Arunachal: Army, Air Force hold large-scale multi-domain exercise to test joint capabilities

Guwahati: A large-scale multi-domain military exercise is currently underway in Arunachal Pradesh, testing India’s joint combat capabilities, with the Army and Air Force combining advanced surveillance systems and precision weaponry in high-altitude terrain, defence officials said on Thursday.

The drill, scheduled from November 10 to 15, began with the deployment of helicopters, UAVs, space-based sensors, and special forces units to create a real-time, shared operational picture.

After identifying mock targets, coordinated strikes were carried out using long-range rockets, medium artillery, armed helicopters, swarm drones, loitering munitions, and kamikaze drones, all operating in a contested electronic environment.

Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps, inspected the exercise on Thursday and highlighted the high level of coordination achieved between the services.

Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, a defence spokesperson based in Guwahati, stated that this exercise builds on last year’s Poorvi Prahar and March’s Prachand Prahar, which focused on integrating aviation and surveillance assets.

According to officials, the current drill aims to test joint planning, command-and-control systems, and coordinated use of firepower across the services, reflecting India’s efforts to strengthen military integration along strategically sensitive borders.

Defence authorities said the exercise shows the armed forces’ focus on precise, technology-based operations and highlights India’s ability to deter and respond to regional threats.