Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, PVSM, AVSM,VM (Retd), Founder SAMDeS
The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked another milestone on 17 February 2024, conducting the tri-annual ‘Exercise Vayu Shakti-24’ at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The exercise, themed ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky,’ demonstrated the IAF’s expanding aerospace capabilities through meticulously planned and executed aerial maneuvers.
Over 120 aircraft, including modern frontline fighters like Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Mig 29, Tejas, and Hawk, displayed IAF’s prowess in offensive and defensive operations by day and night. The exercise highlighted the precision delivery of weapons from long ranges, emphasizing the IAF’s growing ability to neutralize both ground and aerial targets effectively.
The indigenous Tejas aircraft, embodying the spirit of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat,’ exhibited its swing-role capability, engaging both aerial and ground targets with precision. Additionally, a long-range unmanned drone showcased the IAF’s adaptation to technological advancements, destroying a simulated enemy radar site with pinpoint accuracy.
The IAF’s highly integrated Air Command and Control systems, developed in-house, have matured to a high operational level and form the backbone of its Net Centric Warfare capability, providing high capability for IAF to fight and win wars on a wide range of conflict. This has given IAF an organic capability which allows ease of maintenance and seamless upgrades.
For the first time, Apache attack helicopters displayed formidable firepower using Air to Ground guided missiles, while Mi-17 helicopters engaged ground targets with rockets. Joint operations with the Indian Army’s weaponized Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-IV and the rapid deployment of combat assets by IAF Chinook helicopters added novel dimensions to the exercise.
Night events introduced the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand,’ which neutralized designated targets. The strategic bombing capability of the IAF was showcased as Jaguar and Su-30 MKI dropped heavy-caliber area weapons at night. Remotely Piloted Aircraft conducted live-streamed bomb damage assessments of all targets, adding a layer of transparency to the operations.
Combat support operations featured modern transport fleet activities, including a Containerized Delivery System drop by a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft and an assault landing by a C-130J carrying IAF Special Forces, Garuds.
As the sun set, Garuds demonstrated an ‘Urban Intervention,’ showcasing their expertise in anti-terror/insurgency operations. Indigenous Air Defence Systems, Akash and SAMAR missile systems, were also highlighted, effectively destroying multiple aerial targets.
Looking ahead, the IAF’s commitment to honing operational skill levels continues with its participation in air exercises worldwide. With technological advances, IAF has already taken stock of modern aerospace power shifts which necessarily require multi-domain capabilities in an integrated manner. Such is the nature of ever changing aerial warfare and IAF has pushed forward with considerable foresight, in order to make changes for the short term and develop strategic answers and solutions for the long run.
Later in the year, the mega exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ will bring together 12 global air forces on Indian soil, focusing on interoperability, sharing best practices, and enhancing military cooperation. While this will be the largest multilateral exercise hosted in India, the IAF’s history of participation in such drills on foreign soil remains robust.