New Delhi: The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, is currently conducting a high-intensity triservice military exercise named “Exercise Poorvi Prahar” (Exercise Eastern Strike) in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. This exercise, which began on November 10 and will conclude on November 18, is designed to enhance the multi-domain operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces, particularly along the eastern frontier that shares a boundary with China.
The primary objective of Exercise Poorvi Prahar is to maintain a robust defence posture and to hone the combat effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces in executing integrated joint operations. The exercise aims to improve inter-service coordination, operational readiness, and the ability to execute seamless operations across land, air, and sea.
Participation and Roles
Indian Army: The Indian Army is leading the exercise, with a focus on enhancing its combat effectiveness in the challenging mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh. The Army is utilizing advanced artillery units, including the newly inducted M777 ultralight howitzers, to demonstrate its firepower and mobility along with its combat helicopter Prachand ALH (advanced light helicopter).
Indian Navy: Although the exercise is primarily land-based, the Indian Navy is playing a crucial role in integrating its capabilities with those of the Army and Air Force. The Navy’s participation is aimed at ensuring that all three services can operate in a coordinated manner, even in remote and challenging environments. For the exercise, the Navy has deployed its elite MARCOS commandos, known for their expertise in complex and covert operations. Additionally, naval assets are being mobilized to monitor maritime activities in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, ensuring a well-rounded regional security stance
Indian Air Force: The Indian Air Force is contributing significantly to the exercise with the deployment of advanced fighter aircraft, like Sukhoi-30MKIs, Rafales, etc; reconnaissance platforms; and helicopters, like Chinooks and Rudra ALHs (advanced light helicopters). These assets are providing unprecedented levels of mobility, firepower, and precision in the region’s challenging topography. For this exercise, the IAF has activated its key airbases, including those in Kolkata, Hasimara, and Panagarh.
Technological Integration
Exercise Poorvi Prahar is notable for its integration of innovative technologies that are reshaping the future of military operations. Key technological components include:
Swarm Drones and Loitering Munitions – Troops are operating and refining their skills with swarm drones and loitering munitions, which dramatically enhance situational awareness and allow for precision strikes and operational flexibility.
AI and Satellite Communications – The exercise is leveraging AI-driven analytics and satellite communications to optimize multi-service operations. Real-time information is seamlessly shared through these systems, enabling more precise decision-making and faster response times. This technological integration allows forces to act with greater precision, agility, and coordination.
Common Operating Picture (COP) – A core component of the exercise is the development of a common operating picture (COP) through joint control structures. This COP optimizes coordination between the three forces by providing a comprehensive, real-time view of the battlefield. This integration is pivotal in ensuring that commanders have access to all necessary information, thereby enhancing the joint forces' adaptability to the evolving nature of warfare.
Exercise Poorvi Prahar serves as a platform for further absorption and integration of advanced technological tools and joint command structures. By enhancing the ability to execute multi-domain operations, the exercise reinforces India’s strategic deterrence capabilities and readiness to meet security challenges along its eastern frontier.
