AstraShakti Exercise: India Displays Next-Gen Combat Prowess in Ladakh

In a powerful display of military might, India’s Northern Command executed the ‘AstraShakti’ exercise amidst the stark, freezing landscapes of Ladakh. This high-altitude drill was a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge warfare technologies and tactical prowess. Featured prominently were precision artillery barrages, coordinated swarm drone strikes, and advanced counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capabilities, all conducted under the watchful eye of Lt Gen Pratik Sharma. The exercise is a clear signal of India’s updated military doctrine, emphasizing rapid response and technological superiority. AstraShakti also highlighted the critical synergy between specialized mountain warfare units and border guarding forces, with joint commando exercises alongside the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) underscoring this vital coordination. The successful execution served as a ‘thunderous validation’ of India’s multi-domain warfare capabilities, integrating land, air, and electronic warfare domains effectively. This exercise underscores the Indian Army’s adaptation to the ‘New Normal,’ a strategic shift towards treating any hostile act as an act of war and bolstering military preparedness with advanced technology and extensive night operations, where 70% of drills are now conducted.