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Before the next catastrophe strikes: Armed forces gear up for mega disaster response drill

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise 2026 will be held from November 17 to 19 at Air Force Station Jamnagar. Participants including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the National Disaster Management Authority will evaluate crisis procedures through table-top discussions and capability demonstrations. The event will test responses to floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and chemical hazards while reviewing asset mobilization. Additionally, the Indian Air Force's Rapid Action Medical Team will conduct practical demonstrations showing the emergency deployment of military medical units.

Key points

  • The drill integrates domestic military branches, civilian authorities, and friendly forei…: The drill integrates domestic military branches, civilian authorities, and friendly foreign nations to streamline joint disaster management operations.
  • Operational teams will review standard operating procedures and evaluate the availability…: Operational teams will review standard operating procedures and evaluate the availability and deployment of critical air assets.
  • The initiative reinforces India's demonstrated capacity to supply international relief, w…: The initiative reinforces India's demonstrated capacity to supply international relief, which recently included aid to Nepal and Venezuela.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

India's armed forces are often among the first to respond when disaster strikes, both at home and abroad. Ensuring that the Army, Navy, Air Force and other agencies can work together seamlessly is the objective of the Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise 2026 (AJHE-26), scheduled to be held at Air Force Station Jamnagar from November 17 to 19.

The exercise will bring together the three services, the Indian Coast Guard, disaster management authorities and representatives of friendly foreign countries. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), state disaster management authorities (SDMAs) and other agencies will also participate.

The focus will be on strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving operational interoperability and developing international response mechanisms for emergencies such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods and chemical disasters. AJHE-26 will comprise a table-top exercise, alongside a demonstration of capabilities for participating officials and representatives.

Discussions will centre on the roles and responsibilities of different agencies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for disaster response and the coordination required to mobilise personnel and equipment. Participants will also assess the air assets and other resources that the…

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