EXERCISE GARUDA SHAKTI
What is the News?
India and Indonesia have started the 10th edition of their Joint Special Forces Exercise “GARUDA SHAKTI”.
- Location: Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
- Dates: 03 to 12 December 2025
This exercise is conducted regularly to improve defence cooperation between the two countries.
PARTICIPATING FORCES
Indian Contingent
- From The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
- This is one of India’s elite special operations units
Indonesian Contingent
- From the Indonesian Special Forces
- Highly trained in counter-terrorism and special missions
Both teams are trained to operate in tough and hostile conditions.
PURPOSE OF THE EXERCISE
The main aim of GARUDA SHAKTI is to:
- Improve mutual understanding
- Increase cooperation
- Enhance interoperability
Interoperability means: Ability of forces from different countries to work together smoothly during real operations.
NATURE OF THE TRAINING
The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations.
Training is conducted at troop level, meaning:
- Small units
- Close coordination
- Realistic combat situations
The training area includes semi-mountainous terrain, similar to many operational areas.
KEY TRAINING AREAS COVERED
During GARUDA SHAKTI, soldiers train in:
- Unarmed combat techniques
- Combat shooting drills
- Sniping operations
- Heliborne operations
(Operations using helicopters for insertion and extraction)
- Drone operations
- Counter-UAS (anti-drone) techniques
- Planning for loitering munition strikes
This reflects modern battlefield requirements, where technology and mobility are very important.
EXCHANGE OF OPERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Apart from physical training, the exercise also includes:
- Sharing experiences
- Learning about each other’s:
- Weapons
- Equipment
- Tactics
- Operational procedures
This exchange helps both sides upgrade their skills and adapt to new threats.
FOCUS ON PHYSICAL & MENTAL READINESS
The exercise places strong emphasis on:
- High physical fitness
- Tough tactical drills
- High-intensity combat training
This helps:
- Improve endurance
- Build teamwork
- Increase confidence among troops
CONCLUSION
The GARUDA SHAKTI joint exercise shows the commitment of India and Indonesia to:
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
- Defence preparedness
- Strong bilateral relations
Such exercises prepare forces to handle real-world security challenges together.
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