Operation Trishul: Army and Air Force Showcase Combat Readiness in ‘Maru Jwala’

The Indian Army and Air Force jointly conducted a high-intensity war exercise, “Maru Jwala”, near the Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district as part of the 12-day-long “Operation Trishul”. The large-scale exercise demonstrated India’s advanced battlefield integration, technological innovation, and operational readiness in desert warfare conditions.

Joint Operations in Desert Terrain

The exercise simulated precision strikes on enemy positions and terrorist hideouts, integrating aerial and ground combat operations. The drill began with unmanned aerial vehicles identifying hostile targets and relaying evacuation alerts to nearby civilian areas. Subsequently, armoured and mechanised units coordinated with air support to carry out simultaneous assaults, reflecting the Indian Army’s growing emphasis on real-time data integration and coordinated warfare.

Use of Advanced Technology and AI Systems

“Maru Jwala” highlighted the use of next-generation technologies, including drones for surveillance and supply delivery, and robotic mule dogs for medical assistance and logistics. T-90 tanks spearheaded the armoured advance under the cover of attack helicopters. These AI-driven systems showcased the Indian Army’s commitment to automation, self-reliance, and the rapid adoption of indigenous defence technologies under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

The exercise was led by the Southern Command under the supervision of “Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth (PVSM, AVSM)”, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. He inspected the battlefield and praised the synergy between the “Konark Corps” and the “Battle Axe Division”. Lt Gen Seth described “Maru Jwala” as an embodiment of the Army’s “JAI Mantra” — “Jointness, Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance), and Innovation” — reaffirming that India’s defence forces are at the forefront of technological advancement and operational reform.

Exam Oriented Facts

• “Maru Jwala” is a joint Indian Army–Air Force exercise conducted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border.
• The drill formed part of the 12-day-long “Operation Trishul” under the Southern Command.
• Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth supervised the exercise as GOC-in-C, Southern Command.
• It featured AI-driven logistics, drones, counter-drone systems, and T-90 tanks.

Operational Validation and Future Readiness

According to Defence PRO “Lt Col Nikhil Dhawan”, Lt Gen Seth also reviewed the “Konark Corps’ Exercise Akhand Prahar”, another segment of “Operation Trishul”, aimed at validating multi-domain operations. The exercise confirmed the Army’s preparedness for swift, coordinated responses along India’s western frontier, integrating indigenous innovations, battlefield technologies, and close air-ground coordination for future warfare scenarios.