IAF Unleashes Powerful Arsenal in 'Vayu Shakti' Demonstration at Pokhran

The Pokhran range near Jaisalmer resonated with explosive sounds and applause as the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased its latest weaponry, including the Rafale jet, Apache attack helicopter, and indigenous Prachand light combat helicopter, along with legacy platforms. This demonstration, named 'Vayu Shakti,' took place on February 17, featuring a display of the IAF's offensive capabilities and precision targeting over a two-square-kilometer area, where approximately 50 tonnes of ordnance were dropped in a span of two hours.

The event commenced at 5 p.m. with Chetak helicopters displaying the National Flag and Air Force ensign, accompanied by the National Anthem. A Rafale aircraft created a sonic boom, followed by a Jaguar aircraft capturing high-fidelity reconnaissance images. The demonstration unfolded in varying light conditions, including dusk and night simulations.

Notable actions during the display included a Rafale fighter engaging an aerial target with MICA multi-mission air-to-air missiles, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft firing Russian R-73 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Apache helicopters launching Hellfire missiles and rockets, and Prachand firing rockets. This year's Vayu Shakti exercise involved 121 participating aircraft, showcasing the IAF's capability to deliver weapons with precision from multiple air bases.

The Apache attack helicopter demonstrated its firepower for the first time, engaging targets with Hellfire air-to-ground guided missiles. Chinook helicopters showcased rapid deployment of combat assets by airlifting the Army’s M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in an underslung mode. Combat support operations included a 'containerized delivery system' drop and an assault landing by C-130J carrying IAF Special Forces.

Joint operations with the Army featured weaponized Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-IV, destroying simulated enemy targets, while special operations involved Garuds and Indian Army elements. As darkness fell, Garuds inserted by Mi-17 helicopters executed an 'urban intervention' in anti-terror/insurgency operations, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles conducted a live-streamed bomb damage assessment of all targets.

The IAF, with 36 Rafale jets procured under an Inter-Governmental Agreement with France, showcased its formidable arsenal, including the Meteor BVR missile, MICA air-to-air missiles, SCALP stand-off attack air-to-ground missile, and HAMMER medium-range air-to-ground missiles during the exercise. The event demonstrated the IAF's commitment to maintaining its lethal capabilities through regular exercises like Vayu Shakti.