New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to induct “a lot more” next-generation fighter aircraft into its fleet, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said on Wednesday, indicating a major boost to India’s air combat capability.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Exercise Vayu Shakti, Kapoor praised the Rafale fighter jets for their performance during Operation Sindoor, calling them a key asset in the mission.

“Rafale definitely was a hero, among other heroes, during Operation Sindoor. Yes, Rafale is the buzzword; it is definitely a buzzword,” he said.

“The IAF is looking forward to induct a lot more MRFA aircraft, whether that will be Rafale or any other aircraft, is presently under consideration. And, a concrete decision on it has not yet been taken,” he said.

He added that strengthening the fleet with modern fighters is a priority. “The IAF is looking forward to induct a lot more of newer-generation aircraft in its inventory, and the sooner, the better.”

What will Exercise Vayu Shakti showcase this time?

Exercise Vayu Shakti, the IAF’s biennial firepower demonstration, will be held on February 27 at the Pokharan field firing range in Rajasthan and will highlight the Air Force’s operational readiness following last year’s Operation Sindoor.

More than 120 air assets, including Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, Tejas, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, along with Apache helicopters, LCH Prachand and ALH, will participate in the exercise.

Kapoor said the event will not include long-distance targeting this time but noted that the demonstration carries special significance in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 last year to destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

When asked whether the exercise sends a strategic message to Pakistan, an IAF officer said, “We will do our demonstration. What message will go out to anyone? It is up to you to decide.”