Indian Army and IAF Conduct Massive Airborne Exercise Near Pakistan Border

In a major show of joint combat preparedness, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a large-scale airborne exercise in the desert sectors of Rajasthan, close to the Pakistan border. The exercise, codenamed “Maru Jwala”, was designed to validate the forces’ ability to swiftly deploy troops, establish forward bases, and execute coordinated operations under real battlefield conditions.

The operation involved specialised airborne units, mechanised forces, and transport aircraft such as C-130J Super Hercules and AN-32s, which executed precision airdrops and tactical insertions. The drill simulated high-intensity scenarios aimed at testing the readiness of airborne formations and the capability to sustain extended combat missions in desert terrain.

According to defence officials, the joint exercise highlights India’s growing emphasis on air-land integration and rapid mobility-critical elements in responding to any emerging threat along the western border. The synergy between the Army’s ground manoeuvres and the IAF’s aerial support demonstrated the armed forces’ preparedness for swift offensive and defensive operations.

Senior military officers from the Southern Command and the South Western Air Command oversaw the exercise. They emphasised that “Maru Jwala” reflects India’s enhanced capacity for multi-domain warfare, combining airpower, mobility, and ground combat elements to achieve decisive outcomes.

The exercise also tested logistics coordination, real-time communication systems, and integration of indigenous platforms, aligning with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant defence) vision.

Defence analysts noted that such exercises serve as a strong deterrent signal to adversaries and reaffirm India’s operational readiness across multiple theatres. The focus on the western sector-marked by challenging desert conditions and proximity to the international border-further underlines the strategic importance of maintaining a high state of alertness.

“Training under realistic, high-stress conditions ensures that our troops are prepared for any contingency. Exercises like Maru Jwala strengthen our ability to act decisively and cohesively in time-sensitive missions,” said a senior officer involved in the drill.

The Indian Army and IAF have been conducting a series of joint operations in recent months to enhance interoperability and coordination between different branches of the armed forces. The success of “Maru Jwala” reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining combat readiness and strategic deterrence across all fronts.