Exercise Agni Varsha 2026 in Rajasthan | 28 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Integrated Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise (IFME) ‘Agni Varsha’ was conducted by the Indian Army at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, showcasing the Army’s enhanced combat readiness, jointness, and precision firepower in a desert warfare environment.

Key Points:

• Nature of Exercise: Integrated Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise (IFME)
• Location: Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer
• Operational Environment: Desert and semi-desert terrain
• Objective: Validation of offensive operations, synchronised manoeuvre, and precision firepower under near-battlefield conditions
• Integrated Combat Power: The drill showcased the coordinated employment of combined arms, including mechanised forces, artillery, and aviation elements.
• Participating Platforms and Systems:The "Integrated Manoeuvre Force" utilised a wide array of indigenous and advanced weapon systems: 
  • Armoured & Mechanised: T-90 Main Battle Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs).
  • Artillery: K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, Sharang, and Bofors artillery systems, along with precision strike rocket platforms.
  • Aviation: Indigenous ALH Dhruv Weapon System Integrated (WSI) helicopters and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.
  • Drones: A range of surveillance and strike drones for multi-domain operations.
• Technology Infusion: It incorporated contemporary battlefield technologies such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-drone measures, and networked surveillance assets.
• International Presence: The event was witnessed by foreign defence journalists from 25 friendly countries, highlighting India's evolving warfighting doctrine and credible deterrence posture.