Army, Air Force conduct joint war drills on border along Rajasthan, Punjab

Indian Army and Air Force (IAF) completed a 4-day joint war exercise along the western borders of the country covering areas of neighbouring States of Rajasthan and Punjab on Wednesday.

Army's Shatrujeet Brigade and the Western Command prominently took part in the exercise christened as 'Sudarshan Shakti' which was designed to validate operational plans in a network-centric environment, Army officials said.

The joint exercise was carried out to deploy paratroopers with new generation weapon systems in support of mechanised forces deep inside enemy territory to facilitate and enhance the operational reach of their own forces, they explained.

The elements of combat power and support & logistic support were exercised in a synergised application under all domains of enemy threat including Grey Zone Warfare as part of high tempo operations.

Integrated use of force multipliers like special forces and deployment of niche technologies covering drones, tethered drones, loiter ammunition as well as key aspects of electronic warfare, thus making it a unique event in its scope and objectives.

The movement and application of large forces earmarked from outside the theatre was also validated. Exemplary training standards and high morale was displayed by the participating troops despite soaring temperatures, the officers added.

C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster and AN-32 aircrafts were used to insert troops and specialised equipment into designated areas in the obstacle-ridden terrain with clinical precision, an official statement said.

"The exercise was carried out in realistic tactical settings and showcased the speed, agility and lethality of the paratroopers to induct into a hostile environment, secure dropping zones, and engage the enemy with surprise, precision and speed," it said.

"A high level of operational preparedness and synergy was displayed between Western Command, strategic forces and the Indian Air Force to undertake integrated operations in an obstacle-ridden terrain," it added.
Meanwhile, the Sapta Shakti Command of Indian Army also carried out a warfare study using advanced technologies during the drills wherein combat power, combat support and logistic support were studied covering key aspects of electronic warfare with special forces, drones and ammunition.

This battle study fulfills the stated objectives of the five pillars of transformation announced by Army Chief General Manoj Pandey in January this year. South Western Command's GOC-in-C Lt. General B.S. Raju and Western Air Command's Air Officer C-in-C Air Marshal P.M. Sinha were present during the war drills.

The partnership of the the Army and the Air Force is an excellent example of jointness and interoperability between the two forces during various operational scenarios. The successful completion of 'Sudarshan Shakti' demonstrates the commitment of the South Western Command and its allied units to a high level of operational readiness and capability to meet future challenges.