JAISALMER: More than half a dozen combat and attack helicopters of the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps, including the powerful AH-64E Apache indigenous HAL Rudra and others combat attacking helicopters , conducted operational training over the desert terrain of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district near the India-Pakistan international border on Thursday & Friday .The helicopters were seen flying over stretches of the Bharatmala Highway, other roads and vast sandy dunes as part of a drill focused on rapid manoeuvring, highway landing and take-off, and preparedness for quick response during battlefield and emergency situations.In a significant demonstration, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters , ALH Rudra, and others combat helicopters were seen landing directly on a stretch of the Bharatmala Highway before taking off again.The exercise showcased the Army’s ability to operate helicopters from alternative landing zones instead of relying solely on conventional airbases or prepared helipads.Defense sources said Army Aviation units periodically conduct such drills to train pilots and ground crews to operate from roads and other suitable alternative locations.During war or emergencies, conventional airbases or helipads could be damaged, unavailable or unsuitable for operations.Wide and robust highways can serve as temporary landing zones, allowing rapid movement of troops and essential supplies, as well as casualty evacuation when conventional aviation facilities are unavailable.As part of the exercise, the Army also demonstrated helicopter operations from a helipad established amid the sand dunes in forward desert areas.The Apache and indigenous Rudra helicopters displayed their operational capabilities in the demanding desert environment.The drill highlighted the strategic utility of highways constructed under the Bharatmala project in border areas, which are wide and strong enough to potentially support emergency aviation operations during wartime or disaster situations.The activity comes shortly after the Indian Air Force conducted Exercise ROTOR CLAP-III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range earlier this month.The high-intensity helicopter exercise focused on countering threats from drones and unmanned aerial systems.The sudden roar of combat helicopters over the desert near the international border drew considerable attention from local residents.Within minutes, more than six military helicopters were seen operating around and landing on a major road, with Army personnel and officers conducting operational activities.The exercise underscored the Army’s emphasis on operational continuity, rapid mobility and the ability to sustain combat operations from unconventional locations.It also demonstrated preparedness for critical activities such as refuelling, weapon loading and casualty evacuation without complete dependence on conventional airbases.The Apache, one of the most capable attack helicopters in the Army’s inventory, forms a key component of India’s evolving air-land warfare capability, providing close air support to ground forces and engaging battlefield threats in challenging operational environments.The Jaisalmer drill demonstrated the Army’s readiness to operate from unconventional locations and maintain rapid mobility and combat capability under demanding battlefield and emergency conditions.
