India is set to conduct a major tri-services military exercise, ‘Ex Trishul’, along the Pakistan border from October 30 to November 10. The large-scale drill will bring together the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance coordination and combat readiness, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued for restricted airspace along India’s western frontier. The reserved airspace extends up to 28,000 feet, indicating the exercise’s scale and operational depth.
Satellite imagery analyst Damien Symon shared visuals on X, describing the area and scope of the exercise as “unusual” due to its size and strategic positioning.
India has issued a notification for a Tri-Services Exercise along its western border with Pakistan, the chosen area & scale of activity are unusual
Date | 30 October- 10 November 2025 pic.twitter.com/IsDdLs0x0k
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) October 24, 2025
Focus on Joint Operations and Innovation
According to the Defence Ministry, ‘Ex Trishul’ will demonstrate India’s growing emphasis on Jointness, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation — the three pillars of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s JAI vision for the Armed Forces.
Troops from the Southern Command will lead key operations across multiple terrains, including:
- Offensive manoeuvres in creek and desert sectors
- Amphibious operations along the Saurashtra coast
- Multi-domain missions involving Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Cyber operations
Use of Indigenous Defence Systems
The exercise will also highlight India’s indigenous defence capabilities, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
A PIB press release said that Ex Trishul will “showcase the effective use of indigenous systems, demonstrate the application of Atmanirbharta in operational practices, and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures to address emerging threats and the evolving nature of modern and future warfare.”
The training aims to strengthen inter-service coordination, test integrated command systems, and prepare forces for high-intensity modern conflicts.
Soldiers Train Through Festive Season
While India celebrated Diwali and related festivities earlier this month, troops from the Southern Command continued operational training in the field. The Defence Ministry praised their commitment to national defence, stating that soldiers have been “undergoing rigorous training in preparation for the upcoming tri-services exercise.”
Exercise Amid Rising Tensions
The upcoming drill comes amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025. The precision air campaign targeted terror infrastructure across the border in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
Military experts believe Ex Trishul will serve as both a deterrent message and a readiness assessment for India’s armed forces along its western frontier.
A Shift Toward Integrated Warfare
‘Ex Trishul’ is not just a display of strength — it marks India’s transition toward integrated, technology-driven warfare. By combining cyber, space, and electronic warfare capabilities with traditional firepower, the Indian Armed Forces are preparing for the next generation of conflicts.
Defence analysts say this integration of land, air, and sea assets reflects India’s new strategic doctrine — one that prioritizes speed, synergy, and self-reliance across all domains of battle.
