As one of the key powers in Asia and on the global stage, India is upgrading the capabilities of its Armed Forces amid growing security challenges in the region and abroad, focusing particularly on self-reliance in technology and military arsenal, and developing indigenous production as a vital prerequisite for the country’s self-sufficiency.

The “Vayu Shakti - 2026” exercise, held on February 27 at the Pokhran Firing Range in western Rajasthan, bordering Pakistan, was conducted with the primary objective of demonstrating the capability of the Indian Air Force to carry out rapid and precise strikes in simulated wartime scenarios.

Advanced fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, including Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar, carried out precision strikes using air-to-ground guided bombs and missiles, targeting conventional enemy bunkers, runways, and command centers. Boeing Apache and Boeing Chinook helicopters also performed low-altitude rocket and gun-firing drills, casualty evacuation operations, and transportation of equipment across difficult battlefield terrain.

India’s indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile systems were also operated in the exercise, air defense systems first purchased by Armenia, marking a new chapter of cooperation with India under a wider defense deal.

Hayk Sahakyan