In a landmark military mobilisation not seen at such a scale since the days following Partition, India has embarked on a massive tri-service combat exercise along the western frontier with Pakistan.
The drills, designed to simulate real-time war and hybrid-threat scenarios, underline the country’s rapidly evolving defence posture amid heightened geo-strategic challenges.
The exercise — Trishul — began earlier this week and will continue till 13 November, spanning desert terrain and strategic zones, including the sensitive Sir Creek region.
Military observers say the sheer scale and integrated nature of the operations make it one of the most significant demonstrations of India’s war-fighting readiness in decades.
Nearly 20,000 troops, along with cutting-edge assets across the Army, Navy and Air Force, have been deployed to comprehensively test offensive and defensive manoeuvres, battlefield interoperability, and joint command-and-control structures.
This comes even as Operation Sindoor — initiated earlier this year — remains active, underscoring the continuous operational readiness along this frontier.
Massive Deployment of Arsenal & Capabilities
According to sources, India is stress-testing the full spectrum of its firepower and modern platforms, including:
- T-90 & Arjun Main Battle Tanks
- Rafale & Su-30MKI fighter jets
- Attack helicopters
- Drone and counter-drone systems
- Missile systems
- Major naval assets and warships
- Upgraded indigenous equipment and systems
Exercises will also cover cyber warfare, electronic warfare, information dominance, and space-enabled operations — reflecting the multidomain nature of modern conflict.
A key component is the operational validation of theatre-level command structures, a crucial stepping stone as India moves toward the establishment of integrated theatre commands.
Naval-Air-Land Combat Coordination
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod confirmed participation from the Southern Army Command, Western Naval Command and South Western Air Command, noting that this exercise stretches far beyond traditional battlefields:
It is a multi-domain integrated operation… other than the conventional part, cyber and space aspects are being considered.”
The Navy has deployed 20–25 warships, including amphibious platforms like INS Jalashwa and landing craft utilities, while the IAF has fielded over 40 fighter aircraft and supporting fleets.
Parallel IAF Drills Along China Border
In a strategic dual-front preparation, the Indian Air Force has issued a NOTAM for separate combat drills across the North-East, covering areas along borders with China, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Conducted in phases through January 2026, these exercises will overlap with Trishul and aim to sharpen rapid-response and integrated air-combat capabilities in the sensitive theatre.
Strategic Messaging to Pakistan
The timing is noteworthy, coming weeks after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a stern warning to Pakistan over potential misadventures in Sir Creek:
A route to Karachi passes through Sir Creek… any aggression will change both history and geography.”
The exercise’s location and scope signal clear preparedness to defend territorial integrity across land, sea, air, and emerging digital domains.
Rising Multi-Domain Preparedness
Just last month, India conducted extensive tri-service drills testing drone and anti-drone systems, showcasing a shift toward unmanned and hybrid warfare.
Collectively, these exercises reflect India’s intent to deter adversaries, dominate evolving war zones, and maintain strategic superiority — both along traditional borders and across new-age battlegrounds.
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