Army Troops, Air Force Choppers Conduct Joint Exercise "Gagan Strike"

Army's Kharga Corps and the Air Force conducted joint exercise 'Gagan strike' in Punjab

The Army's Kharga Corps and the Air Force conducted joint exercise 'Gagan strike' in Punjab, a defence release said on Friday.

The exercise comprised the deployment of attack helicopters as the aerial arm in support of ground forces carrying out drills, practising annihilation of enemy defences and deep penetration, it said.

The exercise also showcased precision firepower of the attack helicopters in coordination with ground forces' mechanised columns.

It validated the Apache 64E and Advanced Light Helicopter WSI as potent weapons delivery platforms. The force multiplier effect of combining these machines with ground operations has enhanced the forces' combat superiority, the release said.

The joint exercise, spearheaded by General Officer Commanding, Khagra Corps, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, was conducted over four days.

Ex GAGAN STRIKE with ground forces & Attack Helicopters commenced in a scenario of swift penetration by ground forces into enemy territory. The exercise achieves synergy between combat elements & aims towards superior offensive capability of #IndianArmy#KhargaCorps@adgpipic.twitter.com/A4VHslBIoK

— Western Command - Indian Army (@westerncomd_IA) September 8, 2022

Lt Gen Nav K Khanduri, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, witnessed the exercise. He exhorted the combat forces to continue to evolve such concepts and remain prepared to counter any contingency on the western borders, according to the release.

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