Over 120 Air Force aircraft showcase combat capabilities in Pokhran

The Indian Air Force on Saturday exhibited its offensive capabilities in a display of firepower at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer as part of its Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, attended the event as the chief guest.

The spectacle began with three Chetak helicopters carrying the National Flag and Air Force ensign, accompanied by the National Anthem.

A Rafale aircraft then produced a perfectly timed 'Sonic Boom', followed by two Jaguar aircraft capturing detailed survey images.

Under the theme 'Lightning Strike from the Sky', over 120 aircraft showcased the IAF's offensive capabilities, both day and night.

Fighter aircraft including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas, and Hawk destroyed simulated enemy targets on the ground and in the air with precision strikes.

The indigenous Tejas demonstrated its swing-role capability by engaging aerial and ground targets. A long-range unmanned drone showcased pinpoint accuracy in destroying a simulated enemy radar site.

Combat support operations featured transport aircraft dropping supplies and executing assault landings, while the Apache attack helicopter engaged targets with precision-guided missiles.

Joint operations with the Army included weaponised helicopters devastating simulated enemy targets.

The IAF Chinook helicopters demonstrated rapid deployment by airlifting the Indian Army's M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers.

As night fell, special forces conducted urban intervention exercises while indigenous Air Defence Systems destroyed aerial targets.

The Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand' neutralised designated targets with rockets, followed by heavy calibre and area weapons dropped by Jaguar and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Remotely Piloted Aircraft provided live-streamed bomb damage assessments.

The event also featured a free fall drop by the Akashganga team, flare dispensing by C-130J aircraft, and a Tri-service band performance.

About 50 tonnes of artillery was dropped over a two square km area in just two hours, showcasing the IAF's offensive prowess and precision targeting capability.

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