By IANS
Jalandhar (Punjab) : Over 15,000 troops, 150 battle tanks, armoury, attack helicopters and fighter jets from the army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in a four-day combat exercise to be held jointly by both the forces in Punjab starting May 11.
The exercise called 'Shatrunash' (destruction of the enemy) is a sequel to an exercise carried out in May last year called 'Sanghe Shakti' (combined force).
The ground and air exercise will be conducted by the Vajra Corps of the army and assisted by formations of the IAF, a defence spokesman said here.
It will be a day and night affair and will be held in open areas of Nakodar and Jagraon sub-divisions in Punjab.
"The exercise aims to give troops a real life experience of their task besides achieving synergy between the army and IAF," he said.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), long-range observation systems, modern radars, air space management and defence support systems will be used during the exercise, which will also check the battle readiness of men and technology.
Shatrunash will be carried out by the western command under Lt Gen Daljeet Singh.
The army and civil administration has also sought the cooperation of the people in rural areas, where the exercise will be conducted.