After the highly successful ‘Operation Sindoor’ which was a test of using high-tech warfare against the enemy by Indian armed forces, the preparation for the future warlike situation is on.
The Indian Army successfully conducted Exercise Siyom Prahar from September 8 to 10, 2025, a major field training exercise aimed at validating the employment of drone technology in modern tactical operations.
Organised under realistic battlefield conditions, the exercise marked a significant step forward in operational preparedness by integrating drones seamlessly across both tactical and operational depths. The scope of employment extended from persistent surveillance and battlefield reconnaissance to target acquisition and precision strike, thereby underscoring the transformative role of drones in enhancing combat effectiveness.
The central focus of the exercise was the development and validation of new Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) suited for future battlefields. These included innovative methods for integrating drone inputs with conventional firepower, refining joint targeting processes and ensuring rapid decision-making in fluid combat scenarios. The exercise also highlighted the importance of adaptability and synergy between traditional combat arms and emerging technological enablers.
Through Exercise Siyom Prahar, the Indian Army reaffirmed its enduring commitment to remain at the forefront of military innovation. By blending cutting-edge technologies such as unmanned aerial systems with proven warfighting skills, the Army continues to ensure that it is prepared to meet evolving challenges across the spectrum of conflict.
The outcomes of the exercise provide valuable lessons for operational integration, force multipliers and future employment concepts. Most importantly, Exercise Siyom Prahar showcased the Army’s resolve to harness technology as a decisive factor in securing operational superiority, thereby enhancing overall combat readiness and ensuring it remains future-ready and combat capable.
PARA (SF)-MARCOS High-Altitude Combat
A joint Scuba and Combat Diving Exercise was conducted by the Indian Army PARA (Special Forces) and the Indian Navy MARINE COMMANDOS (MARCOS) in Sikkim at an altitude of 17000 ft, from August 30 to September 5, 2025.
During the training, participants carried out open circuit air diving, closed circuit pure oxygen diving, dives up to a depth of 17 metres in extreme cold-water conditions, and combat night diving.
Conducted amidst treacherous terrain and freezing waters, the exercise showcased the exceptional professionalism, adaptability and courage of the Special Forces of the Indian Army and the elite Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy. The high-altitude environment added unique challenges, reinforcing operational readiness and expanding the limits of combat diving capability.
Such training is essential to prepare soldiers for future battlefields where unpredictability is the only constant. Operating in rarefied high-altitude conditions, executing precision tasks in freezing waters, and integrating combat diving into joint operations strengthens resilience and versatility. Exercises of this nature also enhance jointmanship between the Services, sharpen specialised combat skills, and ensure that India’s elite forces remain mission-ready across diverse terrains—from the high Himalayas to the deep seas.
Speaking on the occasion, the Team Commander stated, “Training in these extreme conditions tests every aspect of a soldier’s endurance, skill and mental strength. It ensures that when called upon, our teams can operate effectively in any environment, no matter how harsh or demanding. This exercise reflects the spirit of jointmanship and the commitment of our elite forces to remain prepared for every challenge.”
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