Exercise Vayu Shakti 2024

Overview:

• Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024 was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in February 2024 at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan.
• The exercise aimed to demonstrate the IAF's full spectrum of operations, including combat and fire capabilities, in a realistic war scenario.
   

Key Features:

• Vayu Shakti is a triennial exercise, conducted once every three years. The last edition took place in February 2019.
• The exercise is a showcase of the IAF's combat readiness, operational integration, and strategic capabilities.
   

Objective:

• The primary goal of Vayu Shakti 2024 was to showcase the airpower capabilities of the IAF, including firepower demonstration, combat scenarios, and integration with other forces.
• The exercise also aims to enhance interoperability between different branches of the military and improve coordination in complex combat environments.
   

Significance:

• Vayu Shakti serves as a platform to test and showcase the latest technology and advanced weaponry of the Indian Air Force.
• It also provides the IAF with the opportunity to assess its combat preparedness, strategic tactics, and response times in simulated real-time conditions.
   

Previous Editions:

• The previous edition, Vayu Shakti 2019, was also held at the Pokhran firing range and involved extensive combat exercises, including the deployment of fighters, bombers, and attack helicopters.