Exercise Desert Hunt 2025: Indian Tri-Service Special Forces Demonstrate Combat Readiness in Jodhpur
Jodhpur, March 1, 2025 – In a significant demonstration of joint operational capability, the Indian Armed Forces successfully conducted the integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise, ‘Exercise Desert Hunt 2025’, at Air Force Station Jodhpur from February 24 to 28, 2025. The high-intensity military drill brought together the Para (Special Forces) of the Indian Army, Marine Commandos (MARCOS) of the Indian Navy, and the Garud Commando Force of the Indian Air Force, who operated in a simulated combat environment designed to test and enhance their synergy, coordination, and combat preparedness.
A High-Intensity Joint Special Forces Exercise
The exercise aimed to strengthen interoperability, coordination, and real-time operational readiness among the three elite special forces units. Given the evolving nature of security threats, particularly those concerning cross-border terrorism, urban warfare, and hostage rescue operations, the exercise provided a vital training ground for refining joint response mechanisms.
During the five-day exercise, the Special Forces undertook a series of complex tactical maneuvers, including:
- Airborne insertion and rapid deployment of troops behind enemy lines.
- Precision strikes against simulated terrorist hideouts.
- Hostage rescue operations in high-risk conflict zones.
- Counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency drills under realistic urban warfare conditions.
- Combat free-fall operations demonstrating aerial infiltration and stealth attacks.
The exercise was conducted under simulated battle conditions, testing the combat readiness of the forces under extreme environmental stress, operational uncertainty, and high-intensity threat scenarios.
Senior Military Leadership Oversight
Senior officials from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force supervised the exercise, evaluating the performance of the Special Forces and ensuring that joint doctrines were validated. Their presence underscored the growing emphasis on seamless inter-service cooperation to tackle contemporary security challenges.
One of the key objectives of Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was to enhance joint planning, execution, and operational adaptability—all critical aspects for future special operations. As modern warfare continues to evolve, the need for rapid response forces capable of executing precise, high-stakes missions is paramount.
Strengthening India’s National Security Framework
This exercise reaffirmed the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to national security by reinforcing synergy among its elite Special Forces. The ability to integrate capabilities across the three services enhances India’s preparedness for hybrid warfare, cross-border threats, and counter-terrorism operations.
India’s special operations forces have been increasingly focusing on joint training exercises to prepare for real-world contingencies. Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 serves as a crucial step toward achieving a fully integrated, multi-domain operational capability, ensuring that India’s armed forces can effectively respond to any security challenge with speed, precision, and coordination.
The success of this exercise also highlights India’s commitment to building a robust defense strategy, ensuring the nation’s sovereignty and strengthening its operational readiness to counter emerging threats.
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