Indian Army Southern Command Demonstrates Integrated Combat Prowess in Pokhran Exercise
Troops of the Indian Army's Southern Command showcased their formidable capability to undertake high-intensity, integrated operations on Monday. The demonstration occurred as Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth conducted a comprehensive review of Exercise Rudra Shakti, a major all-arms manoeuvre featuring live firing at the expansive Pokhran field firing ranges.
Validating New Operational Concepts in Desert Warfare
Conducted by the newly raised Rudra Brigade, Exercise Rudra Shakti represented a pivotal step in validating innovative operational concepts and assessing combat readiness specifically within the challenging desert sector. Senior commanders were present to observe the intricate close coordination among multiple combat arms, a clear reflection of the Indian Army's continuously evolving doctrine that prioritizes speed, precision, and seamless jointness across all units.
Progression from Structural Validation to Battlefield Integration
This significant exercise followed the earlier Exercise Akhand Prahar, which successfully validated the Rudra Brigade's organizational structure and foundational readiness. Building upon that foundation, the latest drill, Rudra Shakti, placed a sharp focus on live firing exercises and comprehensive battlefield integration. The manoeuvre employed a diverse array of military assets to simulate real combat scenarios.
Key assets deployed during the exercise included:
- Mechanised forces for rapid ground movement and assault.
- Advanced artillery units for long-range fire support.
- Integrated air defence units to secure the airspace.
- Army Aviation assets, featuring the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter - Weapon Systems Integrated (ALH-WSI) and the formidable Apache attack helicopters.
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for reconnaissance and surveillance.
- Cutting-edge Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS) capabilities to neutralize drone threats.
Leadership Commends Troop Professionalism and Future Readiness
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, following the rigorous review, commended the participating troops for their exceptional professionalism and high state of preparedness. He emphasized that Exercise Rudra Shakti powerfully reaffirmed the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to remain perpetually mission-ready. The commander highlighted the force's dedication to being technologically empowered and strategically future-ready to address evolving security challenges.
The successful execution of such integrated exercises underscores the Southern Command's operational prowess and its critical role in maintaining national security and defence preparedness, particularly in the demanding desert terrain.
