Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Site of Armed Forces’ Multi-Domain Exercise

In a collaborative effort with the Indian Air Force and the Navy, a rigorous drill was conducted to evaluate the collaboration and compatibility of the Special Forces of all three services. The exercise comprised of responding to various scenarios and unforeseen situations in authentic tactical surroundings.

The Army reported that during the early hours of Wednesday, paratroopers departed from Agra and successfully landed with great precision on a remote island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This was accomplished with the assistance of the IAF's C130 J Super Hercules aircraft.

In addition, specialised equipment, combat free fall jumps, and ground-based manoeuvres were also verified and utilised during the exercise.

According to sources in the defense sector, the airborne deployment of Special Forces in island territories is a crucial capability needed to guarantee preparedness for any emergencies in India's territorial island chains, as well as to offer support to neighbouring countries.

Due to their close proximity to the Indo-Pacific region and significant sea lines of communication (SLOC) in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold immense strategic significance for India.

A defence source stated, “Moreover, the joint operation with the special forces of the IAF and Navy provides cohesiveness of operating in theaterised domains.”

The Indian Armed Forces have established the tri-service Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), where the Special Forces of all three services train collectively.

Last year, in 2021, the Shatrujeet Brigade demonstrated its rapid response capabilities in an airborne exercise and combat manoeuvres by conducting an airborne insertion of troops near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh at an elevation exceeding 14,000 ft.

In recent times, the three services have been conducting numerous collaborative exercises. In the previous month, the Army and the IAF jointly executed a cross-functional air-land drill named Vayu Prahar in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the northeast region.

The Army carried out a joint training drill called Trishakti Prahar in February, in the vicinity of the crucial Siliguri Corridor in North Bengal. This exercise involved all arms and services of the Army, as well as the IAF and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).