Operation Trishul: Army and Air Force Showcase Combat Readiness in ‘Maru Jwala’

• The Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) have successfully conducted a joint high-intensity war exercise named “Maru Jwala” in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan , close to the Pakistan border , as part of the 12-day-long “Operation Trishul.” The exercise demonstrated India’s combat readiness, battlefield integration, and technological innovation in desert warfare environments.

Joint Operations and Desert Warfare Simulation

• “Maru Jwala” simulated precision strikes on enemy installations and terrorist hideouts through coordinated air-ground missions . The exercise began with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) identifying targets and issuing evacuation alerts to civilian zones. Armoured regiments , supported by mechanised infantry and IAF strike units , conducted simultaneous multi-directional assaults, reflecting the military’s growing focus on real-time intelligence sharing and network-centric warfare .

Use of Advanced Technology and AI Systems

• The exercise integrated AI-driven logistics , robotic mule dogs , and autonomous drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and supply delivery. T-90 Bhishma tanks led the armoured thrust, supported by attack helicopters for aerial cover. These innovations underscore the Army’s push for indigenisation and automation under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, enhancing operational efficiency and self-reliance in future conflicts.

Command and Oversight

• The exercise was led by the Southern Command under the supervision of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth (PVSM, AVSM) , General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C). He commended the “Konark Corps” and “Battle Axe Division” for demonstrating the Army’s “JAI Mantra” — Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation.

Exam Pointers

• Exercise Name: Maru Jwala (part of Operation Trishul)

• Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (near Pakistan border)

• Led by: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, GOC-in-C Southern Command

• Duration: 12 days

• Key Elements: AI-based logistics, drones, T-90 tanks, robotic mule dogs

• Parallel Drill: Konark Corps’ “Exercise Akhand Prahar”

Strategic Significance

The exercise validated India’s ability to conduct multi-domain, high-tempo operations integrating land and air assets . It reinforces the Army’s readiness for swift, coordinated responses along the western front, reflecting India’s evolving defence doctrine focused on technology, speed, and precision.