Indian Army and Air Force Validate Combat Readiness in Joint Exercise Josh 2 -26

NEW DELHI, June 6, 2026 — The Indian Air Force Western Air Command joined forces with the Indian Army Northern, Western, and South Western Commands to conduct Exercise Josh 2-26 along the Western front.

The joint military exercise focused on honing advanced combat skills and refining inter-service coordination within an integrated operational environment.A key highlight of the exercise was the utilization of the Integrated Air Command and Control System of the air force, which proved instrumental in significantly reducing sensor-to-shooter time.

The automated system successfully demonstrated its high data-linking capacity, operational redundancy, and overall robustness. Additionally, the army’s Akashteer air defense automated control system seamlessly plugged into the air force platform, complementing sustained, high-tempo joint operations across inhospitable terrains.

The training maneuvers also focused on fine-tuning airspace coordination procedures to enable seamless, parallel civil and military aviation operations. Embracing a comprehensive national approach, joint-user airfields, strategic assets, and regional resources were optimally utilized to solidify operational concepts.

The joint exercise succeeded in simulating a near-realistic combat environment within an integrated framework, placing major emphasis on technology integration and civil-military fusion under highly challenging scenarios.