A special tri-Service combat exercise called “Bull Strike”, with Special Forces and amphibious operations, was conducted by the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). The exercise was held between November 3-5. It was held at the remotely located Island called Teressa, located in the southern part of Andaman and Nicobar island chain. The high-voltage exercise, with assets and manpower from the Army, Navy and IAF as well as Para-SF and marine commandos, was taken part. It was carried out to validate and rehearse operational plans and contingencies in a realistic tactical setting under the overall command and control of ANC, which is the only joint services operational (theatre) command of India. The combat manoeuvres included combat free-fall and para-drop from C-130J “Super Hercules” strategic airlift aircraft, special heli-borne operations by “Ghatak’ platoons of the Army. Forces demonstrated amphibious landing capabilities by warships as part of the exercise. The exercise involved forces from the Andaman and Nicobar Command, elements from the Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade, Navy’s Marine commandos warships and aircraft of the Indian Air Force. As part of this exercise Para Commandos were flown in from the mainland on a C-130 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
