12 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

IAF seeks more fighter planes, calls Rafale 'hero'

Air Force seeks more multi-role fighter aircraft, Rafale a contender.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, praised the Rafale fighter jet as the "hero" of Operation Sindoor and indicated the Indian Air Force (IAF) is interested in acquiring more multi-role fighter aircraft, with Rafale among the potential candidates. He mentioned that a decision is pending regarding the selection of newer generation aircraft. Air Marshal Kapoor addressed reports concerning alleged strikes on Pakistan’s Kirana Hills during the operation, stating that the IAF targeted terror infrastructure and military installations.

He clarified that the IAF did not go beyond striking terror and military installations. He briefed journalists about Vayu Shakti, an upcoming IAF exercise at the Pokharan range on February 27, which will showcase Operation Sindoor's success and the IAF’s ability to respond to threats. The exercise will involve over 120 air assets, including 77 fighter jets like Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas, as well as helicopters and transport aircraft.

Wing Commander Ajit B. Wasane noted that 277 weapons would be deployed during the exercise, with 12,000 kg of explosives detonated across 43 events. The drill will also feature integrated operations with the Army.

Key Facts

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor described the Rafale fighter jet as the "hero" of Operation Sindoor.

The IAF is looking to induct more multi-role fighter aircraft.

Rafale is among the potential candidates for the acquisition.

A decision is pending regarding the selection of newer generation aircraft.

The IAF targeted terror infrastructure and military installations during Operation Sindoor.

Vayu Shakti, an upcoming IAF exercise, will be held at the Pokharan air-to-ground range on February 27.

More than 120 air assets, including 77 fighter jets, will participate in Vayu Shakti.

277 weapons will be deployed during the exercise, detonating around 12,000 kg of explosives.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Connects to syllabus topics on defense procurement, military exercises, and India's security apparatus.

Visual Insights

Key Locations Mentioned in IAF News

Map highlighting Pokharan range (Vayu Shakti exercise location) and Kirana Hills (alleged strike location).

Loading interactive map...

📍Rajasthan

Key Numbers from Vayu Shakti Exercise

Dashboard highlighting the scale of the Vayu Shakti exercise.

Air Assets: 120+
Fighter Jets: 77
Weapons Deployed: 277
Explosives Detonated: 12,000 kg

More Information

Background

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire. It gained independence and became the Air Force of the Republic of India in 1950. Over the decades, the IAF has evolved significantly, incorporating advanced technologies and aircraft to safeguard the nation's airspace. The evolution of the IAF is closely linked to India's strategic defense needs and geopolitical considerations. The modernization of the IAF involves the acquisition of multi-role fighter aircraft like the Rafale, which enhances its operational capabilities. This modernization drive is also influenced by the evolving security landscape and the need to maintain a technological edge. The selection process for new aircraft involves rigorous evaluations and considerations of factors such as performance, cost, and technology transfer. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) guides the procurement process, emphasizing indigenization and self-reliance. The IAF's operational capabilities are showcased through exercises like Vayu Shakti, which demonstrates its readiness and ability to respond to threats. These exercises involve the integration of various air assets and coordination with other branches of the armed forces. The IAF plays a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and projecting India's air power. Its strategic importance is underscored by its involvement in various operations, including border security and humanitarian assistance.

Latest Developments

The Indian Air Force is actively pursuing the acquisition of new generation fighter aircraft to enhance its combat capabilities. This includes evaluating options beyond the Rafale, considering factors like advanced technology and operational requirements. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and evolving security challenges necessitate a robust and modern air force. The focus is on acquiring aircraft that can perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and maritime operations. The government's emphasis on indigenization through initiatives like Make in India is also influencing the procurement process. The aim is to promote domestic defense manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. This involves encouraging collaboration between Indian and foreign companies for technology transfer and joint production. The development of indigenous fighter aircraft like the Tejas is a key aspect of this strategy. Future exercises and operations will likely focus on integrated operations with other branches of the armed forces, leveraging technology and advanced weaponry. The IAF is also investing in training and infrastructure to ensure its personnel are well-prepared for future challenges. The long-term goal is to maintain a credible deterrent and safeguard India's national interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Rafale fighter jet mentioned in the news, relevant for UPSC Prelims?

As per the news, the Rafale fighter jet was described as the "hero" of Operation Sindoor by Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor. The IAF is considering acquiring more multi-role fighter aircraft, with Rafale being a potential candidate. Remember the name 'Operation Sindoor' in relation to the Rafale.

Exam Tip

Focus on the aircraft name and associated operation for potential matching-type questions in Prelims.

2. Why is the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeking to acquire more multi-role fighter aircraft, and what factors are considered?

The IAF is looking to enhance its combat capabilities due to evolving security challenges. Factors considered include advanced technology and operational requirements. The news mentions that a decision is pending regarding the selection of newer generation aircraft. This acquisition is to maintain a robust and modern air force.

3. What is Operation Sindoor, and what was the IAF's role in it, as mentioned in the news?

According to Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, during Operation Sindoor, the IAF targeted terror infrastructure and military installations. He clarified that the IAF did not go beyond striking terror and military installations. The Rafale fighter jet played a significant role and was called the 'hero' of the operation.

4. What is the significance of the Vayu Shakti exercise, and what key numbers are associated with it?

Vayu Shakti is an upcoming IAF exercise at the Pokharan range on February 27, showcasing Operation Sindoor's success. 120 air assets will participate, including 77 fighter jets. Approximately 12,000 kg of explosives will be detonated, and 277 weapons will be deployed.

Exam Tip

Remember the date (February 27), location (Pokharan), and key numbers (120, 77, 12000, 277) for Prelims.

5. In the context of the IAF seeking more fighter planes, what are the potential pros and cons of choosing the Rafale, considering India's strategic needs? (Interview Question)

Pros include Rafale's proven performance (as highlighted in Operation Sindoor). Cons might involve cost considerations and the desire to diversify the fleet with newer generation technologies. A balanced approach considering both operational effectiveness and long-term strategic goals is crucial.

6. Why is the news about the IAF seeking more fighter planes important in the current geopolitical scenario?

The acquisition of new fighter aircraft is crucial for maintaining a strong defense posture amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and evolving security challenges. It reflects the IAF's commitment to modernizing its fleet and ensuring national security. This news highlights the continuous efforts to strengthen India's air capabilities.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Air Force's Exercise Vayu Shakti: 1. It is a triennial exercise held at the Pokharan range. 2. The exercise showcases the IAF's ability to strike terror infrastructure and military installations. 3. The 2024 edition will involve over 120 air assets, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The frequency of Exercise Vayu Shakti is not mentioned in the provided text. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The exercise showcases the IAF's ability to strike terror infrastructure and military installations. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The 2024 edition will involve over 120 air assets, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas, as per the news summary.

2. With reference to the Indian Air Force, consider the following: List I (Aircraft) 1. Rafale 2. Su-30MKI 3. Tejas List II (Origin) A. Russia B. France C. India Which of the following is the correct match?

A.1-A, 2-B, 3-C
B.1-B, 2-A, 3-C
C.1-C, 2-A, 3-B
D.1-B, 2-C, 3-A

Show Answer

Answer: B

The correct match is: Rafale - France, Su-30MKI - Russia, Tejas - India. Rafale is a French-origin fighter jet. Su-30MKI is of Russian origin. Tejas is an indigenously developed Indian fighter aircraft.

3. Assertion (A): The Indian Air Force is seeking to acquire more multi-role fighter aircraft. Reason (R): This acquisition aims to enhance the IAF's operational capabilities and maintain a technological edge. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true, but R is false
D.A is false, but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The IAF's interest in acquiring more multi-role fighter aircraft is directly linked to enhancing its operational capabilities and maintaining a technological edge in the evolving security landscape.