New Delhi, Dec 13 (ANI) — The fifth edition of Joint Exercise Harimau Shakti is underway at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, bringing together Indian and Malaysian Army units for two weeks of intensive, combined training (Dec 5–18).
The exercise is designed to deepen interoperability, sharpen tactical skills and reinforce mutual trust between the two armies through realistic, scenario-based drills. Participating troops are running a broad syllabus that mixes physical conditioning, small-unit tactics, heliborne operations and specialist familiarisation.
Key activities include Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) drills, helicopter slithering and low-hover jumps from Mi-17 helicopters, and counter-IED briefings and visits to dedicated training facilities to build awareness and handling procedures relevant to contemporary operational environments. A joint display of weapons and equipment — from company- and battalion-level systems to Next Generation Equipment and Weapons — highlights shared capabilities and complements practical training.
Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) modules form a major part of the programme. Troops received classroom instruction on CI/CT concepts followed by demonstrations of patrolling techniques. Mixed teams conducted joint patrolling rehearsals to improve coordination, situational responsiveness and mission planning under simulated operational conditions. These sessions were complemented by discussions focused on decision-making and cohesion during dynamic scenarios.
Ambush theory and practical demonstrations were used to enhance small-team offensive tactics, while a structured Command Post Exercise (CPX) tested tactical planning and battlefield management at the headquarters level. Live-firing practices and ambush manoeuvres further assessed weapons handling, fire control and combined action under pressure.
Slithering drills and heliborne insertion techniques were practised to prepare forces for operations in restrictive or dense terrain. Physical-fitness and unit-cohesion activities such as yoga and friendly sports events rounded out the schedule, promoting esprit de corps alongside combat readiness.
The exercise aims to jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, with an emphasis on synchronising responses during counter-terrorist operations. Participating units practiced tactical actions including cordon-and-search, search-and-destroy missions and heliborne insertions, as well as combat reflex shooting and other close-combat skills.
Through progressive modules that combine doctrine, hands-on drills and live exercises, Harimau Shakti 2025 seeks to elevate tactical proficiency, adaptability to modern battle-space demands and overall combined combat readiness — underscoring the deepening defence cooperation between India and Malaysia.
