Trishul, Astra Shakti, and the rise of Rudra Brigades How the armed forces are preparing for tomorrow’s wars First Post 04 Nov 2025
https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/trishul-astra-shakti-rudra-brigades-india-military-preparedness-13947771.html
Trishul, Astra Shakti, and the rise of Rudra Brigades: How the armed forces are preparing for tomorrow’s wars First Post 04 Nov 2025
The armed forces are currently undergoing a series of exercises as also there are reports of restructuring within the army. These are a fallout of studies, lessons from recent conflicts, including the Russo-Ukraine war and Operation Sindoor, as also a possible stepping stone to the creation of theatre commands. At the same time there are roadblocks emerging in the formation of theatre commands, with the air force having its concerns, including paucity in its holdings.
Major exercises currently underway are aimed at testing joint capabilities and integrated employment of power against our major adversaries on possible operational scenarios.
A media report mentioned that the Army’s northern command conducted Exercise Astra Shakti in Ladakh recently. The exercise was aimed at validating precision artillery firepower, use of swarm drones and counter-unmanned aerial surveillance systems alongside commando operations and synergy with the ITBP, which is deployed in a number of posts. The exercise was witnessed by the army commander. The intent was to validate the armed forces capability to respond to Chinese and Pakistan’s actions in the region.
Simultaneously the armed forces are undertaking a 12-day tri-service exercise named Trishul, in Rajasthan and Gujarat, close to the border. As per an army statement the exercise involves, ‘special force commandos from the army and navy, missile batteries, warships, battle tanks, and attack aircraft, including the Rafale and the Sukhoi Su-30, carrying out simulated offensive strikes into southern Pak, to test the Indian armed forces’ readiness in a post-Sindoor scenario.’ Approximately 40,000 troops are participating.
These will be followed by Exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar in Mechuka Sector of Arunachal Pradesh shortly. The exercises also include multi-domain operations including cyber, space and electronic warfare.
Exercise Trishul is reported to be a message to Pakistan considering its enhanced interest in Sir Creek, based on reports of possible oil and gas reserves in the region. Reports mention that Pakistan’s naval chief has made few quiet visits to the region as also there are inputs of increased construction of defences by Pakistan. The exercise sends a firm message to Pakistan that any misadventure will be responded to.
India issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), restricting its airspace upto a ceiling of 28,000 ft till 10 Nov around the region of the exercise. This indicates that the exercise would involve live missile and naval firing as also a collection of manoeuvres by the air force in the Arabian Sea. In panic, Pakistan also issued a similar notification covering regions close to the exercise and has also placed its forces on alert.
While the intent is to convey a strong message to Pakistan, the exercise will also test coordination and cohesion amongst the three services as a display of how theatre commands could operate. In addition, the exercise will tie down multiple Pak formations at a time when it is battling freedom movements in its western provinces.
The army on its part is also raising Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions and Ashni drone platoons. Thus far, two Rudra all arms task-oriented brigades and five Bhairav light commando battalions have been raised. These have been deployed against both, northern and western adversaries. They will have both offensive as also defensive tasks. Rudra brigades would be a smaller, lighter and be a more effective force as compared to Integrated Battle groups which are already under raisings.
Ashni drone platoons are planned for 380 infantry battalions. Each platoon will comprise of strike and surveillance sections. Loitering ammunition and surveillance drones are already under procurement. Training of troops has also commenced. These new raisings have been tested in multiple exercises.
There are plans for more raisings of Rudra brigades and Bhairav battalions in the future. The next set of restructuring would involve existing artillery and mechanized units. Nag 2 missiles and upgraded infantry combat vehicles and tanks are also on the cards.
Artillery is already being upgraded to 155mm from the existing 105 and 130mm guns, with orders for the first set of guns already placed. Long range rockets are also being inducted. The modern battlefield necessitates guns to possess the capability to shoot and scoot, implying fast deployment, fire multiple bursts and move out before being targeted by enemy counter artillery fire or drones.
All these raisings are within existing manpower levels sanctioned. A major factor which needs consideration is that most equipment being inducted is being manufactured locally. Dependence on imports must be minimum. Funding from the government also needs to be a continuous process. Restrictions on funds will impact restructuring as it happened with the mountain strike corps.
Armed forces need to continuously evolve to meet changing nature of warfare. Future operations would be dominated by employment of air, missiles, drones and rockets, alongside operations of special forces. Simultaneously, conventional wars cannot be written off, as the Russo-Ukraine war has indicated. Troops are also needed to hold defensive positions along current frontlines.
China, which remains a major threat, would continue with its actions at local levels while maintaining force readiness for major operations. To counter Chinese intrusions, there is a need to create structures which can conduct similar operations at a near similar timeframe in areas of own choosing, considered sensitive to China. While this risks escalation, unless attempted, the response of the Chinese will never be known. Possibly Rudra brigades are ideal for this task.
India has simultaneously commenced the induction of the 800 Km range BrahMos missile. While the defence minister mentioned this as a counter to Pak, in reality it would be a major challenge for China as most of its bases, choke points on induction routes as also hardened shelters in its airbases close to the LAC would be within range. With development of infrastructure artillery could be deployed further forward enabling engaging targets in depth.
Pakistan is well aware of India’s military might. Thus far, it survived on nuclear rattling and information warfare, while its military hierarchy remains aware of the gap in conventional force structures. Operation Sindoor was just a teaser, with no army offensive formations mobilized. Future operations may be vastly different, with Exercise Trishul being just a sample.
Simultaneously there is a need to push for integration and jointness by creating theatre commands. Shortfalls in resources would always exist but measures to overcome must be found. Operation Sindoor model of centralized control cannot be adopted for a major conflict.
Further, as nature of operations change with induction of technology, force structuring should follow suit. Emphasis on indigenization must remain, alongside continuous financial support. It is only by displaying offensive and counterstrike capabilities can the nation achieve deterrence. Defensive capabilities are essential but will not deter an adversary who has limited aims or intends to embarrass the nation.