1. Defence Services Command and Staff College successfully conducted ‘Exercise Octopus’, a joint Navy and Air Force exercise within the scope of Maritime Air Operations (MAO), from 07 to 10 May 2026 at the College premises. The exercise was designed to enhance Course Participants’ understanding of maritime and air doctrines while strengthening joint operational planning and coordination. As the first joint exercise conducted for Navy and Air Force Course Participants within the course curriculum, ‘Exercise Octopus’ remains one of the most significant events in the College training calendar.

2. The exercise was conducted following a series of joint lectures on Maritime Air Operations, enabling Course Participants to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical operational setting. Navy Course Participants engaged in the Naval Planning Process, while Air Force Course Participants carried out Air Appreciation within the same Maritime Operations Centres (MOCs), thereby fostering an integrated joint operational environment. Exercise activities were followed by syndicate discussions and presentations before panels comprising Navy and Air Force Directing Staff, providing valuable opportunities for professional interaction, critical analysis and collaborative planning. The exercise further enhanced the Course Participants’ understanding of joint operational planning and prepared them for the major joint exercises scheduled during the subsequent phases of the course.

3. Throughout the exercise, the Commandant and the Faculty provided continuous guidance and professional insights, contributing significantly to the successful conduct of the exercise. The exercise concluded with a comprehensive final debrief delivered by the Heads of the Training Teams of the Navy and Air Wings, further enriching the Course Participants’ understanding of the joint planning process and the complexities associated with operations in a joint operational environment. The successful completion of ‘Exercise Octopus’ marked another important milestone in strengthening jointness, professional collaboration and operational preparedness among future military leaders.

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