying its operational doctrine and combat effectiveness, the Indian Air Force signalled its preparedness to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats, reinforcing its role as a critical pillar of India’s national security architecture.
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