Vayu Shakti - Vayu Shakti Exercise 2022, Latest News

Vayu Shakti 2022: Latest News

Ex Vayu Shakti, scheduled to take place on March 7, 2022, in the Pokhran ranges in Rajasthan, has been postponed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) due to the worsening Ukrainian crisis. Government representatives have stated that a new date for the exercise will be announced shortly.

What is Vayu Shakti Exercise?

Vayu Shakti Exercise demonstrated the force’s capability to hit targets with pinpoint accuracy & carry out missions at short notice. The IAF also showcased the firepower capability of indigenous platforms like LCA-Tejas, ALH - Dhruv & efficiency of SAM- Akash & BVRAAM - Astra missiles. Vayu Shakti shows the ability to punish the enemy.

Last Edition of Vayu Shakti - February 2019

Two days after the dreaded Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a mega exercise involving 140 fighter aircraft, attack & transport helicopters. The Indian Air Force showcased the firepower and might at Pokhran Firing Range, Rajasthan, close to the border with Pakistan. The following are some of the event's highlights:

• The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa, has assured the country's people that the Indian Air Force can deliver an “appropriate response.”
• The IAF Chief also said that Vayu Shakti is an extension of the former Gagan Shakti exercise that showed the technique of how we would take part in combat.
• On February 16, 2019, the Indian Air Force put on a well-executed and captivating display of its operational capabilities in front of numerous guests, including the Chairman of the Armed Forces Tribunal, Justice Virender Singh, and the Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat.
• IAF deployed a total of 140 aircraft, including - Sukhoi SU-30, Mirage-2000s, Mig-21 Bison, Mig-27, Mig-29, IL-78 Hercules & An-32. The Garud Commandos of the Indian Air Force also participated in the exercise and conducted a successful extraction drill.

Vayu Shakti: Fire Power Demonstration

This exercise was the 7th edition of the ‘Fire Power Demonstration’ of the IAF. The previous firepower demonstration showcased by IAF was during the Iron Fist Exercise in 2016, held at Pokhran. The Pokhran range near Jaisalmer reverberated with thunderous explosions and applause.

The IAF conducts firepower demonstration once in 3 years, which is participated by helicopters, fighters, and transport aircraft. These aircraft are used in all-weather day-night conditions. The 1st such exercise was conducted on 21 July 1953 at Tilpat Range, New Delhi. After 1989, the triennial exercise was later moved to Pokhran, Jaisalmer.

About Indian Air Force (IAF)

The Indian Air Force is an air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. It was established on October 8, 1932. The air wing of the Indian Armed Forces is known as the Indian Air Force (IAF). Its personnel and aircraft inventory ranks third among the world's air forces. Its primary duties include conducting aerial combat during armed conflict and protecting Indian airspace.

Russian SU-30MKI and MiG-29UPG fighters, French Rafale and Mirage 2000, American C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, as well as indigenous light combat aircraft (Tejas), advanced light helicopters (Dhruv), and light combat helicopters are among the frontline aircraft in the IAF inventory.