Vayu Shakti 24: Indian Air Force displays unparalleled firepower in Pokhran, Rajasthan
Chief of Defense Staff, General Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Vayu Shakti 24: The Pokhran Range near Jaisalmer resounded with thunderous explosions and applause on February 17, 2024 as the Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated its offensive capabilities through a captivating and formidable display of its firepower. Chief of Defense Staff, General Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The event started with three Chetak helicopters flying past the stands with the national flag and the Air Force flag as the national anthem played in the background. This was followed by a perfectly timed “Sonic Boom” created by a Rafale aircraft. Two Jaguar aircraft flying at low altitude followed the Rafale and captured high-fidelity reconnaissance footage of the area.
In keeping with the theme of this year's exercise, “Lightning Strike from Aerial”, over 120 aircraft showcased the offensive capabilities of the IAF both day and night. Indian Air Force fighter aircraft, including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and Hawk, attacked and destroyed simulated enemy targets on the ground and in the air with deadly precision. These attacks were conducted in multiple modes and directions, using a variety of precision-guided munitions and conventional bombs and missiles.
The indigenously built Tejas aircraft demonstrated its swing-rolling capability and destroyed an air target with a missile, followed by confronting a ground target with bombs. Keeping pace with technological advancements in combat and lessons learned from recent conflicts, the IAF also showcased a long-range unmanned drone that destroyed a simulated enemy radar site with pinpoint accuracy. An IAF Rafale also successfully attacked an air target with an air-to-air missile beyond visual range.
Combat support operations by transport aircraft included a containerized delivery system drop by a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft and an attack landing by a C-130J with IAF Special Forces Garuds.
The Apache attack helicopter demonstrated its firepower for the first time at this event by attacking targets with air-to-surface guided missiles, while Mi-17 helicopters attacked ground targets with missiles.
Joint operations included the armed version of the IAF and Indian Army's Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-IV, destroying simulated enemy targets using their missiles and rotary guns. In another first, IAF Chinook helicopters demonstrated rapid deployment of combat assets by airlifting the Indian Army's M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in an underhang mode, enabling instant destruction of simulated enemy targets on the ground.
As the sun set on the horizon, Garuds, led by Mi-17 helicopters, carried out an 'urban intervention', demonstrating their prowess in counter-terrorism/insurgency operations aimed at clearing hideouts of enemy elements. The indigenous Air Defense Systems, Akash and SAMAR missile systems were also on display, destroying multiple air targets.
Night events for the first time showcased the capabilities of the indigenous light attack helicopter 'Prachand', neutralizing designated targets with missiles. This was followed by a Jaguar and Su-30 MKI dropping heavy caliber and area weapons at night, demonstrating the IAF's strategic bombardment capability. Remotely piloted aircraft conducted the bomb damage assessment of all targets, which was streamed live to the operations center and the public.
The event also included a free fall by the Akashganga team and the release of flares by the C-130J at night. In the spirit of togetherness, a Tri-service band enchanted the audience with their tunes.
During the demonstration, approximately 50 tons of ammunition were dropped over an area of two square kilometers in a short period of two hours. The event truly showcased the IAF's offensive lethality and precision targeting capabilities.