Exercise Kharga Shakti 2026: Army validates swift transition from deterrence to decisive action
Conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in north-western Rajasthan by Ambala-based Kharga Corps, the exercise is a biennial event to evaluate operational capabilities of the strike corps in a simulated battlefield
The Indian Army’s first large scale post-Operation Sindoor field drill, Exercise Kharga Shakti – 2026, concluded successfully after an intense operationally orientated training cycle that rigorously validated the combat readiness of the Kharga Corps across the full spectrum of modern battlefield scenarios.
“The exercise showcased seamless integration of high mobility, precision firepower, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) enabled intelligence. surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, counter-UAS measures, layered air defence and joint air-land operations with the Indian Air Force,” the Western Command said on Tuesday.
It reaffirmed the Corps’ ability to transition swiftly from deterrence to decisive action.
Army sources said incorporating and fine-tuning lessons learned drawn from Operation Sindoor into the Army’s doctrines, operational concepts and battlefield procedures was an important aspect of the exercise.
The five-day intense confrontation in May 2025, marked by a networked operational environment, long distance precision strikes and the employment of new age platforms such as UAS, drones, stand-off weapons and cruise missiles, has been a defining point for contemporary warfare in the sub-continent.
Exercise Kharga Shakti aimed at testing integrated operations in multi-faceted combat environments and enhancing joint operational capabilities, including insertion of troops and equipment into hostile terrains and refining logistic sustenance strategies, Army officers said. The focus was on operational agility, multi-domain capability and real-time decision-making across land, air and cyber domains.
The drill featured the employment of UAS and next-generation equipment for ISR integration, digital platforms, AI-enabled decision support tools and network-based command and control systems.
Besides conventional firepower and offensive manoeuvres with mechanised forces supported by long range artillery and air assets, the exercise, sources said, involved extensive use of different categories of drones that have been integrated into the fighting and support echelons at all levels for attack, surveillance, reconnaissance, communication, logistics and medical assistance.
The proliferation of hi-tech drones has redefined the tactical battlefield by directly assisting ground maneuvers, acting as force multipliers by enhancing surveillance and intelligence gathering, assisting decision-making, and enabling precision engagement.
Special Forces as well as the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalions that specialise in targeted disruption missions, drone operations, surveillance, cross-border strikes, reconnaissance and rapid-response at the tactical level were also involved.
Conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in north-western Rajasthan by the Ambala-based Kharga Corps, Exercise Kharga Shakti is a biennial event to evaluate the operational capabilities of the strike corps in a simulated battlefield and test synchronised firepower and high-tempo manoeuvres by integrating all the infantry, mechanised forces, artillery, support and logistics elements and aerial assets.
Formations under the Kharga Corps also conducted competition-based exercises to validate the surveillance and targeting capabilities of the Ashni Platoons. Referred to as the 'Invisible Third Eye', these recently created platoons are equipped with cutting-edge short-range surveillance systems and pinpoint targeting unmanned aerial systems.
The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, commended all the formations for their professionalism, technological infusion, and operational clarity, underscoring the Western Command’s unwavering preparedness to ensure assured victory.
