Army to launch exercise 'Shatrunash' in Punjab

Jalandhar, May 7 (UNI) The Western sector will come alive when the Army, backed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Special Forces, launches 'Shatrunash', an exercise involving about 15,000 troops besides 150 tanks alongwith specialist vehicles, attack helicopters and aircrafts.

The exercise revolves around the Vajra Corps, which will also take the battle across the frontier.

'Shatrunash', follows exercise 'Sange Shakti' held last year by the Vajra Corps. This exercise will be conducted around Nakodar and Jagraon areas of Punjab from May 11 to 14.

Exercise 'Shatrunash' is being conducted in a realistic operational scenario in the backdrop of doctrinal transformation of the Army and Air Force. It aims to give troops a real life experience of their task besides achieving synergy between the Army and Air Force.

The technological development in recent times have opened a large number of avenues for creating computer enabled decision support systems which reduces the decision making time of the commanders.

Exercise 'Shatrunash' is therefore designed to cater for integration of modern real time surveillance devices such as UAVs, long range observation system (LORROS), modern radars, air space management and decision support systems.

At conceptual level, the transformation and evolution of Vajra Crops from defensive to Piovt Corps entails its tactical and strategic orientation for gainful employment of this concept.

Ultimately this exercise will formalise this doctrinal transformation to enhance offensive content of the Western Theatre.

While doing so, it fully enmeshes the Air Force elements to create a wholesome picture of envisaged battlefield. The exercise will be conducted under the direction of Lt Gen Daljeet Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command.

UNI