Why in news?
The Indian Armed Forces will conduct the tri‑service exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar in the high‑altitude valley of Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh between 11 and 15 November 2025. This forward‑area drill aims to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force in a multi‑domain environment near the Line of Actual Control.
Background
Joint drills in remote terrain help the military practise seamless cooperation between services. The Mechuka valley sits about 6,000 feet above sea level and lies close to the Indo‑Chinese border. Previous Eastern Command drills such as Bhala Prahar (2023) and Poorvi Prahar (2024) refined joint tactics in eastern sectors. This year’s exercise builds on those lessons and leverages new units raised for high‑altitude warfare.
Key features
- Integrated operations: Army infantry, special forces, artillery, naval commandos and the Air Force will train together under a unified command to practise rapid deployment and joint decision‑making.
- High‑altitude environment: Training at Mechuka tests soldiers and equipment in thin air, cold temperatures and mountainous terrain similar to operational conditions along the Line of Actual Control.
- Newly raised units: The Bhairav Battalion, Ashni Platoon and Divyastra artillery batteries, created after previous exercises, will debut in this drill to test tactics and readiness.
- Multi‑domain focus: The exercise will link land forces with fighter jets, helicopters, drones and space‑based assets, reflecting modern combat where information and cyber warfare complement physical manoeuvres.
Significance
- Improved deterrence: Regular joint drills close to disputed frontiers demonstrate India’s ability to respond quickly and cohesively to any contingency.
- Enhanced interoperability: Training together builds trust among services and streamlines procedures for logistics, communications and command in challenging terrain.
- Development of tactics: High‑altitude drills allow the military to validate new doctrines and fine‑tune equipment designed for eastern theatre operations.
Sources: Indian Express, New Indian Express