The tri-service exercise involving the special forces of the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force, code-named ‘Desert Hunt,’ concluded at the Indian Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on 28 February 2025.

The Desert Hunt exercise was conducted under the leadership of the Indian Air Force from 24-28 February 2028 at the Jodhpur Air Force Station.

The Indian Armed Forces are conducting a series of joint tri-services as part of the Indian government's effort to set up an integrated theatre command in India.

Under the integrated theatre command, the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces - Army, Navy, and the Air Force will work under one command.

In November 2024, the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy participated in a command-level tri-service theater exercise code-named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ along the India-China border.

The Desert Hunt exercise was supervised by senior officers of the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force.

Participants of the Desert Hunt

The Special Forces of the three wings of the armed forces participated in the Desert Hunt exercise. The Indian Army was represented by the elite Parachute Regiment (Special Force), the Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) of the Indian Navy, and the Garud Commando Force of the Indian Air Force.

Aim of the Desert Hunt Exercise

The Desert Hunt's aim was to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force’s Special Forces.

Interoperability means that the soldiers of the three services shall have the capability to use and operate the weapon system of the other services.

The focus of the exercise was to enhance their swift and effective response towards security threats in desert-like conditions.

During the exercise, the forces practiced airborne insertion, precision strikes, hostage rescuing hostages, and conducting counter-terrorism operations.

They also practised combat free falls and conducted urban warfare scenarios.

Also Read: Theatre Command Level EX Poorvi Prahar to commerce along China border