Published: 27 February 2026ETV Bharat / Defence XP / Indian Defence NewsDefence Security
Exercise Agni Varsha 2026: Indian Army Demonstrates Integrated Desert Combat Power at Pokhran, Rajasthan
AQuick answer
Exercise Agni Varsha (Feb 24–28, 2026) at Pokhran, Rajasthan saw India's Southern Command demonstrate integrated desert combat power featuring T-90 tanks, K-9 Vajra howitzers, Apache helicopters, and drone warfare, observed by defence journalists from 25 countries.
On February 24–28, 2026, the Southern Command of the Indian Army conducted the Integrated Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise (IFME) 'Agni Varsha' at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The exercise showcased the Army's enhanced combat readiness, jointness, and precision firepower in a desert warfare environment near the international border.
Agni Varsha incorporated a range of modern battlefield technologies and platforms: T-90 Bhishma tanks, K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, Bofors artillery systems, precision rocket platforms, indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Weapon System Integrated (WSI), AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, and both strike and surveillance drones. The exercise validated the coordinated use of combined arms, precision long-range fire capabilities, and network-enabled command and control systems in realistic combat scenarios. Unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone measures were prominently featured, reflecting India's evolution toward multi-domain operations. Significantly, the exercise was observed by foreign defence journalists from 25 countries, underlining India's strategic messaging in the desert sector. The Pokhran ranges — historically famous as the site of India's nuclear tests in 1974 (Pokhran-I) and 1998 (Pokhran-II) — serve as a key testing and training ground for the Army's offensive capabilities.
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CoverageRajasthanSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceETV Bharat / Defence XP / Indian Defence News
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Exercise Agni Varsha 2026, conducted by the Indian Army at Pokhran, primarily belongs to which current-affairs category?
Explanation · Correct answer BExercise Agni Varsha was an Indian Army integrated fire and manoeuvre exercise at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. It showcased tanks, artillery, helicopters, drones and multi-domain combat integration, so it belongs primarily to the Science and Technology/defence technology category rather than economy, governance or environment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Agni Varsha 2026 and where was it held?
Exercise Agni Varsha 2026 was a major Indian Army combat demonstration exercise held at Pokhran in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan from February 24 to 28, 2026. It was conducted by India's Southern Command to showcase integrated desert combat capabilities involving multiple arms — armour, artillery, aviation, and drone warfare.
What weapon systems were demonstrated during Exercise Agni Varsha 2026?
The exercise showcased T-90 Bhishma main battle tanks, K-9 Vajra self-propelled tracked howitzers, Apache attack helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for modern warfare. The demonstration highlighted joint arms integration — combining ground forces with aerial fire support and drone surveillance/strike capabilities.
What is K-9 Vajra and who manufactures it?
K-9 Vajra is a 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled artillery howitzer manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) under licence from South Korea's Hanwha Defence. It is specifically optimised for desert warfare conditions and was inducted into the Indian Army for operations along the Rajasthan desert front facing Pakistan.
Why is Pokhran significant historically and strategically?
Pokhran in Jaisalmer district holds dual significance: historically, it was the site of India's nuclear tests — Pokhran-I (Operation Smiling Buddha, 1974) and Pokhran-II (Operation Shakti, 1998). Strategically, the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges (PFFR) are India's largest military testing grounds, ideal for desert combat exercises due to the Thar Desert terrain near the Pakistan border.
What is the strategic role of India's Southern Command in the context of Rajasthan's border?
India's Southern Command (headquartered in Pune) is responsible for the western desert sector, including Rajasthan's border with Pakistan. The Thar Desert terrain along this border is considered the world's largest tank-compatible desert, making it critical for armoured warfare planning. Southern Command demonstrated multi-domain integrated combat capability at Agni Varsha to signal operational readiness.
