Azm-e-Nau 3: Largest Military Exercise by Pakistan Army

Pakistan is staging the largest military exercise (war games) since the Zarb-e-Momin war-games in 1989, titled “Azm-e-Nau-3”, which translates as “New Resolve”, started on April 10 and will continue until May 20. The six-week field exercise involves more than 50,000 troops belonging to all arms and services besides engagement of various aircraft and equipment of the Pakistan Air Force while about 150,000 troops are still engaged in the fight with the Taliban on the western border. It is both a warning and a show of confidence to the world that we are capable enough to defend our homeland whether eastern or western border.

The ongoing exercise is the finale of a yearlong training process in light of the directives of Army Chief Ashfaq Kayani, who declared 2009-10 as the “Year of Training”. To provide them with a real “feel of the battleground”, the troops have been divided into two groups, Blue Land and Fox Land, with the former playing the defendant and the latter an enemy.

The demonstration of tank brigades and anti aircraft missiles along with impressive display of conventional firepower during the exercise is a signal of military valor. Special feature of this exercise would be harvesting the technological achievements advancements in intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and communication means that have revolutionized warfare.

Pakistan’s official military budget is about $4 billion while India’s military budget, however, is close to $32 billion and is one of the world’s major arms buyers. Hanging over any conflict between the neighbors is the specter of nuclear war. Pakistan has publicly hinted that battlefield tactical nuclear weapons might be used on its own soil to balance India’s conventional superiority and repel any incursion.

Salute to the brave soldiers of Pakistan and all the prayers and wishes for them. May God give them strength and courage to fight against all odds.