The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to display its full spectrum of combat and fire capabilities during Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024 at the Pokharan range in Rajasthan on February 17. The exercise, held every three years, will showcase the IAF’s ability to undertake various operations in a near-realistic scenario.
What is Exercise Vayu Shakti?
Exercise Vayu Shakti demonstrates the IAF’s firepower and precision strike capabilities. It involves using various aircraft types, weapons, and systems to engage targets on the ground and in the air. The exercise also showcases the coordination and synergy between the IAF and other branches of the armed forces and the civil administration.
The first firepower demonstration exercise was conducted in 1954 at the Tilpat range in Haryana. Since 1989, the exercise has been shifted to the Pokharan range, close to the India-Pakistan border, and offers a more realistic and challenging environment. The exercise is usually witnessed by the President, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, other dignitaries, foreign observers, and media personnel.
What are the highlights of Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024?
According to the Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal A P Singh, the Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024 will be the largest and most diverse exercise. It will involve over 100 aircraft, including support aircraft and stand-by assets on the ground. The exercise will take place for 2.15 hours during the day, dusk, and night and will cover a radius of 1.5 km.
The exercise will also feature some of the new and indigenously developed aircraft and systems of the IAF, such as:
- Rafale: The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet acquire from France in 2020. It can carry out air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea missions and is equip with advance weapons and sensors. The Rafale will participate in the exercise for the first time and will demonstrate its air dominance and strike capabilities.
- Prachand: The Prachand is a light combat helicopter (LCH) design and manufacture by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is a twin-engine helicopter that can operate at high altitudes and in extreme weather conditions. It can carry out anti-tank, air-to-air, and close air support missions and is arm with rockets, missiles, and a 20 mm turret gun. The Prachand will also debut in the exercise and showcase its agility and firepower.
- Apache: The Apache is an attack helicopter procure from the US in 2019. It is a four-blade, twin-turboshaft helicopter that can engage multiple targets simultaneously. It can carry out anti-armor, anti-helicopter, and suppression of enemy air defense missions and is arm with a 30 mm chain gun, rockets, and Hellfire missiles. The Apache will also participate in the exercise for the first time and display its precision and lethality.
The other aircraft participating in the exercise are the Hawk, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, Dhruv, and MiG-29. The exercise will also involve air-to-air refueling, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), and electronic warfare systems.
What is the significance of Exercise Vayu Shakti?
Exercise Vayu Shakti demonstrates the IAF’s readiness and capability to defend the nation’s sovereignty and integrity. It is also a display of the IAF’s technological prowess and innovation, as well as its commitment to indigenization and self-reliance. The exercise also serves as a platform for the IAF to interact with the public and the media and to inspire the youth to join the air force.
How is the IAF preparing for Exercise Vayu Shakti?
The IAF has been conducting extensive rehearsals and preparations for Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024. The participating aircraft and personnel have been deploy at various air bases nationwide and practicing their maneuvers and coordination. In coordination with the civil administration and local community, the IAF has secured exercise area aviation safety and security.
The exercise can be viewed by the public and media thanks to the transportation and hotel provided by the IAF. Those interested in the IAF can keep up with the drill through its website and mobile app. In order to publicize and educate, the IAF put out a banner and a short film.
International Participation and Collaboration
Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024 showcases India’s willingness to collaborate and engage with international partners in the defence field. Foreign observers and dignitaries from friendly nations are invited to witness the exercise, fostering diplomatic ties and showcasing India’s defence capabilities on a global stage. The participation of advanced aircraft like the Rafale highlights India’s efforts to leverage cutting-edge technology and expertise from international partners, contributing to enhanced interoperability and strategic partnerships.
Focus on Indigenous Innovation and Development
Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024, a testament to India’s focus on indigenous defence production and innovation, includes indigenously developed aircraft like the Tejas and Prachand. This not only reflects the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing but also serves as a platform to showcase the technological advancements achieved by Indian aerospace companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and DRDO. Their contributions to strengthening India’s defense capabilities and reducing dependency on foreign imports are prominently highlighted, further underscoring India’s commitment to indigenous innovation.
What are the benefits of Exercise Vayu Shakti?
Exercise Vayu Shakti showcases the IAF’s firepower and fighting capabilities and provides vital training. The exercise helps the IAF to:
- Test and validate its operational doctrines and tactics to identify and rectify any gaps or shortcomings.
- Enhance its interoperability and integration with other armed forces and civil administration branches.
- Evaluate and improve its performance and efficiency in various scenarios and environments.
- Boost its morale and confidence, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork among its personnel.
- Showcase its technological advancement and innovation, and promote indigenization and self-reliance in the aerospace sector.
- Demonstrate its commitment and responsibility to the nation and inspire the youth to join the Air Force.
FAQ’s
1. What was the “IAF Displays Power in Pokhran” event?
The event showcased the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities through a display of power at Pokhran, featuring aircraft like Rafale and Prachand.
2. Why was Pokhran chosen as the venue for the display?
Pokhran’s expansive terrain and controlled airspace provide an ideal setting for large-scale air force demonstrations, allowing for safe and impactful displays of aerial power.
Exercise Vayu Shakti is a testament to the IAF’s “Touch the Sky with Glory” motto. It reflects the IAF’s vision of being a modern, flexible, and credible aerospace power that can deter and defeat any adversary. It is also a tribute to the IAF’s brave and dedicated personnel who work tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s skies.
