Akhand Prahar-II Exercise 2026
Why in News?
The Indian Army conducted Akhand Prahar-II in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on or around 18 October 2026. The exercise involved the Army’s Black Mace Brigade and Battle Axe Division and focused on combat readiness, technology-enabled operations and coordination among military resources.
The exercise aimed to test operational procedures under changing battlefield conditions and strengthen the integration of modern technology with conventional military capabilities.
About Exercise Akhand Prahar-II
Akhand Prahar-II followed the earlier edition, Akhand Prahar-I, and focused on testing combat procedures using next-generation military equipment and modern operational assets.
The exercise was conducted in a multi-dimensional operational environment in which participating formations practised rapid and precise action under evolving battlefield conditions. It emphasised the integration of technological capabilities with conventional military operations.
Lieutenant General AVS Rathi, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Konark Corps, commended the participating formations for their operational performance and combat readiness.
The exercise reflects the Indian Army’s efforts to improve preparedness for complex and technology-driven future conflicts.
Combined-Arms Operations and Technology Integration
Combined-arms operations involve coordinating different military capabilities to achieve a common operational objective. Depending on the mission, these capabilities may include infantry, armoured units, artillery, engineers and air-defence elements.
Akhand Prahar-II focused on improving coordination among military resources and testing operational procedures in a changing environment.
Technology-enabled operations can incorporate modern communication networks, surveillance systems, navigation tools and command-and-control capabilities. Their effective integration can help military formations improve situational awareness, decision-making speed and precision.
The exercise also highlighted the importance of adapting conventional combat capabilities to emerging battlefield requirements.
Jaisalmer and the Konark Corps
Jaisalmer is located in western Rajasthan, within the Thar Desert and near India’s international border with Pakistan. The region’s arid terrain makes it relevant for practising military procedures under desert and western-sector conditions.
The Konark Corps, also known as XII Corps, is headquartered in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It operates under the Indian Army’s South Western Command, headquartered in Jaipur.
A corps is a major field formation that generally comprises multiple divisions and supporting units. A General Officer Commanding is responsible for leading a designated Army formation.
Significance of Akhand Prahar-II
- Combat readiness: Tests the preparedness of participating formations under demanding operational conditions.
- Technology integration: Encourages the use of modern equipment alongside conventional military capabilities.
- Operational coordination: Improves coordination among units and military resources.
- Future warfare preparedness: Helps the Army adapt its procedures to rapidly evolving battlefield technologies.
- Desert operations: Provides an opportunity to practise in the distinctive terrain and environmental conditions of western Rajasthan.
Akhand Prahar-II: Important Facts for Exams
- Exercise: Akhand Prahar-II.
- Organiser: Indian Army.
- Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- Date: On or around 18 October 2026.
- Participating formations: Black Mace Brigade and Battle Axe Division.
- Konark Corps: Also known as XII Corps; headquartered in Jodhpur.
- South Western Command headquarters: Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- Key focus: Combat readiness, combined coordination and technology-enabled operations.
- Terrain: Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan.
