Military personnel from participating countries pose during the opening ceremony of the multilateral military exercise ‘PRAGATI 2026’ at Umroi, in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Amid intense tactical drills and multinational military training at Exercise PRAGATI 2026, the Indian Army showcased a unique blend of tradition and technology as highly trained K9 warriors and robotic dogs demonstrated their role in modern battlefield operations alongside troops from friendly foreign nations.
The Indian Army highlighted how trained military dogs and emerging robotic platforms can together enhance operational effectiveness in future warfare scenarios.
The exercise featured specialised demonstrations in IED detection, tracking, assault intervention and combat support missions, reflecting the growing emphasis on interoperability and joint operational readiness in multinational environments, the Army said.
Among the K9 teams were Alan, a Belgian Malinois assault dog; Victor, a Rampur Hound tracker dog; and Deo, a Labrador explosive detection dog. Each demonstrated specialised combat capabilities, underlining the versatility, discipline and mission readiness of Indian Army canine units.
Focus on native breeds
A key highlight was the participation of Victor, the indigenous Rampur Hound, symbolising the Indian Army’s increasing focus on native breeds under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Known for resilience, climatic adaptability and disease resistance, indigenous breeds are steadily finding a larger role in operational deployments.
The K9 warriors also showcased their effectiveness across varied terrains ranging from deserts to glaciers, reinforcing their value in challenging operational conditions. From tracking hostile movement to detecting explosives and supporting intervention teams, the dogs proved to be vital force multipliers on the battlefield.
The robotic dogs added a futuristic edge to the exercise, offering a glimpse into how advanced technologies could complement conventional military capabilities in complex operational environments.
Multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 began on May 20, at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, with the participation of 12 friendly nations, namely Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Published – May 27, 2026 01:48 am IST
