In a powerful display of military precision and readiness, the tank crews of the Indian Army’s Battle Axe Division, under the Konark Corps, successfully executed a series of night operations in the arid deserts of Rajasthan. The exercise, conducted on the night of April 5, 2025, focused on honing the skills required for identifying and neutralizing targets in complete darkness, a critical capability for modern warfare in challenging terrains.
The Konark Corps, also known as the Desert Corps, is tasked with safeguarding India’s desert sectors along the western borders in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Stationed under the Southern Command in Pune, the corps has a long-standing history of preparing for high-stakes operations in one of the most inhospitable environments. Established on February 26, 1987, the corps draws its name and insignia from the Konark Sun Temple in Puri, symbolizing its radiant strength and strategic reach.
The night drills, aptly themed “Precision in the Dark,” involved advanced tank maneuvers, target identification, and precise destruction of simulated enemy positions. Images shared by the Konark Corps on social media captured the intensity of the operation: tanks kicking up clouds of dust under the cover of darkness, their turrets illuminated by flashes of gunfire, and a fiery explosion lighting up the night sky as a target was successfully engaged. The exercise underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining operational superiority, even in low-visibility conditions, which are often a reality in desert warfare.
“Tank crews of the Battle Axe Division honed their skills for conducting night operations in the deserts,” the Konark Corps stated in a post on X. “Drills for identification & precise destruction of targets in darkness were rehearsed, thereby enhancing the combat readiness of the detachments.”
The Battle Axe Division, named after the historic Operation Battleaxe—a British offensive during World War II aimed at relieving the Siege of Tobruk in 1941—has a legacy of armored warfare excellence. While the WWII operation faced challenges due to mechanical issues with tanks and strong Axis defences, the modern Battle Axe Division is equipped with cutting-edge technology and rigorous training protocols to ensure success in contemporary conflicts. The division’s focus on night operations reflects a broader strategic shift within the Indian Army to prepare for multi-domain warfare, where timing and stealth can provide a decisive edge.
Military experts note that such exercises are particularly significant given the evolving security dynamics along India’s western border. The desert sector, with its vast expanses and harsh conditions, presents unique challenges for both offensive and defensive operations. Night drills not only test the technical proficiency of the tank crews but also their ability to operate under physical and psychological stress.
As geopolitical tensions simmer in the region, the Indian Army continues to prioritize modernization and training to ensure its forces remain a step ahead. The successful completion of the night tank drills by the Battle Axe Division is a testament to the Army’s unwavering focus on operational excellence, even in the harshest of environments. With the Konark Corps standing vigilant in the deserts, India’s western frontier remains firmly secured.
