IAF to fire 12,000 Kg of explosives in first mega 'Vayu Shakti' after Op Sindoor

The exercise will prominently feature indigenous and smart weapons systems. It is designed to showcase the Air Force's ability to dominate long-range targeting, maintain control of airspace and highlight operational lessons from Operation Sindoor.

In its first major combat demonstration after Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will unleash 12,000 kilograms of explosives during Exercise Vayu Shakti at the Pokharan firing range near the India-Pakistan border on February 27.

Briefing the media, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said the large-scale exercise will showcase the IAF’s precision strike capability and send a clear message that terrorism will not be tolerated.

A total of 277 weapons will be deployed during the nearly two-and-a-half-hour event, which will feature day, dusk and night operations. The full dress rehearsal is scheduled for February 24, while February 28 has been kept as a standby date.

The February 27 event marks the IAF’s first large-scale firepower demonstration since Operation Sindoor, during which the Air Force carried out precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure and military assets.

Responding to a question on future inductions, Air Marshal Kapoor said Rafale was “definitely the hero of Operation Sindoor, among many other heroes.” Calling Rafale the current “buzzword”, he added that the IAF is looking to induct more advanced multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA), though the process remains under deliberation.

“Yes, the IAF is looking forward to inducting new-generation aircraft. But since it is under deliberations, I cannot say which type,” he said.