Indian Army's summer exercise in Rajasthan's deserts

With some of the frontline fighter aircraft and other aerial assets from Indian Air Force (IAF) providing support, Indian Army is all set to test its desert warfare skills in the peak summer in Rajasthan. Codenamed 'Exercise Shoorveer', the exercise is aimed at validating the fighting skills of its troops during peak summer, along with accuracy and lethality of its modern weapon systems, Indian Army officials said here today. "At present, the formations are practicing their battle drills in designated training areas... A number of field firings are being carried out to check the accuracy and lethality of the weapon systems," they said. The exercise will also provide a platform to validate new concepts, modifications, armaments and logistics inducted by the force in the last few years. Defence Minister A K Antony will visit the exercise to review the war games and interact with the troops and senior army officials. "A large number of innovations and modifications carried out by the Army units and formations to enhance their combat power are being tested in the field", the officials said. On participation of IAF, they said "the momentum of training is gradually building up with the increased combat tempo to set the stage for a major joint Army-Air Force exercise." The exercise will culminate with Jaipur-based Sapta Shakti Command along with IAF carrying out swift battle manoeuvers and joint operations, they said.

IBN Live / PTI