"Indian Army and Air Force Conduct 'Gagan Strike-II' in Punjab"
The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) collaborated on a joint exercise, 'Gagan Strike-II', which was held in multiple locations across Punjab. Conducted by the Khadga Corps of the Indian Army's Western Command, this three-day exercise aimed to test and validate the integration of ground and air operations in various offensive scenarios.
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| Indian Army and Air Force conducted joint exercise ‘Gagan Strike-II’ in Punjab. |
Overview of 'Gagan Strike-II'
'Gagan Strike-II' focused on demonstrating the joint proficiency and coordination between the Indian Army and Air Force. The exercise utilized a range of force multipliers, including Apache and ALH-WSI helicopters, unarmed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and special forces units of the Indian Army. The goal was to test the support of ground offensive operations by strike corps with live firing exercises from helicopters to simulate real-world scenarios.
During the exercise, the Indian Air Force and Army practiced centralized and decentralized attack helicopter missions, with additional support from other assets, in a dense air defense environment. This approach allowed the forces to practice engaging both planned and improvised targets on the battlefield, ensuring that the Indian military could maintain a high level of readiness and adaptability in complex combat situations.
Key Components of the Exercise
- Air Support: The exercise involved multiple helicopter platforms, including Apache and ALH-WSI, which supported ground troops during offensive maneuvers. The use of UAVs provided additional reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, enhancing situational awareness for ground forces.
- Ground Offensive Operations: The Indian Army's mechanized forces were heavily involved in the exercise, with live firing exercises that mimicked real-world combat scenarios. This combination of air and ground operations ensured that both branches of the military could work seamlessly together.
- Special Forces: The participation of special forces units from the Indian Army highlighted the emphasis on versatility and rapid response in different combat situations. The special forces' role in supporting ground and air operations added a layer of complexity to the exercise.
Indian Air Force's Recent Exercises
The 'Gagan Strike-II' joint exercise follows closely on the heels of other major exercises conducted by the Indian Air Force earlier in 2024:
- 'Gagan Shakti-2024': This 10-day exercise, held from April 1-10, 2024, demonstrated the IAF's ability to deploy its frontline assets, including Rafale fighter jets, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. The exercise also showcased the IAF's versatility in managing large-scale operations.
- 'Vayu Shakti-2024': Conducted at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range near Jaisalmer, this exercise involved live fire and maneuver drills. It highlighted the IAF's capability to support ground operations and showcased its frontline assets in action.
- 'Bharat Shakti Exercise': This integrated tri-services exercise focused on demonstrating how the Indian Army plans to leverage its indigenous capabilities to dominate the battlefield and respond to threats to national security.
Upcoming Exercises and Future Plans
The Indian Air Force is preparing to host 'Tarang Shakti', a mega exercise that is expected to bring together 12 global air forces. This event will serve as a platform for the IAF to further refine its tactics, techniques, and procedures, while fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Conclusion
The successful completion of 'Gagan Strike-II' underscores the Indian military's commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and adaptability. The joint exercise demonstrated the ability of the Indian Army and Air Force to work in tandem, ensuring that they are prepared to respond to various combat scenarios. By integrating air and ground operations, the Indian military is well-positioned to address future challenges and threats to national security.
