Indian Air Force to Showcase Unprecedented Firepower in Vayushakti-2024 Exercise

Defense News ,India :- In a recent announcement, Air Force Vice Chief, Air Marshal AP Singh, confirmed the participation of all frontline aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets and Prachand attack choppers, in the upcoming Indian Air Force Exercise Vayushakti. Set to take place on February 17 in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, this exercise has been a staple since 1954, with this edition promising some groundbreaking additions.

For the first time, Rafale fighter jets, Prachand choppers, and the Samar surface-to-air weapon system will join the lineup. Air Marshal AP Singh highlighted the exercise's focus on showcasing the Air Force's capability for accurate bombing, with the Made in India LCA Tejas, Prachand attack helicopters, and ALH Dhruv participating. The exercise aims to drop around 40-50 tonnes of ordnance within a one- to two-kilometer radius in just two hours.

A notable inclusion in this edition is the involvement of the Army, which will fire weapons from Rudra choppers, and the Ultra Light Howitzer displayed underslung a Chinook chopper. The Air-to-air missile demonstrations will feature the MICA missile from Rafale and R-73 missiles from LCA Tejas.

Vayushakti-2024 promises a major firepower demonstration in Jaisalmer, with major fighter aircraft like Rafale, Su-30MKIs, LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29s showcasing their capabilities by launching various missiles and bombs at designated targets. A total of 77 fighter planes, 41 helicopters, and five transport aircraft will participate, including demonstrations of Surface To Air, Air To Air, and Air-To-Ground weapons.

Following Vayushakti-2024, the Indian Air Force is gearing up for Exercise Gaganshakti, slated for April this year. This pan-India-level exercise, conducted once in five years, will see the activation of nearly all fleets of fighter aircraft, transport planes, helicopters, and drones. The exercise encompasses offensive and defensive missions along all frontiers, featuring close coordination with naval assets, including the P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and MiG-29K fighters. The activation of the S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defense system is also anticipated on both western and northern fronts during these extensive wargames.