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IN PHOTOS: Indian Air Force's rehearsal in Pokharan for Vayushakti exercise

Updated On: 25 February, 2026 09:12 PM IST | Tarun Verma

The Indian Air Force conducted a full dress rehearsal of Vayushakti exercise at the Pokharan range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan ahead of the main demonstration on February 27, which will be witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu. Pics/PTI

The IAF was seen preparing for its main firepower demonstration on February 27. Pics/PTI

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The IAF was seen preparing for its main firepower demonstration on February 27. Pics/PTI
Conducted as a day-dusk-night event in the Thar desert, the drill showcased coordinated strikes and integrated operations in a near-realistic combat scenario

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Conducted as a day-dusk-night event in the Thar desert, the drill showcased coordinated strikes and integrated operations in a near-realistic combat scenario

Fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force were seen roaring across the skies, validating operational preparedness and precision strike capability

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Fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force were seen roaring across the skies, validating operational preparedness and precision strike capability

The ALH MK-IV hovered low over the desert terrain, supporting ground simulations and reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defence aviation technology

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The ALH MK-IV hovered low over the desert terrain, supporting ground simulations and reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defence aviation technology

The formidable Sukhoi Su-30MKI dominates the skies, carrying out precision strikes on simulated enemy runways and fortified positions, showcasing its long-range strike capability and air superiority role

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The formidable Sukhoi Su-30MKI dominates the skies, carrying out precision strikes on simulated enemy runways and fortified positions, showcasing its long-range strike capability and air superiority role

Flying in coordinated formations, the Su-30MKI demonstrated synchronised targeting and rapid response, underlining its status as the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet

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Flying in coordinated formations, the Su-30MKI demonstrated synchronised targeting and rapid response, underlining its status as the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet

The desert sky transformed after the rehearsal as a spectacular drone show begins, synchronised lights forming dynamic aerial patterns above Chandan Field Firing Range

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The desert sky transformed after the rehearsal as a spectacular drone show begins, synchronised lights forming dynamic aerial patterns above Chandan Field Firing Range

Hundreds of drones illuminated the night, creating the map of India, Lord Krishna and symbolic aircraft formations, celebrating the IAF’s operational strength and technological prowess

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Hundreds of drones illuminated the night, creating the map of India, Lord Krishna and symbolic aircraft formations, celebrating the IAF’s operational strength and technological prowess

The drone display culminated with a depiction of Operation Sindoor, blending technology and tribute in a dramatic finale to the Vayushakti rehearsal

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The drone display culminated with a depiction of Operation Sindoor, blending technology and tribute in a dramatic finale to the Vayushakti rehearsal

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PM Narendra Modi joins hands with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and others during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

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