20,000 combat troops test battle readiness

Vijay Mohan & Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News service

Chandigarh/New Delhi, April 24

To hone its combat skills and validate its strike capabilities, Ambala-based Kharga Corps, the Army’s premier strike formation, is conducting a major field exercise in the Suratgarh sector of Rajasthan.

Code-named “Brahmashira”, the exercise will involve over 20,000 combat troops along with all affiliated components as well as air support by the Indian Air Force.

The exercise would test the battle readiness and operational effectiveness of the strike formation and involve seamless integration of land and air elements as part of the Integrated Theatre Battle Concept.

Conceptualised by the Kharga Corps under aegis of the Western Command, Brahmashira aims at rapid mobilisation and launching speedy multiple offensives deep into the enemy territory. The manoeuvres being rehearsed will allow the Army formations to break through multiple obstacles within a restricted time frame. The focus of the exercise will be on new and efficient ways of fighting a war in a synergised battlefield.

The exercise envisages mechanised manoeuvres with an entire spectrum of new generation equipment, including major weapon platforms. These combat manoeuvres also co-opt a significant contribution from the fighter/ground attack aircraft of the IAF, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted vehicles and attack and utility helicopters.