Military Drill At Farakka Barrage In West Bengal
In this phase, the Special Forces (SF) commandos from the Army and Navy– Para (SF) and MARCOS respectively– used the helocasting technique and low-level water insertion from an IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter
Kolkata: In a first since the political turmoil in Bangladesh, the Indian armed forces conducted a two-day joint training exercise at Farrakka Barrage in Murshidabad of West Bengal.
The barrage is barely 18 km away from Sahibganj in the neighbouring country. The high-threat response drill saw the three Indian Army, Navy and Air Force carrying out a helocasting phase on August 7 and 8.
In this phase, the Special Forces (SF) commandos from the Army and Navy– Para (SF) and MARCOS respectively– used the helocasting technique and low-level water insertion from an IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter.
Helocasting is a method where troops exit a low-flying helicopter over water and swim or use boats to reach their target, allowing for stealthy and rapid insertion. The aim of the exercise was to practise waterborne SF training and the insertion through water bodies to secure strategic assets.
It also sought to enhance tri-services synergy and strengthen integration between the three defence services. The jointmanship, precision, and teamwork displayed during the exercise demonstrated the high level of operational readiness among the three services.
33 Corps of the Eastern Command stated on X-handle, “Swift, Silent, Lethal! In a high-intensity training exercise showcasing tri-services synergy, Special Forces from the #IndianArmy & #IndianNavy were inserted by #IndianAirForce platforms in the waters of #Farrakka Barrage, honing high-threat response drills to secure strategic assets. We are ready for all eventualities against all adversaries.”