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The Indian Army on Monday showcased its ability to deliver coordinated firepower and manoeuvre in the desert sector during Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Conducted by the Army’s Southern Command, the exercise highlighted how multiple combat arms and technologies are being brought together on the modern battlefield.
Held on February 24, the drill focused on validating combined arms operations, precision long-range fires and network-enabled command and control in a realistic operational setting. Mechanised forces, artillery and aviation elements worked in tandem to demonstrate rapid response and battlefield coordination in desert terrain.
The integrated fire-and-manoeuvre exercise brought together a range of frontline platforms and systems. These included T-90 main battle tanks, infantry combat vehicles, K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and artillery guns such as the Sharang and Bofors systems. Rocket platforms and unmanned aerial systems were also deployed, reflecting the growing role of drones, surveillance assets and counter-drone measures in combat operations.
Army aviation assets were part of the demonstration as well, with Advanced Light Helicopters in the weapon system integrated role and Apache attack helicopters supporting ground forces during the drill.
Foreign defence journalists from 25 countries were present at the exercise, providing them a close look at the speed and coordination achieved by the Army’s combined arms formations operating in the Thar Desert.
Officials said the exercise underscored the Army’s continued push towards technology infusion, indigenisation, and capability development, while reaffirming its readiness to undertake swift, coordinated operations in the desert sector if required.
Team BharatShakti
