Army Demonstrates Integrated Combat Prowess in Exercise Rudra Shakti at Pokhran Range

Pune: A major all-arms live-firing manoeuvre was conducted by the Rudra Brigade at the pokhran field firing ranges. The exercise validated the Indian Army's readiness for high-intensity, multi-domain operations in dynamic and evolving battlefield scenarios, particularly in desert terrain. General officer commanding in Chief of the Southern command Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM reviewed exercise Rudra Shakti.Exercise Rudra Shakti served as a critical follow-up to the earlier Exercise Akhand Prahar, which had already tested and confirmed the operational concepts and capabilities of the Rudra Brigade in the desert sector. This live-firing phase emphasised enhanced combat integration and synergy among diverse units. It featured synchronized

operations involving mechanized forces, artillery, air defence elements, Army Aviation assets including Advanced Light Helicopter-Weapon System Integrated (ALH-WSI) and Apache attack helicopters along with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced Counter-UAS technologies.

The drills showcased seamless coordination across land, air, and digital domains, highlighting the Army's ability to employ combined arms effectively in modern warfare. During his visit, Lieutenant General Seth also engaged with troops on ground, praising their high training standards, professionalism, and state of operational preparedness. He specifically commended the participants for executing complex missions with remarkable speed, precision, and unit cohesion.

Exercise Rudra Shakti underscores the Indian Army's broader transformation efforts, where organizational reforms, evolving tactics, and rapid technological adoption including innovations in drones, counter-drone systems, and integrated aviation. The exercise reaffirms the force's steadfast commitment to remaining mission-ready, technologically advanced, and fully prepared to address emerging national security challenges in an increasingly complex strategic environment.