Indian army shows new technology and firepower in exercise Rudra Shakti-2026 at Rajasthan's Pokhran

JAISALMER: Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, observed a display of new-generation and advanced technology equipment during a live-fire, all-arms manoeuvre exercise by the Rudra Brigade at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, as part of Exercise Rudra Shakti–2026.

The exercise highlighted the Indian Army’s shift towards future-ready warfare in line with the Decade of Transformation goals. A range of advanced and indigenously developed technologies was showcased, emphasising innovation, self-reliance, and rapid adoption of technology.





Key displays included advanced drones, loitering munitions, and indigenous R&D solutions such as drone jammers, mobile repair platforms, and AI-enabled enemy drone detection systems, aimed at countering modern battlefield threats.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Nikhil Dhavan said Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth reviewed Exercise Rudra Shakti, describing it as a live-fire, all-arms manoeuvre by the Rudra Brigade at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. The exercise demonstrated the Indian Army’s capability to conduct high-intensity, integrated operations under evolving battlefield conditions.

Exercise Rudra Shakti followed Exercise Akhand Prahar, which had earlier validated the Rudra Brigade and tested new operational concepts in the desert sector. The live-fire activity aimed to enhance combat integration and operational effectiveness through the synchronised use of mechanised forces, artillery, air defence units, Army Aviation assets including ALH-WSI and Apache helicopters, as well as Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAS capabilities, with coordination across land, air, and digital domains.

During the review, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth engaged with troops and praised their training standards, professionalism, and readiness, commending their ability to execute complex missions with speed, precision, and unity.

A live demonstration included kamikaze drone strikes and precision munition delivery using domestically developed platforms, highlighting stand-off lethality that allows forces to engage targets accurately while reducing exposure to enemy fire.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth observed the operational use of these systems and interacted with the troops and officers involved in their development and deployment. He lauded the formation’s innovation-driven approach and emphasised that the rapid integration of new technologies and development of indigenous capabilities are crucial for maintaining operational superiority.