REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, By Erik Purnama Putra, reporting from Pokhran, Jaisalmer
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, amid the scorching heat and dust at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer City, Rajasthan State, the whizzing of bullets and falling bombs echoed across the desert. These bullets and bombs were launched at predetermined strike points.
Artillery and cavalry assaults rained down on the desert area where India first conducted its nuclear bomb test in 1974. Dozens of heavy weapons were deployed to demonstrate the readiness of the Indian Army to face any incoming threats, especially from neighboring countries.
This exercise was conducted as a form of preparedness in case an order is issued at any time by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "This is a form of exercise to show that the status of Operation Sindoor is still going on," said a two-star general to reporters, including Republika, after the conclusion of Agni Varsha 2026 at the Pokhran Range.
The Agni Varsha 2026 exercise was held to enhance operational readiness and integrated combat capabilities in the desert sector. The large-scale drill focused on the coordinated use of combined arms, precision long-range firepower, and network-supported command and control within a realistic battlefield environment.
"Through this exercise, we want to demonstrate the Indian Army’s readiness to respond to any national threat," said one of the generals accompanying journalists at the Pokhran Field Firing Range.
According to Republika’s observations at the site, four simulated terrorist camp targets were set up within the exercise area. The first target was located 600 meters from the grandstand, the second 800 meters away, the third 1,400 meters away, and the fourth and farthest target stood at a distance of 2,500 meters.
The exercise was conducted with precision using dozens of drones, including Prahar Swarm and Autel systems, to destroy enemy targets. Carrying bombs, the remotely controlled drones dropped explosives on designated targets. This contactless method of eliminating opponents reflected the Indian Army’s response to the use of modern technology in warfare.
Following the drone deployment, the Indian Army executed integrated maneuvers using Main Battle Tank (MBT) T-90s, K-9 Vajra combat vehicles, Sharang and Bofors artillery systems, rocket platforms, and domestically produced ALH weapon system integrated helicopters. The assault concluded with the arrival of AH-64 Apache helicopters as the ultimate weapon to destroy terrorist hideouts.
It can be said that the integrated firing and maneuver exercise demonstrated the combat effectiveness of mechanized forces operating synergistically across multiple domains. Through Agni Varsha 2026, the Indian Army sought to showcase the speed, precision, and decisive firepower required to respond to enemy threats.
The event announcer repeatedly stated that Agni Varsha 2026, organized by the Southern Command Headquarters, was aimed at "upholding justice, not revenge." It was a firm message carrying a sense of humanism in responding to terrorism threats.
Indeed, the Indian Army demonstrated its ability to integrate advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, anti-drone capabilities, precision strike rockets, modern artillery platforms, and network surveillance systems. Agni Varsha 2026 became proof that technological infusion, indigenization, and capability enhancement in national operations could be maximized with the support of modern weaponry.
For Republika, there were two valuable lessons from the visit to the Pokhran Field Firing Range. First, Agni Varsha 2026 served as evidence of the Indian Army’s strength as one of the world’s military powers in responding proportionally to all enemy threats. Second, the writer gained firsthand insight into military exercises conducted in desert conditions.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika