The Indian Air Force recently showcased its formidable strength and strategic prowess at Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024. The demonstration took place at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer on Saturday, the 17th of February, and was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan. Featuring more than 120 aircraft, the exercise displayed the IAF’s capacity for conducting accurate offensive operations under both daytime and nighttime conditions.
On that day, the Indian Air Force demonstrated its lethal capabilities under the desert sky by deploying some of its most powerful armaments. This included launching the MICA missile, capable of striking beyond visual range from a Rafale fighter, and firing Hellfire missiles from an Apache attack helicopter, showcasing the force’s precision in striking targets.
The grand exercise Vayu Shakti 2024 showcased a comprehensive display of firepower in a scenario closely mirroring real-life conditions, where 50 tonnes of munitions were discharged across an area of two square kilometers.
Out of the 120 aircraft involved, 77 were fighter jets that participated in the operations spanning from day to dusk to night, witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and other dignitaries.
This year’s Vayu-Shakti exercise emphasized combined operations with the Indian Army, showcasing the flawless integration between the two military branches.
The exercise featured the domestic aircraft Tejas along with helicopters Prachand and Dhruv, as well as globally recognized aircraft such as Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Jaguar, displaying their capabilities. Additionally, advanced helicopters like the Chinook, Apache, and Mi-17 were part of the action. The event also highlighted homegrown Surface to Air Weapon systems, including Akash and SAMAR.
The theme of Vayushakti 2024, “Navsah Vajra Praharam,” which translates to “the lightning strike from the sky,” emphasizes the prowess of the Indian Air Force. It signifies the IAF’s dedication to national defense and its pursuit of self-reliance.
Vayushakti, occurring once every three years, was last conducted in February 2019. The edition scheduled for 2022 was called off because of the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this decision.
Goals of Vayu Shakti 2024:
i) Display the comprehensive combat and operational prowess of the IAF.
ii) Show the accuracy and efficiency of both air-to-ground and air-to-air strikes. Stress the flawless integration of various aircraft types, notably domestic models such as Tejas.
iii) Underscore the collaborative efforts and coordination with the Indian Army in combined military maneuvers.
iv) Showcase the most recent technological innovations and armaments used by the IAF.
V). Exhibit the IAF’s capabilities in conducting night attacks and defense operations. The exercise will also feature special operations by the IAF’s transport and helicopter fleets.
“Unified Aerial Might Showcase”
The Indian Air Force is set to execute three significant military exercises known as Vayu Shakti, Gagan Shakti, and Tarang Shakti.
This will be a captivating display of the Indian Air Force’s offensive and defensive strengths, covering operations from daylight to darkness. Additionally, the exercise will highlight coordinated operations with the Indian Army.
Exercise Vayu Shakti: The Indian Air Force is preparing to host the distinguished “Vayu Shakti” firepower demonstration, an event that occurs every three years, with approximately 135 participants including fighters, aircraft, helicopters, and drones at the Pokhran field firing ranges.
Exercise Gagan Shakti: This is a test of the integrated war fighting strategies and tactics of the IAF with the other two defence forces and other stakeholders. Indian Army and Indian Navy involving almost the entire air fleet from north to south, and from west to east. The exercise will also feature the Rafale fighter aircraft and the S-400 air defence systems. This will be conducted later this year.
Exercise Tarang Shakti: This is the first-ever multinational exercise to be held in the country, involving aircraft from friendly air forces like the US, Germany, France, Australia, and neighboring and other friendly countries. It is expected to bring together 12 friendly air forces.
The IAF is evolving into an air force characterized by its global outreach and the capacity for long-distance precision strikes. May it continue to ‘Ascend to the Heights with Splendor’.
