IAF's Show Of Strength: Around 50 Tonne Of Ordnance To Be Dropped In Two Hours During Exercise Vayu Shakti 2024 In Pokharan

The Indian Air force (IAF) is gearing up to put on display a full show of it's firepower capabilities during the 2024 Vayu Shakti exercise commencing on 17 February in Pokhran, Rajasthan. 

The last edition of exercise Vayu Shakti was held on 16 February 2019. 

Speaking about the event Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS), Air Marshal A P Singh said "All frontline aircraft, including the Rafale fighter jets and Prachand attack choppers, will be taking part in the exercise. We will also be airlifting Army guns in the exercise."

Record Number of Aircrafts to Participate

This year, the exercise will see the participation of over 121 aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas, Prachand and Dhruv.

Other participating aircraft include the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Jaguar, Hawk, C-130J, Chinook, Apache and Mi-17. 

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What would it demonstrate?

The Vice Chief Air Marshal said that "In a span of two hours, we would be dropping around 40–50 tonnes of ordnance in a 1-2 km radius."

"The 'Made in India' LCA Tejas, Prachand attack helicopters and ALH Dhruv will also be taking part," added.

"In a span of two hours, we would be dropping around 40–50 tonnes of ordnance in a 1-2 km radius," he added.

He also confirmed that the Army will fire weapons from Rudra choppers during the exercise and the Ultra Light Howitzer of the Army would be showcased underslung a Chinook chopper.

What is Exercise Vayu Shakti

It is a triennial exercise conducted once every three year.

The exercise is aimed at showcasing the capability of the IAF to conduct full spectrum operations (Day and Night), and to see the participation of aircraft and helicopters,transport aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

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