High-Altitude Combat Drills Continue
NEW DELHI: While India-China diplomatic talks show signs of improvement, the Indian armed forces continue to enhance high-altitude combat readiness through intensive military exercises. The Army is also raising a new infantry division of around 15,000 soldiers as part of its force restructuring along the northern borders.
‘Prachand Prahar’: A Multi-Domain Warfare Exercise
The latest integrated tri-service warfare exercise, ‘Prachand Prahar’ (Fierce Attack), was conducted in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh over three days.
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The exercise involved Army, Air Force, and combat support units, simulating future battlefield conditions.
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The objective was to reinforce India’s resolve to counter any security threats along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC).
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A senior officer stated that the drill showcased India’s capability to deter and respond decisively to threats in its strategic frontiers.
Army’s New Infantry Division in Pathankot
In addition to enhancing military readiness, the Indian Army is setting up the 72 Infantry Division at Pathankot under the Udhampur-based Northern Command.
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No additional troops will be added; instead, forces are being restructured and redeployed.
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The division will likely replace the Rashtriya Rifles’ “Uniform Force”, which was deployed to eastern Ladakh after Chinese incursions in April 2020.
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India had previously relocated the Mathura-based 1 Strike Corps to the LAC from its previous Pakistan-centric role to strengthen eastern defenses.
Ongoing Tensions and Military Build-Up
Despite partial disengagement in Ladakh, there are no signs of full de-escalation along the LAC.
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China has fortified its military positions, maintaining forward deployments with heavy weaponry.
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India has responded with “mirror deployments” in key areas like Yangtse, Asaphila, and Subansiri river valley—notable flashpoints for past clashes.
Modern Warfare Tactics Used in ‘Prachand Prahar’
The Prachand Prahar exercise integrated cutting-edge technology for battlefield simulation:
✔️ Maritime reconnaissance aircraft, armed helicopters, UAVs, and loitering munitions provided real-time surveillance.
✔️ Fighter jets, Pinaka rocket systems, artillery guns, swarm drones, and kamikaze drones executed precision strikes in an electronically contested environment.
✔️ The drill expanded on last year’s ‘Poorvi Prahar’ exercise, validating a fully integrated military strategy across land, air, and space domains.
