The Army is conducting a massive military exercise in Rajasthan involving troops, tanks, artillery guns and fighter aircraft. The exercise called Sudarshan Shakti, is being conducted in Barmer-Jaisalmer sector jointly by the Southern Command, headquartered in Jodhpur, and the Ahmedabad-based South-Western Air Command. Our correspondent reports, the exercise is being led by the 21 Corps of the Southern Army.

AIR correspondent reports, exercise Sudarshan Shakti is being primarily conducted to sharpen the skills of the forces and keep them battle ready in synergy with other services. The military manoeuvres involve around 50,000 troops and more than 500 tanks and artillery guns. Indian Air Force and Navy will provide tactical and strategic support. The exercise aims to test the newly introduced radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, surveillance systems, precision guided bombs and missiles and space-based assets. The exercise is based on the Integrated Theatre Concept where various defence wings and military elements have to participate in a single cohesive format during war. The exercise which to culminate in the middle of the month, will be witnessed by the Supreme Commander of forces Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Defence Minister Mr. A. K. Antony and all the service chiefs, on Monday.