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Exercise 'Vijayee Bhava'
Manoeuvring columns of Army tanks and hovering helicopters in soaring temperatures in the desert terrain of northern Rajasthan near Suratgarh simulated an intense battlefield scenario in the joint Army-IAF exercise - Vijayee Bhava meaning 'blessed to win'. The month-long exercise involving the Ambala-based Kharga Corps and the air elements of Western Air Command (WAC) was progressively built on from the smallest unit upwards to the entirety of the corps.
Validating the joint nature of the operations, GOC-in-C, Western Command, Lt Gen SR Ghosh flew in an IAF Jaguar over the large exercise area covering nearly 2,400 sq km. The exercise aimed at making the force more agile, versatile, lethal, networked and capable of achieving victory in war.
The dynamic process of operations, both offensive and defensive, integration and validation of concepts of modern warfare which emerged during the transformation studies of Indian Army, network-centricity and testing and evaluation of new equipment were some of the objectives achieved in the exercise. Its aim was a rapid mobilisation involving several mechanised operations towards offensive operations. Battlefield transparency and operational plans based on real-time situational awareness was enhanced using intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) inputs from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and satellites.
With air assets to play a decisive role in future battles, the increased air assets of the Army and Air Force were employed in an integrated manner in the exercise. Integration with the Air Force in all stages and employment of airborne and heliborne Special Forces was a highlight of the exercise. The IAF elements involved in the exercise included MiG-29, MiG-21 Bison, Jaguars, IL-76, AN-32, Mi-17 1V, Avro, Chetak and the attack helicopters – Mi-25/35. Offensive air defence was integral in the exercise that included interception in enemy territory. Nearly 100 fighter sorties, decimation of advancing armour, round-the-clock readiness for fighters and attack helicopters and mobilisation of several ground and airborne air defence assets were undertaken by the IAF.
As many as 300 paratroopers and 50 despatchers were air-dropped from one IL-76 and six AN-32 transport aircraft in stealthy night operations. The IAF pressed in Mi-17 1V utility helicopters for special heliborne operations (SHBO), including dropping of Special Forces behind simulated enemy lines.
This training exercise was the first amongst the series of annual summer exercises being conducted by Western Command which is headquartered at Chandigarh. With over 50,000 troops participating in the exercise, this was one of the biggest military manoeuvres conducted in the desert sector this year.
The Indian Army undertook a number of studies to transform itself into a lean, agile and enabled force to conduct full-spectrum operations. The focus of the exercise, inter alia, was to evaluate various proposals put forth by the transformation study groups. As such, the exercise assumed added significance. Some military platforms developed by DRDO for the Army were put through evaluation tests during the exercise. ISRO keenly watched the efficacy and robustness of its satellite downlinks for the field force. Senior officers of the Army and Air Force witnessed the integrated manoeuvres of a restructured armoured formation and air manoeuvre formation of the Army. The concept of dedicated intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) units to enhance operational situational awareness was also validated during the exercise.
