- Overview: The Indian Air Force demonstrated full-spectrum dominance and precision strike capabilities during Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, deploying over 12,000 kg of explosives to validate post-conflict readiness.
- Key Points:
- Operational Prowess: Showcased multi-domain operations involving 77 fighters, 43 helicopters, and advanced SAM systems like Akash and SpyDer in day, dusk, and night missions.
- Strategic Deterrence: Reaffirmed the IAF’s role as a first responder and highlighted its long-range targeting superiority to reassure the nation’s security architecture.
- Indigenous Might: Prominently featured ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ platforms including Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, and ALH Mk-IV.
- Technical Integration: Tested the seamless integration of short-range loitering munitions and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).
- Defense Exam Relevance: Highly relevant for NDA/CDS (Military Exercises, IAF platforms) and UPSC GS-III (Internal Security & Defense Indigenization).
Source Link: Indian Air Force Official Portal / Vayushakti Updates
- Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Akash’ Weapon System recently showcased in Exercise Vayushakti-26:
- It is an indigenously developed short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) system.
- It is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously in autonomous mode.
- A) 1 only
- B) 2 only
- C) Both 1 and 2
- D) Neither 1 nor 2
