Joint Desert Readiness in the Fifth Harimau Shakti Edition

Exercise Overview

Joint Desert Readiness in the Fifth Harimau Shakti Edition: India and Malaysia have launched the fifth edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti in the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges of Rajasthan. The exercise is scheduled from 5 to 18 December 2025, with both armies focusing on improved coordination in sub-conventional and counter-terror operations. The desert terrain adds a specialised dimension to the training, reflecting the growing need for multi-environment operational readiness.
Static GK fact: Rajasthan is India’s largest state by area, known for hosting key military ranges used for armoured and artillery drills.

Evolution of Harimau Shakti

The exercise began in 2012 as a bilateral training platform between the two armies. Earlier editions were primarily conducted in Malaysia’s dense jungles, centering on counter-insurgency and close-terrain warfare. The 2025 edition marks a notable shift, introducing desert warfare concepts and long-range visibility manoeuvres.
Static GK Tip: India and Malaysia share defence cooperation under the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership framework.

Participating Units

The Indian Army is represented by the Dogra Regiment, an infantry unit known for its operational history across high-altitude and desert sectors. The 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army forms the Malaysian contingent. Their joint participation enables structured sharing of tactics, endurance techniques, and mission planning skills.

Training Objectives

The core of this edition focuses on operations under UN Chapter VII, which allows enforcement actions to maintain international security. Troops will conduct heliborne insertions, tactical approaches, and securing of temporary helipads under simulated threat conditions. Training modules also include cordon and search, room clearance, casualty evacuation, and Combat Reflex Shooting for close-quarter engagements.
Static GK fact: The United Nations was established in 1945, with peacekeeping and peace enforcement forming major pillars of its mandate.

Physical and Tactical Preparedness

The curriculum features the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) and yoga sessions to improve agility and mental composure. Drills are designed to enhance reaction speed and situational awareness, especially in high-stress environments. Desert conditions introduce challenges such as heat management and extended observation arcs.

Strategic Significance

This edition highlights the deepening defence engagement between India and Malaysia, reinforcing diplomatic and security linkages in the Indo-Pacific region. The collaborative framework strengthens interoperability and builds trust between the two forces.
Static GK fact: The Indo-Pacific region accounts for nearly half of global trade, making maritime and regional security a shared priority.

Key Shifts in the 2025 Edition

Transitioning from jungle to desert operations marks a major evolution in the exercise. Heliborne and reflex-shooting components reflect preparation for rapid-response missions and asymmetric threats. The renewed focus on multi-terrain adaptability shows the armies’ commitment to advanced joint mission readiness.

Regional and Operational Impact

By aligning with UN Chapter VII training standards, the exercise contributes to broader global peace enforcement capabilities. It enhances the preparedness of both nations to handle international crisis situations requiring decisive action. The cooperation also strengthens stability efforts across the Indo-Pacific landscape.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Joint Desert Readiness in the Fifth Harimau Shakti Edition: