Indian Air Force conducts war-game in realistic battlefield for first time

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted an exercise for the first time in a realistic battlefield environment at the Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan state's Jaisalmer near the border with Pakistan on Friday, demonstrating its combat readiness, operational synergy and technological prowess across the full spectrum of air operations.

"For the first time, the "Exercise Vayushakti" was executed in a realistic battlefield environment along a defined operational storyline, transforming into simulated live combat theatre," according to the Defence Ministry.

President of India Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Commanders-in-Chief of Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, and Defence Attaches from "friendly" countries, Indian and International media and school children witnessed the exercise.

Aided by frontline fighter aircraft and missiles as air defence shields, the day-and-night exercise seamlessly integrated offensive air strikes, air defence operations. special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, highlighting the IAF's role as a multi-domain, integrated force and nation's first responder.

Over 130 aircraft participated in the exercise including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous Advance Light Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopter, the Ministry said in a statement on Friday night.  

Fighter aircraft executed precision strikes on simulated enemy targets using advanced air-to-ground weapons, including precision-guided munitions and long range strike capabilities.

Air defence capabilities were demonstrated through coordinated engagements involving airborne platforms and ground-based systems such as Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by army air defence assets, like L-70 and M-777 reflecting seamless jointmanship between air and ground forces.

Special operations and humanitarian assistance missions formed a key component of the exercise.

As dusk fell, Garud special forces were airdropped by Mi-17 helicopters to conduct simulated urban intervention and hostage rescue operations. This was followed by assault landings and evacuation by C-130 and C-295 aircraft from Advanced Landing Ground, reaffirming IAF's critical role in rapid response and casualty evacuation.

The night phase of exercise showcased integrated air defence and air-landed operations, followed by precision night strikes by multiple fighter platforms.