Exercise TOPCHI 2026 Showcases Indian Army’s Integrated Artillery Firepower at Devlali

Nashik/Pune, 21st January 2026: Demonstrating the evolving strength of India’s artillery arm and its growing reliance on indigenous combat systems, the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery conducted Exercise TOPCHI 2026, its premier annual integrated firepower exercise, at the Devlali Field Firing Ranges on Wednesday.

Organised by the School of Artillery, the exercise highlighted the Army’s ability to deliver precision firepower through the coordinated employment of guns, mortars, rockets, unmanned systems and aviation assets — a key requirement of modern battlefield operations.

The exercise was conducted under the stewardship of Lieutenant General NS Sarna, AVSM, SM, VSM, Commandant of the School of Artillery and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery. Lieutenant General Manish Erry, UYSM, AVSM, SM, Commandant of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, attended the event as the Chief Guest.

Student officers from DSSC Wellington and the Defence Services Technical Staff Course, along with officers from the Nepal Army Command and Staff College, senior Indian Army officials, representatives of the civil administration, and a large number of local citizens and students from across Maharashtra witnessed the live demonstrations.

A central feature of Exercise TOPCHI 2026 was the live firing of an extensive range of artillery platforms, many of which are manufactured within the country, reinforcing the Indian Army’s commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence production. The firing sequence displayed the speed, accuracy and destructive potential of contemporary artillery systems operating in an integrated environment.

Weapon systems demonstrated during the exercise included the K9 Vajra self-propelled gun, M777 ultra-light howitzer, 155 mm FH77B02 (Bofors), Dhanush, Soltam, 105 mm Indian Field Gun, Light Field Gun, 120 mm mortars, GRAD BM-21, and the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, drawing strong appreciation from observers.

Reflecting enhanced jointness and multi-agency coordination, the exercise also saw participation from Border Security Force (BSF) artillery detachments and Indian Navy personnel operating unmanned aerial systems. The aerial component was further strengthened by paratroopers from the Parachute Regiment, along with paramotors and hand gliders, adding a dynamic airborne dimension to the drill.

Senior officials stated that Exercise TOPCHI serves as a vital platform for validating artillery doctrines, testing operational readiness, and integrating emerging technologies with conventional firepower. The exercise also enables realistic training under near-combat conditions for young officers and gun detachments.

Exercise TOPCHI 2026 reaffirmed the combat readiness, professionalism and technological transformation of the Indian Artillery, underlining the Army’s focus on modernisation, indigenous capability development and preparedness to meet future operational challenges.