Vayu-Shakti 2024, an Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstration exercise, is set to be conducted today, February 17 at 5 p.m. The exercise will be held at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The exercise will showcase the IAF’s offensive and defensive capabilities across the day and night.
In an official announcement on Twitter (X), the IAF declared, “We are set to present to you Vayu-Shakti 2024, showcasing our unparalleled combat power through a riveting firepower demonstration displaying skill, precision, and capability to deliver air bombs.” The event will be broadcast live on various social media platforms, including ‘X’ allowing viewers to witness the spectacle from the comfort of their homes.
This year’s Vayu-Shakti exercise will feature joint operations with the Indian Army, highlighting the seamless coordination between the two branches of the armed forces. The theme, “Navsah Vajra Praharam,” Meaning the lightning strike from sky, underscores the capabilities of the IAF, symbolising its commitment to national defense and self-reliance.
According to an official statement issued by Ministry of Defence, “A total of 121 aircraft are set up to participate in the exercise, including indigenous aircraft showing IAF’s commitments towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat such as Tejas, Prachand, and Dhruv, alongside internationally renowned aircraft like Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Jaguar. Additionally, advanced helicopters like Chinook, Apache, and Mi-17 will be in action.”
Further, the report added, “The demonstration will showcase the precision and range of the IAF’s weapons systems, including indigenous Surface to Air Weapon systems, Akash and Samar, capable of tracking and neutralizing intruding aircraft. Special operations by the IAF transport and helicopter fleets, in collaboration with the Guards and Indian Army elements, will further highlight the force’s versatility and ability.”
Following last year’s focus on multinational and bilateral exercises overseas, the IAF is preparing for the upcoming Exercise Ganashakti, which will activate its whole range of capabilities from Ladakh to the Indian Ocean Region. Furthermore, plans are ongoing for the first-ever global exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, in which friendly air forces from across the world will participate, enhancing international collaboration and cooperation.