The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army has initiated a rigorous Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) combat training program in the challenging terrains of the Northern Borders, where altitudes exceed 14,000 feet. This training is specifically designed to bolster close-combat preparedness under extreme high-altitude conditions.
Conducted in sub-zero temperatures and low-oxygen environments, the program aims to enhance soldiers’ reflexes, stamina, balance, situational awareness, and controlled aggression—crucial attributes in close-quarter scenarios where conventional weaponry may be less accessible.
AMAR uniquely blends traditional Indian martial arts with contemporary global close-combat techniques, focusing on bare-hand fighting, weapon-based engagements, stress management, and both physical and mental conditioning. Participants have reported that the harsh conditions not only challenge their physical endurance but also build essential confidence for navigating high-risk combat situations.
In conjunction with this intensive training, the Army has taken significant steps towards self-reliance by indigenizing 97% of its Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment for extreme high-altitude operations. Out of 57 specialized items, 55 are now manufactured in India, with the remaining two undergoing trials, targeting full indigenization by 2026.
Furthermore, the Army has enhanced its operational capability with the introduction of the New Coat Combat (Digital Print) jacket, a three-layered, ergonomically engineered garment developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Launched in January 2025, this advanced jacket is designed to provide improved performance across a variety of terrains.
This dual focus on sophisticated combat training and the development of indigenous high-altitude gear represents a significant advancement in the Army’s efforts to strengthen its self-sufficiency and readiness, ensuring its forces are well-equipped to operate effectively in some of the most challenging battlegrounds globally.
