Vayushakti-26: India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat Defense Moment at Pokhran

• Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran showcases India's indigenous defense capabilities, with over 120 aircraft participating, including 77 fighters and 43 helicopters.
• President Droupadi Murmu co-piloted the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, highlighting India's homegrown rotary-wing technology.
• Indigenous systems like the Akash surface-to-air missile, Short Range Loitering Munitions, and Prachand LCH are central to the demonstration, proving their battlefield relevance.
• The potential absence of LCA Tejas MK1A raises concerns about HAL's production capacity and supply chain issues, impacting optics for the indigenous showcase.
• Future programs like AMCA and MK2 face challenges in production models and timelines, despite significant investment and strategic partnerships for engine development.