• The exercise demonstrated IAF’s combat readiness and capability to carry out integrated air operations across the full spectrum of warfare.
• President of India Droupadi Murmu attended the firepower demonstration as Chief Guest, and was accompanied by eminent dignitaries: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Union Minister Kinjarapur Ram Mohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), among others.

Key Details of Ex-Vayushakti-26:
Simulated Combat Theatre: For the 1st time, the exercise was held along a defined operational storyline, turning into simulated live combat theatre. It seamlessly combined offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, which reflects IAF’s role as a multi-domain, integrated force and country’s first responder.
Aircrafts Participated: Over 130 aircrafts participated in the day-and-night exercise including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C–130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
Key Operations: Air defence operations were held through coordinated engagements using airborne assets and ground-based systems such as Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by air defence assets like L-70 and M-777.