The Indian Air Force (IAF) flexed its muscles during Exercise Vayu Shakti-24, held at the Pokhran air-to-ground range near Jaisalmer. The exercise, themed ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky’, showcased the prowess of India’s indigenous defence platforms.

The event commenced at 5 pm with a ceremonial flair, including a flypast by Chetak helicopters carrying the national flag and the Air Force ensign, accompanied by the national anthem, a perfectly timed sonic boom by a Rafale aircraft adding to the spectacle.
Frontline fighter jets like the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Tejas executed precise attacks on simulated enemy targets on both ground and in the air. Approximately 50 tonnes of ordnance were dropped within two hours over a two-square-kilometre area.