In a strategic show of force and inter-service coordination, the Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps and the Indian Air Force carried out a Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) exercise at Umroi Military Station in Assam. The exercise demonstrated the ability of both forces to execute swift and coordinated troop deployments, reinforcing combat preparedness in the eastern sector.
The drill involved elite troops from the Tezpur-based Gajraj Corps being airlifted using IAF helicopters for rapid insertion into simulated operational zones. Equipped with advanced combat gear, the soldiers conducted multiple high-precision phases, including airborne insertion, tactical ground coordination, and mock engagement with enemy positions. The exercise emphasized operational synergy between air and ground units in complex terrain and high-intensity scenarios.
This SHBO exercise comes in the wake of several integrated training activities in the region. Notably, Exercise Yudh Kaushal 2.0 was held in March 2025 at the same location with participation from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, which provided technological support and innovation for battlefield scenarios. It also follows Exercise Winged Raider, focused on airborne special operations and attended by senior military leadership, including General Upendra Dwivedi and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
The Gajraj Corps, with a storied history dating back to its role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the liberation of Bangladesh, continues to play a critical role in India’s defense posture. The corps has remained operationally active in the region through counter-insurgency efforts like Operation Rhino in the 1990s, and now plays a pivotal role in preparing for both conventional and hybrid threats.
Military commanders underscored the strategic importance of these exercises in ensuring readiness across the northeastern states and Sikkim. The eastern frontier, which has seen historical tensions, particularly during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, remains a sensitive area where rapid force deployment is essential. The re-raising of the Gajraj Corps after that conflict has become a foundation for India’s modern defense strategy in the east.
The SHBO exercise at Umroi is a clear reflection of India’s evolving military doctrine—one that emphasizes jointness, speed, and technological integration. As regional and global security challenges grow more complex, such training ensures that Indian armed forces remain flexible, coordinated, and capable of responding decisively to emerging threats.
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