The Hindu : National : Army concludes "Shatrunaash" exercise for swift operations

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 14, 2007
ePaper

National

National

Army concludes "Shatrunaash" exercise for swift operations

It was aimed at testing new weapons, surveillance systems

— PHOTO: AFP

Indian soldiers on a tank across a temporary bridge outside the village of Issewal, 12 kms from Ludhiana, on Sunday during the "Shatrunaash" exercise. Some 15,000 troops are taking part in the five- day exercise on the banks of the Sutlej River in Punjab.

Somewhere in the Western Sector: An Army exercise involving 15,000 soldiers and based on the concept of swift operations to achieve objectives in wars that could come in short notice came to an end on Sunday.

"Shatrunaash," involving troops of the Vajra Corps, tanks, armoured vehicles and air force, was held on the banks of the Sutlej river from May 11. It involved troops of the Pine Division, the `Flaming Arrow' armoured brigade equipped with T-72 and T-55 tanks and elements of the air force, including Mi-35 helicopters.

Brigadier D. Vashishta said it was aimed at testing new weapons and surveillance systems in combat-like situations and achieving synergy between the Army and the air force. During the exercise, the earmarked area was divided into ``blue land'' and ``red land'' (enemy's area) and a temporary bridge was constructed in the dark to enable T-72 and T-55 tanks to cross into enemy territory and destroy the enemy tanks with the help of MI-35 helicopter gunships.

``Offensive combat manoeuvres in a `hostile' environment were undertaken by blue land forces to ratify the new Army doctrine of short offensive operations by `holding' or `pivot' corps and shake the battlefield for strike operations,'' Mr. Vashishta said. The objectives of the exercise were training of troops, validation of operational concepts, enhancing of the confidence of commanders and establishing good liaison with the civilian population, he said.

The exercise was witnessed by Lt. Gen Daljeet Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command.

— PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National