Indian Army’s PARA Special Forces and Navy’s MARCOS Dive into Extreme High-Altitude Training in Sikkim
Imagine elite soldiers diving into freezing waters at 17,000 feet above sea level – that’s exactly what happened in Sikkim! The Indian Army’s PARA Special Forces and the Indian Navy’s MARCOS commandos pulled off an incredible joint combat diving exercise. Officials shared these exciting details on Monday, highlighting how India’s top troops are pushing their limits for real-world readiness.
This high-altitude diving exercise took place from August 30 to September 5 in the tough terrain of Sikkim. The teams tackled freezing icy waters that test every bit of their endurance. They practiced advanced moves like open-circuit air diving, closed-circuit pure oxygen diving, plunges up to 17 meters deep, and even night dives in bone-chilling cold. It’s the kind of training that builds unbreakable skills for special forces operations.
Why go to such extremes? A Defence PRO explained that working in thin air and super-cold waters boosts combat capabilities. It keeps our forces ready for unpredictable battlefields, from snowy Himalayan peaks to deep ocean missions. The Army stressed that these high-altitude combat diving drills help troops handle diverse terrains seamlessly. Plus, the exercise strengthened teamwork between the Army and Navy, ramping up their joint operations synergy.
The challenging spot wasn’t chosen by accident – it adds real physiological and logistical hurdles to push the boundaries of combat diving. Officials noted that pulling off precise tasks here demands top-notch resilience, versatility, and mental toughness, all key for elite special operations.
The Team Commander of the exercise shared his thoughts: "Training in these harsh conditions checks a soldier’s endurance, skills, and mindset from every angle. It makes sure our teams can handle any environment, no matter how tough. This drill shows the true spirit of jointmanship and our elite forces’ dedication to staying battle-ready."
India’s PARA Special Forces and MARCOS are no strangers to action. These battle-tested units excel in everything from high-altitude warfare to deep-sea ops. Exercises like this one spotlight India’s focus on staying versatile and prepared in a changing security world. It’s a big step toward stronger defense capabilities!
