Massive exercise to test Army’s new doctrines

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News service

Chandigarh, 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 ‘Exercise Brahmashira’, it will involve over 20,000 combat troops along with all affiliated components as well as air support by the 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 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, attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted vehicles, and utility helicopters. Strategic and long range vectors will also be employed during the exercise. Induction of troops by air will be integrated fully in the exercise in the true spirit of jointness.

Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communication systems will be put to test in a network centric battlefield environment during the exercise, duly supported by enabling operational logistics. The exercise will also expose commanders at all levels in the planning and conduct of large scale operations in an integrated theatre environment. The exercise will be witnessed by Lt Gen KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command.

The Army has held several large-scale exercises over the past decade and a half to develop and refine operational doctrines and war-fighting concepts that were necessitated by the fast-changing battlefield environment due to the influx of high technology and geopolitical imperatives.