New Delhi: In an exciting development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) gears up for its grand Exercise Vayushakti-2024, set to kick off on February 17th in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. Air Marshal AP Singh, the Vice Chief of the Air Force, announced that all frontline aircraft, including the formidable Rafale fighter jets and the agile Prachand attack helicopters, will be participating in this aerial extravaganza.

"Exercise Vayushakti has been a tradition since 1954, and this year, it promises to be more dynamic than ever," said Air Marshal AP Singh. "We're not only showcasing our capabilities in precision bombing but also highlighting the prowess of indigenous aircraft like the LCA Tejas and ALH Dhruv."

In a display of firepower, the IAF aims to drop approximately 40-50 tonnes of ordnance within a radius of one to two kilometers. "It's a testament to our precision and efficiency," remarked Air Marshal AP Singh.

Adding to the spectacle, the Indian Army will participate by firing weapons from Rudra helicopters, with the Ultra Light Howitzer underslung from a Chinook chopper making a notable appearance.

Excitingly, this year's exercise sees the debut of Rafale fighter jets and Prachand choppers, along with the introduction of the Samar surface-to-air weapon system. "We're also demonstrating the capabilities of our air-to-air missiles, including the MICA missile from Rafale and R-73 missiles from the LCA Tejas," revealed Air Marshal AP Singh.

VayuShakti-2024 promises to be a grand display of firepower, with major fighter aircraft like Rafale, Su-30MKIs, LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29s showcasing their prowess by engaging designated targets with missiles and bombs.

A total of 77 fighter planes, 41 helicopters, and five transport aircraft will participate in the exercise, along with demonstrations of various weapon systems. Following VayuShakti-2024, the IAF plans to conduct Exercise Gaganshakti, activating its entire fleet across all fronts, from Ladakh to the Indian Ocean Region.

The upcoming wargame, scheduled for April, will witness the activation of the S-400 air defense system on both western and northern fronts. Additionally, the exercise will involve close coordination between the IAF and naval assets, showcasing joint maritime operations.

Exercise Gaganshakti, held once every five years, serves as a testament to India's air power and its readiness to defend its borders with precision and efficiency.

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