ISLAMABAD: The Indian Army’s Airawat Vayu Rakshaks, belonging to the ArmyAir Defence Unit of the II Corps known as Kharga Corps, have showcasedexceptional combat readiness and precision during Exercise Airawat VayuKavach. This integrated annual air defence firing exercise took place atthe Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, highlighting the unit’scapability to counter aerial threats effectively. The flawless execution oflive firing drills underscored the troops’ professionalism amid evolvingregional security dynamics.
The exercise focused on validating operational preparedness of air defenceassets under realistic combat scenarios. Personnel from the Kharga Corps,stationed in the Western Command’s area of responsibility, engaged incoordinated manoeuvres involving advanced weapon systems. Such drills areessential for maintaining high alert levels along sensitive borders, whererapid response to aerial incursions remains a strategic priority for theIndian military.
Mahajan Field Firing Range, located near Bikaner in Rajasthan’s desertterrain, serves as a premier training facility for the Indian Army. Thevast expanse allows for comprehensive testing of artillery, armoured, andair defence systems under varied conditions. Annual exercises like AirawatVayu Kavach utilise this infrastructure to simulate battlefieldenvironments, incorporating live ammunition to assess accuracy, responsetime, and system integration.
The Airawat Vayu Rakshaks demonstrated proficiency in operating modern airdefence equipment during the exercise. While specific systems deployed werenot publicly detailed, Indian Army air defence units typically employ a mixof surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft guns, and radar networks. Theemphasis on integration reflects ongoing efforts to fuse multi-layereddefences capable of neutralising drones, aircraft, and missiles atdifferent ranges and altitudes.
This demonstration comes at a time when air defence capabilities havegained renewed importance globally due to proliferating drone technologyand hypersonic threats. In the Indian context, lessons from recent regionalconflicts emphasise the need for robust, networked air defencearchitectures. The Kharga Corps’ performance in Ex Airawat Vayu Kavachreinforces confidence in the army’s ability to protect vital assets andforward positions from aerial aggression.
The Western Command, under which the Kharga Corps operates, overseescritical western frontiers. Regular firing exercises ensure troops remainbattle-ready, with seamless coordination between air defence units,infantry, and aviation elements. The flawless execution reported inofficial channels highlights rigorous training standards and the infusionof technology to enhance operational synergy across formations.
Experts view such exercises as vital confidence-building measures withinthe armed forces. They allow commanders to evaluate equipment reliability,crew proficiency, and tactical doctrines in live conditions. The Mahajanrange’s challenging desert environment tests endurance and adaptability,preparing units for sustained operations in arid theatres where logisticsand mobility pose unique challenges.
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The Indian Army continues to modernise its air defence inventory to addressemerging threats. Indigenous developments alongside imported systems aim tocreate a comprehensive shield. Exercises like Airawat Vayu Kavach provideempirical data to refine doctrines, ensuring alignment with nationalsecurity objectives in an increasingly contested airspace domain.
Participation in these drills also fosters morale and esprit de corps amongtroops. The Airawat Vayu Rakshaks’ precise performance exemplifiesdedication to safeguarding national sovereignty. As regional tensionspersist, maintaining peak readiness through such integrated trainingremains indispensable for deterrence and defence posture.
Overall, Ex Airawat Vayu Kavach exemplifies the Indian Army’s commitment tooperational excellence in air defence. The successful conduct at MahajanField Firing Range reaffirms the Kharga Corps’ role as a formidableguardian in the western sector, contributing to broader strategic stability.
Source:https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/armys-kharga-corps-demonstrates-combat-readiness-with-integrated-field-firing-exercise/articleshow/115662806.cms
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