What is Operation Akhand Prahar? RUDRA Brigade’s ‘Prachand’ manoeuvres signal a new era for Indian defence

In a significant demonstration of military prowess and modern warfare capabilities, the Indian Army conducted Exercise Akhand Prahar in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, reviewed the operational readiness of the Konark Corps and the newly formed RUDRA Brigade, underscoring the Army’s commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and jointness.

The exercise, held as a critical component of the Tri-Services Exercise Trishul, tested the Army’s ability to operate seamlessly across multiple domains in coordination with the Indian Air Force.

It also served as a platform for evaluating next-generation battlefield technologies, including drones, counter-drone systems, and indigenously developed platforms.

What is Operation Akhand Prahar? Key Highlights of the Multi-Domain Army Exercise

Operation Akhand Prahar is designed to validate the Indian Army’s capability to conduct integrated operations across land, air, and technological domains. The exercise featured combined arms manoeuvres, inter-service coordination, and refinement of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) in real-time battlefield conditions.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth explained, “The RUDRA Brigade, an integrated all-arms formation, has been operationally validated during Operation Akhand Prahar. It is fully equipped to execute infantry, armoured, mechanised infantry, and air defence artillery operations. ‘Rudra’ symbolises Mahadev or Shiva, reflecting immense strength, while ‘Prachand’ means massive. The brigade demonstrated its capabilities through precise, ‘Prachand’ attacks during this exercise.”

RUDRA Brigade: India’s New Multi-Domain Force Ready for Future Conflicts

The RUDRA Brigade is a unique all-arms formation structured to deliver multi-domain combat effectiveness. Its operational validation during Akhand Prahar confirms its readiness to undertake complex battlefield missions, leveraging modern technology and integrated warfare strategies.The brigade’s performance in the exercise highlighted:

• Inter-service coordination with the Air Force
• Employment of next-generation battlefield technologies, including drones and counter-drone systems
• Tactical innovation in rapid-response operations
• Force protection measures with indigenous platforms

Lieutenant General Seth added, “The RUDRA Brigade is prepared to succeed in multi-domain operations in the evolving battlespace. Its achievements demonstrate the Indian Army’s growing focus on innovation, self-reliance, and operational excellence.”

Atmanirbharta and Indigenous Innovations: Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities

Exercise Akhand Prahar also served as a real-world test bed for India’s defence innovations and indigenous technologies. Units from the Battle Axe Division and Konark Corps showcased advanced drones, counter-drone equipment, and battlefield innovations developed locally.

Jointness, Innovation, and Mission-Ready Preparedness: The JAI Mantra in Action

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth highlighted that Exercise Akhand Prahar aligns with the Army’s JAI mantra: Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation. The exercise reinforced the Southern Command’s role in:

• Driving operational transformation through technology infusion
• Enhancing multi-domain combat readiness
• Building a mission-ready, innovative, and adaptive force capable of facing contemporary security challenges

The exercise underlines India’s commitment to modernising its armed forces, integrating cutting-edge technology, and ensuring preparedness for future multi-domain operations.

Inputs from ANI