Paris– The eighth edition of the Indo-French joint military exercise Shakti is gaining momentum in Southern France as Indian and French troops prepare to deploy to the Agde region following a week of intensive training.
Held at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, the Indian Army contingent — led by a battalion from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles — has been conducting joint drills with the French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade. The focus has been on operational cooperation, interoperability, and sharing best practices in sub-conventional warfare scenarios.
The two-week-long exercise, running from June 18 to July 1, highlights the deepening defense partnership between India and France. Key components of the drills include combat shooting in semi-developed terrain, tactical planning, advanced obstacle courses, and joint maneuvers designed to simulate real battlefield conditions.
“The combat shooting phase has showcased the next-generation small arms of both countries,” said an Indian Army spokesperson. “The Indian Army demonstrated the effectiveness and precision of its modern indigenous weapon systems, well-suited for diverse tactical environments.”
Meanwhile, the French forces fielded advanced frontline weaponry known for accuracy and durability. According to the spokesperson, “The synergy displayed during live firing exercises and tactical movements reflected the high level of operational readiness and combat expertise on both sides.”
In response to modern threats, the exercise also incorporates Electronic Warfare (EW) training, aimed at strengthening electromagnetic spectrum operations and secure field communications. With unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) posing increasing global security challenges, Indian and French troops are jointly training on Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), including hands-on use of anti-drone technologies.
A major highlight of Shakti-VIII is the joint engagement in the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP), designed to enhance mission planning, command coordination, and real-time response capabilities. These collaborative sessions are helping refine tactical procedures and improve joint execution strategies.
Held biennially, Exercise Shakti has evolved into a cornerstone of the Indo-French strategic partnership. It plays a vital role in strengthening military-to-military ties, advancing defense technology collaboration, and promoting shared goals of regional stability and collective security. (Source: IANS)
