The Indian Army's Southern Command successfully conducted a large-scale Drone and Counter-Drone Exercise, 'VAYU SAMANVAY-II', from October 28–29, 2025, in forward areas of the Desert Sector under Southern Command. The two-day exercise, conducted under the aegis of Southern Command, validated Army preparedness for next-generation warfare by integrating aerial and ground assets with multi-domain command-and-control centres in a realistic Electronic Warfare environment. The exercise focused on developing doctrinal precepts for Drone and Counter-Drone operations, showcasing joint interoperability between various arms of the Indian Army. Lessons from the exercise will directly contribute to capability development and accelerated induction of Drone and Counter-Drone systems. The exercise is significant for Rajasthan given the state's strategic position along the western border.
Indian Army Conducts Vayu Samanvay-II Large-Scale Drone and Counter-Drone Exercise in Rajasthan Desert
The Indian Army's Southern Command successfully conducted a large-scale Drone and Counter-Drone Exercise, 'VAYU SAMANVAY-II', from October 28–29, 2025, in forward areas of the Desert Sector under Southern Command. The two-day exercise, conducted under the aegis of Southern Command, validated Army preparedness for next-generation warfare by integrating aerial and ground assets with multi-domain command-and-control centres in a realistic Electronic Warfare environment. The exercise focused on developing doctrinal precepts for Drone and Counter-Drone operations, showcasing joint interoperability between various arms of the Indian Army. Lessons from the exercise will directly contribute to capability development and accelerated induction of Drone and Counter-Drone systems. The exercise is significant for Rajasthan given the state's strategic position along the western border.
Key facts
- Indian Army's Southern Command conducted Vayu Samanvay-II exercise on October 28–29, 2025.
- Large-scale Drone and Counter-Drone exercise held in Rajasthan's Thar Desert near Pakistan border.
- Exercise validated Army preparedness for next-generation warfare with multi-domain integration.
- Focused on developing doctrinal precepts for Drone and Counter-Drone operations.
- Showcased joint interoperability between various arms of the Indian Army.
- Lessons will contribute to accelerated induction of Drone and Counter-Drone systems.
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In which desert region did the Indian Army conduct the large-scale Drone and Counter-Drone Exercise VAYU SAMANVAY-II from October 28-29, 2025?
The exercise was conducted under Southern Command in forward areas of the Desert Sector, specifically Rajasthan's Thar Desert region near the Pakistan border, to validate preparedness for next-generation warfare.
Source: PIB / IBC World News / The Week
Frequently asked questions
What is Vayu Samanvay-II and where was it conducted?
Vayu Samanvay-II is a large-scale Drone and Counter-Drone exercise conducted by the Indian Army's Southern Command. It was held on October 28–29, 2025, in forward areas of the Desert Sector — Rajasthan's Thar Desert near the Pakistan border. The exercise tested real-world integration of aerial and ground assets in an Electronic Warfare environment.
Which Command of the Indian Army organised Vayu Samanvay-II?
Vayu Samanvay-II was organised under the aegis of the Indian Army's Southern Command. Southern Command is responsible for India's western and south-western theatre, which includes the strategically important Rajasthan desert sector bordering Pakistan.
What were the key objectives of the Vayu Samanvay-II exercise?
The exercise aimed to validate Army preparedness for next-generation warfare by integrating aerial and ground assets with multi-domain command-and-control centres. It focused on developing doctrinal precepts for Drone and Counter-Drone operations, showcasing joint interoperability among various Army arms, and generating lessons to accelerate induction of drone systems.
Why is the Thar Desert region significant for military exercises involving drones?
The Thar Desert in Rajasthan borders Pakistan and is a critical operational theatre for the Indian Army's Western front. Its open terrain, extreme climatic conditions, and proximity to an international border make it an ideal realistic setting for testing drone swarms, counter-drone systems, and Electronic Warfare integration under conditions similar to actual conflict scenarios.
What long-term impact will Vayu Samanvay-II have on Indian Army capabilities?
The lessons learnt from Vayu Samanvay-II are expected to accelerate the induction and operationalisation of Drone and Counter-Drone systems across the Indian Army. The exercise will inform the development of doctrines, standard operating procedures, and procurement priorities for unmanned aerial systems, positioning the Army for next-generation warfare involving drone-dominated battlefields.
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