Exercise Rudra Shakti Signals Indian Army’s Push Towards Future-Ready Combat Operations

The Indian Army on Monday showcased its growing combat readiness and technological integration during Exercise Rudra Shakti, a high-intensity, all-arms manoeuvre exercise conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

The exercise was reviewed by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, who observed live-fire operations and interacted closely with troops participating in the drill.

Exercise Rudra Shakti was carried out by the Rudra Brigade as a continuation of Exercise Akhand Prahar, which had earlier tested new operational concepts in the desert sector. The latest drill focused on refining these concepts under realistic battlefield conditions, with particular emphasis on speed, precision and jointness.

The live-firing phase demonstrated seamless coordination between mechanised infantry, armoured elements, artillery and air defence units. Army Aviation assets, including ALH-WSI and Apache attack helicopters, were employed alongside Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAS capabilities, reflecting the Army’s increasing reliance on technology-enabled operations. The exercise underlined the importance of synchronised action across land, air and digital domains in modern warfare.

Senior officers said the drill validated the Army’s ability to conduct integrated, high-tempo operations in challenging environments, especially in the context of evolving security threats. Real-time intelligence, surveillance inputs and rapid decision-making were key features of the exercise, mirroring conditions expected in future conflicts.

During his interaction with soldiers on the ground, Lt Gen Seth commended all ranks for their professionalism, high training standards and operational preparedness. He praised the troops for executing complex missions with clarity of purpose and strong coordination under demanding conditions.

Exercise Rudra Shakti reflects the Indian Army’s broader transformation, where organisational reforms, tactical innovation and technological integration are progressing together. It reinforces the force’s commitment to remain mission-ready and future-oriented, capable of responding swiftly and decisively to emerging challenges across the spectrum of conflict. Military observers noted that exercises such as Rudra Shakti are critical in translating doctrine into action, especially in terrain like the desert sector where mobility, logistics and precision firepower play a decisive role. The drill also reinforced inter-arm trust and rapid battlefield adaptability.

The successful conduct of the exercise once again highlighted the Army’s focus on realistic training as the cornerstone of combat effectiveness.