Para Special Forces, anti-drone systems among assets deployed by Southern Command for India-US amphibious exercise

Officials said the exercise is witnessing amphibious capabilities of the Indian Army in both conventional and sub-conventional scenarios. The Indian Army is represented by an integrated Battalion Group in the exercise, with a strength of 700 Army personnel along with newly inducted weapons and state-of-the-art technological infusions.

The Indian Army contingent has components from Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Para Special Forces, Artillery, Engineers and other supporting arms apart from assorted systems of multiple drones, anti-drone equipment and infantry combat vehicles.

The harbour phase included communication checks to ensure seamless coordination between the participating forces. Personnel from both countries exchanged visits to each other’s ships, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. The release said these interactions not only strengthened interpersonal bonds but also facilitated the exchange of best practices and operational techniques.

The sea phase, which commenced on Tuesday, involved a strategic move to a simulated island country, setting the stage for a series of complex operations. The first major operation is ship-to-shore move, demonstrating the precision and coordination required for amphibious operations. This includes troops to swiftly disembark and establish a secure perimeter. Establishing a camp for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) is a key focus of the exercise as part of humanitarian assistance preparedness.

The release said, “Sub-conventional operations and joint drills will be conducted to enhance the operational capabilities of both forces in combating asymmetric threats. These exercises will include convoy operations, IED drills, cordon and search operations, and counter-ambush drills, demonstrating the readiness of the forces to tackle diverse challenges.”