Army stages major airborne training exercise in north Bengal

Photo Courtesy: Voice of Sikkim

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, JANUARY 30, 2024 : The army conducted a large-scale airborne training exercise named “Exercise Devil Strike” in north Bengal from January 22 to 27. The aim of the exercise was to practice the entire spectrum of operations carried out by an air borne force to include aerial induction of troops, heavy weapons, equipment and logistics re-supply, destruction of high value targets, successful link up with advancing ground forces and exfiltration operations.

The exercise showcased seamless integration of forces and assets of the army and the air force, and synergised application in a networked battlefield under intense electronic warfare environment.

More than 1000 paratroopers from the Eastern Command and GARUDs of the air force took part in the exercise; supported by aircrafts including Rafale, C-130 Hercules, AN-32 and indigenous ALH from the arsenals of both the air force and the army.

The exercise commenced with aerial induction of specialised troops to secure an air head in a designated enemy territory through Combat Free Fall.

Thereafter, the main force was inducted by Static Line Jumps. Heavy weapons and equipment were inducted by the latest Guided Precision Aerial Delivery System. The troops inducted thereafter carried out drills for destruction and neutralisation of targets by direct action while fighter aircrafts and attack helicopters destroyed targets designated through Laser Target Designators by the paratroopers on ground. A Post Strike Damage Assessment was carried out by Remotely Piloted Vehicles. and re-engagement was carried out wherever necessary. On successful completion of the mission, the paratroopers linked up with the ground forces and practised exfiltration. Underwater diving teams meanwhile conducted a diversionary attack near the Teesta Barrage.

The exercise showcased capability of an air borne force consisting of the army and the air force and synergised application of latest weapons and equipment in a networked environment. The exercise also witnessed participation of newly inducted weapons and equipment made in India as part of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'.

The large-scale air borne exercise in north Bengal showcased capability of the armed forces in mobilising a large force swiftly and launching airborne assaults in a dynamic battle environment, a defence release said