14-day defence exercise 'Akraman-II' ends

SOMEWHERE IN WESTERN SECTOR: The fortnight long defence exercise ' Akraman-II' of Chetak Corps, aimed at testing combat endurance and operational skills concluded here today.

The exercise conceptualized by Sapta Shakti Command involved rapid mobilisation and execution of offensive plans by launching multiple thrusts in sync with the Air force, a defence statement said.

The troops exercised through the full spectrum of operations in desert terrain. The two-sided exercise had elements depicting opposing forces to add realism in planning and execution.

The exercise was conducted in various phases to test the operational readiness and the battle efficiency of various elements of the modern day battle field, the statement said.

More than 300 combat vehicles, main battles tanks, long range artillery guns and about 10,000 troops took part in the exercise.

Swift mechanized manoeuvres along with troop insertion using third dimension were thoroughly rehearsed during the exercise.

The exercise also orchestrated real time integration of air power with the land forces, it said.

The Parachute Brigade, Special Forces and Heliborne troops also participated in the exercise and carried out various types of missions deep inside enemy territory during day and night.

Improved mobility, inventory management techniques and the extensive use of information technology was ensured during the exercise so that the logistics keep pace with the fast paced asymmetric battlefield.

Lieutenant General Arun Kumar Sahni and Army Commander Sapta Shakti Command appreciated the "synergy, agility, versatility and lethality" of operations in a network centric battle field environment, the statement added.