'Dakshin Prahar' exercise held in all stations of Southern Air Command

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A six-day ' Dakshin Prahar' exercise was conducted at all stations under Southern Air Command from December 19 to put to test and practise all the contingency plans of the Command.

During the exercise, the ability and readiness of the Command and all Air Force Stations under it were rigorously tested through simulated contingencies both by day and night, thereby enabling the commanders to assess the situation, plan and execute air operations with the assets at their disposal, a defence press release said.

This exercise also enabled the field Commanders validate the efficacy of their operational and ground defence plans.

The six-day exercise included physical movement of combat elements in the Southern Peninsula.

The ability to rapidly induct and field a large number of combat forces as applicable to Southern Area was also tested.

The exercise also involved activation of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions in coordination with State Government agencies, wherein large-scale air evacuation of casualties was practised.

The exercise was a 'great success' as all the visualised objectives were successfully achieved and relevant lessons incorporated, the release added.