The desert sands of Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, came alive on February 27, 2026, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) staged its premier operational capability demonstration — Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026. Captured in stunning detail during the live telecast on Doordarshan National, the event unfolded as a scripted, high-intensity simulated combat theatre under the inspiring tagline “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” — Infallible, Impervious, and Precise.
President Droupadi Murmu, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, graced the occasion as chief guest alongside Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. The live broadcast brought every roar of the engines, flash of explosions, and moment of precision straight into Indian homes, evoking waves of national pride.
President Murmu’s Historic Sortie in Indigenous Prachand
In a proud highlight of Atmanirbhar Bharat, President Murmu undertook a sortie in the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter — India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat chopper. Viewers of the Doordarshan live stream saw her experience the agility and firepower of this game-changing platform firsthand, underscoring the IAF’s growing reliance on homegrown technology.
Massive Scale: Over 130 Aircraft in Coordinated Action
More than 130 aircraft operated from forward bases including Jaisalmer, Suratgarh, Jodhpur, Phalodi, Nal, and Uttarlai. The fleet included frontline fighters, attack helicopters, heavy-lift transports, and support platforms. Approximately 120 tonnes of ordnance were delivered with pinpoint accuracy across a compact two-square-kilometre target area in just three hours of intense day-and-night operations.
Key Aircraft and Platforms Showcased
- Fighters: Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, HAL Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk
- Attack & Utility Helicopters: Boeing Apache, HAL Prachand LCH, ALH Mk-IV (Rudra), Mi-17, Chinook
- Transport & Force Multipliers: C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules, IL-76, IL-78, AN-32, Embraer
- Air Defence: Akash and SPYDER surface-to-air missile systems (integrated with Army assets like M-777 howitzers and L-70 guns)
Unforgettable Moments from the Live Broadcast
The Doordarshan commentary kept viewers glued as the action unfolded in a seamless operational storyline:
- Thunderous Opening: A ceremonial flypast by Chetak helicopters carrying the national flag, IAF ensign, and Operation Sindoor flag set the tone. Moments later, a Rafale fighter produced a perfectly timed sonic boom that reverberated across the range, marking the launch of combat missions.
- Precision Strikes: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, and Tejas delivered air-to-ground guided bombs and missiles on simulated enemy bunkers, runways, radar sites, command centres, ammunition depots, and fuel installations.
- Helicopter Assaults: Apache and Prachand helicopters executed low-altitude rocket and gun runs. Chinook helicopters, in a first, airlifted M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in underslung configuration for rapid battlefield deployment.
- Special Forces Drama: IAF Garud commandos and Para SF performed fast-roping from Mi-17 helicopters, hostage rescue drills, urban intervention, and casualty evacuation using C-130J and C-295 aircraft.
- Night Operations: After dusk, Su-30MKI and Jaguar conducted strategic bombing under flare illumination from C-130J, showcasing round-the-clock readiness.
- Historic Drone Spectacle — The grand finale and a first for Vayu Shakti: Hundreds of drones lit up the night sky, forming the map of India, IAF formations, and iconic operations including the 1965 Sargodha strike, Kargil’s Tiger Hill bombing, Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor.
Significance: A Message of Deterrence and Self-Reliance
Vayu Shakti 2026 was not just a firepower demo — it was a comprehensive validation of the IAF’s multi-domain operational readiness, seamless integration with the Army, and ability to deliver decisive air power across the full spectrum of conflict. The exercise came against the backdrop of recent operations and evolving regional dynamics, sending a clear signal of India’s unwavering commitment to peace through strength.
Indigenous platforms like Tejas, Prachand, Rudra, and Akash took centre stage, reflecting the nation’s journey toward self-reliance in defence. As one commentator on the live broadcast noted, the IAF proved it can strike “swiftly, precisely, and devastatingly” — anywhere, anytime.
A Nation Inspired
As the final C-17 flypast and drone display faded into the Rajasthan night, the Doordarshan National broadcast signed off with resounding “Jai Hind” chants from the audience and air warriors alike. For millions who watched live, Vayu Shakti 2026 was more than an exercise — it was a powerful reminder of the sky warriors who stand guard over India’s sovereignty with unmatched skill, courage, and precision.
Watch the Full Live Broadcast
Doordarshan National YouTube — Relive every thunderous moment of India’s air power on full display.
Jai Hind. Jai Bharatiya Vayu Sena.
