K9 Warriors showcase combat skills, indigenous capabilities at Exercise PRAGATI 2026

The Indian Army’s highly trained military dogs emerged as one of the major attractions at Exercise PRAGATI 2026, demonstrating their critical role in contemporary battlefield operations alongside troops from friendly foreign nations participating in the multinational exercise.

The K9 teams took part in a range of operational drills, highlighting their capabilities in explosive detection, tracking and intervention missions. Their participation added a unique dimension to the exercise, reinforcing the importance of military working dogs as force multipliers in high-risk environments.

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Among the canine warriors featured during the exercise were Alan, a Belgian Malinois assault dog; Victor, a Rampur Hound trained for tracking operations; and Deo, a Labrador specialising in explosive detection. Each dog displayed specialised operational skills, underscoring the versatility, discipline and preparedness of the Indian Army’s K9 units.

A notable highlight was the deployment of Victor, representing the indigenous Rampur Hound breed. Renowned for its resilience, adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and natural disease resistance, the breed reflects the Army’s growing emphasis on incorporating indigenous resources into its operational framework. The move aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance across sectors, including defence.

Army officials highlighted the ability of military dogs to operate effectively across a wide range of terrains, from scorching deserts to high-altitude glacier regions. Their skills in tracking hostile movement, detecting explosives and supporting assault teams continue to make them indispensable assets during military operations.

The exercise also provided a glimpse into the future of warfare through demonstrations involving robotic dogs. The integration of advanced robotic platforms alongside traditional K9 teams showcased how emerging technologies and proven military capabilities can complement each other to enhance operational effectiveness on the battlefield.

Exercise PRAGATI 2026 brought together troops from multiple countries to strengthen interoperability, exchange best practices and improve coordination in complex operational scenarios. Against this backdrop, the Indian Army’s canine warriors stood out as silent but effective contributors, exemplifying courage, loyalty and unwavering readiness in support of military missions.