Army holds integrated firing exercise in Raj desert sector

Jaisalmer: The Battle Axe Division conducted Integrated Firing Drills in forward areas of Rajasthan's desert sector to validate combat strategies, tactics, techniques and operational procedures Tuesday. During the drill, a tank platform was used to test and evaluate the firing capabilities of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), along with other onboard weapon systems.The exercise was aimed at assessing combat readiness, fire accuracy, and rapid response capabilities in realistic battlefield conditions.
Officials said, in a related training activity, the exercise also featured BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles engaged in coordinated combat drills. A notable aspect of the vehicles was the presence of cage or slat armour—likely a field modification intended to enhance protection against incoming projectiles, particularly anti-armour threats. The modification reflects adaptive battlefield innovation tailored to evolving combat scenarios.One of the key highlights of the drill was the firing of an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from a BMP-2 platform, demonstrating precision targeting and swift engagement capability. The exercise focused on validating tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) under simulated combat conditions in challenging desert terrain.Officials said these integrated firing drills form part of the Army's regular training cycle to sharpen operational preparedness and ensure high standards of battlefield efficiency. By combining mobility, firepower, and protective adaptations, the troops reaffirmed their readiness to respond decisively to any emerging threat along India's western frontier.Troops displayed exceptional marksmanship and swift reaction time, while the Desert Warriors demonstrated outstanding discipline and seamless teamwork. Commanders closely monitored the live-fire exercise, which included synchronised targeting and testing of advanced fire control systems. Soldiers also practised rapid deployment in challenging desert terrain to enhance mobility and operational effectiveness.