Indian Army, under aegis of Headquarters Southern Command, conducted the Integrated Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise (IFME) ‘Agni Varsha’ at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer district Rajasthan.
The large-scale exercise validated operational preparedness, joint combat capability, and precision strike effectiveness in desert and semi-desert terrain.
Nature of Exercise
- Type: Integrated Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise (IFME)
- Operational Theatre: Desert Sector (Thar region)
- Focus: Offensive operations under near-battlefield conditions
- Aim: Validate synchronised manoeuvre and precision firepower
The exercise simulated real-time battlefield scenarios to test integrated combat readiness.
Core Objectives
- Validate offensive operations capability.
- Demonstrate coordinated employment of combined arms.
- Test precision long-range fires.
- Strengthen network-enabled command and control.
- Enhance rapid response in desert warfare conditions.
Integrated Combat Power
The exercise highlighted synergy across multiple combat arms:
- Mechanised forces
- Artillery regiments
- Army aviation
- Drone and surveillance units
The coordinated execution reflected seamless multi-domain operations.
Key Platforms & Weapon Systems
Armoured & Mechanised
- T-90 Main Battle Tanks
- Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs)
Artillery
- K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers
- Sharang artillery systems
- Bofors guns
- Precision strike rocket platforms
Aviation
- Indigenous ALH Dhruv (Weapon System Integrated variant)
- AH-64 Apache attack helicopters
Unmanned Systems
- Surveillance drones
- Strike drones
- Counter-drone systems
Technology Infusion
Exercise Agni Varsha incorporated modern battlefield technologies:
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- Counter-drone capabilities
- Networked surveillance assets
- Precision long-range strike systems
- Digitally integrated command platforms
This demonstrated the Army’s transition toward technology-driven warfare.
Multi-Domain Warfare Capability
The exercise showcased:
- Integrated Manoeuvre Force operations.
- Speed and precision in desert terrain.
- Real-time targeting and fire correction.
- Synchronised ground and air assets.
- Network-enabled situational awareness.
It highlighted India’s ability to conduct swift, decisive operations in harsh environments.
International Engagement
Foreign defence journalists from 25 countries witnessed the demonstration.
This provided:
- First-hand exposure to Indian Army’s capabilities.
- Strategic messaging on combat preparedness.
- Reinforcement of India’s defence credibility in the global arena.