The Pokhran range near Jaisalmer reverberated with thunderous explosions and applause as the latest platforms of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Rafale jet, the Apache attack helicopter, and the indigenous Prachand light combat helicopter, along with legacy platforms, demonstrated their capability and firepower at the demonstration exercise ‘Vayu Shakti’ on February 17.
“During the display, approximately 50 tonnes of ordnance was dropped in a short span of two hours over an area of two square km. The event truly showcased IAFs offensive lethality and precision targeting capability,” the IAF said in a statement. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was the chief guest.
The event began after 5 p.m. with three Chetak helicopters trooping the National Flag and the Air Force ensign, flying past the grandstand with the National Anthem playing in the background. This was followed by a sonic boom created by a Rafale aircraft. Two Jaguar aircraft flying at low levels followed the Rafale, taking high fidelity reconnaissance images of the area. The demonstration was carried out in light, dusk, and night conditions with simulations.
