In a clear move signalling Indian Army’s push towards future-ready combat operations, the Rudra Brigade successfully executed high-intensity all-arms exercise Rudra Shakti 2026 at Pokhran. The drills were reviewied by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command.
He witnessed Black Mace Brigade showcase New Generation Equipment and New Technology Equipment during the drills, demonstrating a decisive transition towards future-ready warfare advanced drones, loitering munitions and indigenous R&D innovations.
Exercise Rudra Shakti 2026 was a full-scale military exercise with live firing, carried out by the Rudra Brigade at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
Exercise Rudra Shakti 2026: What is the purpose of the drills?
According to a statement from Southern Command headquarters in Pune, the exercise was meant to check the Indian Army’s readiness to carry out high-intensity operations in modern and challenging battlefield conditions.
Exercise Rudra Shakti followed Exercise Akhand Prahar, which had earlier tested the Rudra Brigade and new operational ideas in the desert. The live firing focused on improving coordination and combat effectiveness. It involved mechanised forces, artillery, air defence units, Army Aviation assets such as ALH-WSI and Apache helicopters, as well as drones and anti-drone systems.
The exercise showed strong coordination across land, air and digital domains.
Exercise Rudra Shakti review
During his visit, the Army Commander met troops on the ground and praised all ranks for their high training standards, professionalism and readiness. He highlighted their ability to carry out complex tasks quickly, accurately and as a team. The Army Commander also observed live kamikaze drone strikes and precision munition delivery by in-house developed platforms.
Commending the formation’s innovation-driven approach, he emphasised that rapid technology integration and indigenous capability development remain central to building a Future Ready Force prepared for the full spectrum of high-intensity warfare.
Exercise Rudra Shakti reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing modernisation. It shows how organisational change, new tactics and technology are being developed together. The exercise underlines the Army’s commitment to remain ready for missions, technologically capable and prepared for future security challenges.
What is Indian Army’s Rudra Brigade?
Part of the army’s future-ready force, the Rudra brigades include components like infantry, mechanised infantry, tanks, artillery units, special forces and unmanned aerial systems.
Last year in July, CoAS General Upendra Dwivedi had stated, “Rudra, all of the brigade, is being established for which I gave approval yesterday. Under this, we will have infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces and unmanned aerial units at one place to provide logistics and combat support.”