Army Testing Thar Raptor Brigade’s Assets In Exercise Maru Jwala, Akhand Prahaar Under Trishul War Games

Under the broader umbrella of ongoing Exercise Trishul, the Indian Army’s Southern Command is conducting a series of high-intensity desert warfare drills aimed at validating joint combat operations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The large-scale exercise integrates MaruJwala and Akhand Prahaar, two major desert manoeuvres focused on combined arms warfare and joint operational capability.

The exercise underscores India’s commitment to building a tri-service response mechanism which is capable of countering evolving battlefield threats through technological integration, agility, and precision coordination.

The Thar Raptor Brigade’s aviation assets, working in tandem with the mechanised formations of Sudarshan Chakra Corps and Konark Corps, are executing high-tempo Combined Arms Operations across the desert theatre. These missions are designed to test interoperability and synchronization between air and ground formations, ensuring seamless execution of joint operations in realistic battlefield conditions.

What kind of operations is Southern Command conducting?

Under Exercise Trishul, participating formations are conducting a full spectrum of aviation and mechanised manoeuvres, including surveillance and reconnaissance missions for real-time battlefield intelligence; special Heliborne Operations (SHBOs) to insert troops behind enemy lines; rapid troop induction and extraction under simulated combat conditions; close air support and integrated fire coordination with ground elements.

These high-tempo missions are enhancing tactical coordination and validating battlefield-tested Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) crucial for modern warfare.

What is the strategic aim behind these drills?

The Southern Command’s exercises under Trishul are not just about joint operations; they are about shaping the Future Battlespace. The focus lies on joint planning and execution across all combat arms; integration of new-generation platforms and technologies; testing combat readiness in extreme desert conditions.

By simulating real combat scenarios, the Command is reinforcing the Indian Armed Forces’ ability to act as a unified, agile, and technology-driven force.

How do these drills strengthen India’s defence preparedness?

Through MaruJwala and Akhand Prahaar, the Indian Army’s Southern Command continues to evolve its operational doctrines to meet future security challenges. The emphasis on jointness, speed, and precision reflects a shift toward networked, integrated warfare, where air-land synergy is key to success.

Meanwhile, Exercise Trishul serves as a crucial demonstration of India’s growing capability to fight and win in multi-domain operations, projecting readiness to safeguard national interests in an increasingly complex strategic environment. It signals that the Indian military, fresh off the success of Operation Sindoor, is not just reacting, but proactively securing the western frontier.

How Southern Command is demonstrating multi-domain readiness?

Showcasing tri-service synergy under Exercise Trishul, formations of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps of Southern Command have embarked on a Joint Amphibious Exercise with the Indian Navy along India’s Western seaboard. Integrated planning, mobilisation, embarkation and meticulous rehearsals, preceded the final phase of this Integrated Amphibious Task Force.

With this exercise, the Army unit aims to validate integrated mission planning, operational readiness and interoperability in addressing contemporary security challenges, while demonstrating India’s Amphibious Capabilities.