Convergence of Joint Strategy on Sands of Mahajan: India–UK Joint Military Exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior–25’ concludes

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Posted by admin_kas on 2025-11-30 22:29:59 | Last Updated by admin_kas on 2025-12-01 04:04:06

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KS News Desk 

Bikaner, Nov 30: The eighth edition of the Indo-UK Joint Military Exercise Ajeya Warrior–25 formally concluded today at the Foreign Training Node located in the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges of Rajasthan.

Conducted from 17 to 30 November 2025, this 14-day exercise significantly strengthened the war-fighting capability, strategic coordination, and operational synergy between the armies of both nations on the rugged desert terrain.

A total of 240 soldiers participated, with equal representation from India and the United Kingdom.

The Indian Army’s Sikh Regiment and the British Army’s 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) under the 4th Light Brigade, First Division, jointly participated in the exercise. The Indian contingent was led by Colonel Neeraj Beniwal, while the British contingent was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson.

A special team of nearly 100 British soldiers arrived at Mahajan, where they trained in the harsh desert environment alongside Indian Army’s expert units.

The core focus of this joint exercise was to enhance counter-terrorism operations in urban environments and to strengthen the proficiency of joint missions.

Over two weeks, both armies trained in brigade-level mission planning, simulation-based tactical drills, and company-level field training based on realistic counter-terrorism scenarios.

The troops underwent extensive training in hybrid warfare, multi-domain operations, rapid deployment, and integrated war-fighting strategies.

The scorching sands of Mahajan provided the Indian Army an opportunity to showcase its desert warfare skills and counter-terror expertise.

Meanwhile, the British Army’s light infantry units reinforced their hallmark strengths of agility, rapid response, and high mobility under challenging conditions.

Operating as Combined Integrated Battle Teams (CIBT), soldiers from both nations collaborated at every step—planning, coordination, simulation drills, and final execution—setting new benchmarks in interoperability.

This year’s exercise stood out prominently due to the deployment and demonstration of India’s indigenous military technologies. DRDO’s MULE system, robotic support platforms, and the Ashni Drone Platoon showcased advanced capabilities during the drills.

British officers highly praised India’s home-grown systems, stating that such technologies would play a vital role in future warfare.

During the exercise, a ceremonial exchange of mementos took place between Lieutenant Colonel Peter Huldon Hart (CO, 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles) and Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson (Military Advisor, British High Commission).

On the concluding day, senior officers from both countries highlighted the achievements of the exercise. Brigadier Prayog Subba stated that Ajeya Warrior–25 had significantly enhanced the counter-terrorism and joint operational capabilities of both armies.

Indian contingent commander Colonel Neeraj Beniwal described the exercise as a unique opportunity for soldiers to gain learning, experience, and operational exposure.

British contingent leader Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson remarked that this exercise holds the same importance as the naval engagements conducted between the two nations in October.

He further added that the troops, by training in such demanding conditions, had set a remarkable example, and the United Kingdom is prepared to host the next edition of the exercise in 2027.

Lieutenant Colonel Haltonhart of the British Army described this unprecedented partnership as a major milestone in the military diplomacy between India and the UK.

During the final day’s joint demonstration, soldiers executed live counter-terrorism drills, including drone operations, urban warfare techniques, rapid intervention manoeuvres, and the employment of advanced weapons systems.

The closing ceremony reflected a strong message of friendship, cooperation, and enduring military partnership between the two nations.

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