(Reported By Pankaj Sharma)
The Indo-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII is currently underway at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, in Southern France, with both contingents engaged in intensive joint training to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual confidence.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising an all-arms team led by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and the French Army’s 13^e Foreign Legion Half-Brigade(13e DBLE), are undertaking a wide array of mission-focused drills aimed at sub-conventional operations. Core activities include combat shooting in semi-developed terrain, obstacle crossings, joint planning exercises, and advanced obstacle course training, simulating realistic battlefield conditions.
The combat shooting component has showcased the latest generation of small arms from both nations. The Indian Army demonstrated the reliability, modularity, and precision of its new-generation indigenous inventory, suitable for a variety of tactical environments. The French contingent employed frontline weapon systems renowned for their accuracy, versatility, and ruggedness. The synergy during live firing and tactical manoeuvres reflected the high standards of operational readiness and combat proficiency of both forces.
Specialist teams also participated in dedicated Electronic Warfare (EW) modules, alongside their French counterparts to enhance electromagnetic dominance and secure communications. In response to modern aerial threats, both sides jointly trained on Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) technology, including live demonstrations of cutting-edge platforms capable of neutralising rogue drones in operational settings.
Joint planning activities, including the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP), are further refining mission integration, command responsiveness, and operational coherence. The exercise continues to act as a powerful medium for exchanging best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
Exercise SHAKTI-VIII reflects the depth of Indo-French defence cooperation, reaffirming shared commitment to regional stability, technological collaboration, and collective security objectives.
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