Asserting that the army is more than ready to give befitting reply to any external threat, Army Chief General V K Singh on Wednesday said the force is prepared to strike inside enemy's territories.

The army chief was speaking at the closing day of the 4-day exercise, called 'Pine Prahar', of the Indian army's Vajra Corps, better known as 'Defenders of Punjab', in Ludhianana district at the bank of Satluj river.

"The army is always ready to give befitting reply to any aggressor. If needed we can also penetrate and strike inside the enemy's territory," Singh claimed.

The exercise, which began Monday, envisages swift mobilisation of units and formations, and offencive manoeuvres.

Over 12,000 troops are taking part in the exercise. India's oldest corps, Vajra, has a history spanning over half-a-century.

Like United States, we are also capable to launch operations inside any territory, the army chief said.

The chief also spoke to the army personnel and asked them to be ready to face any challenge, an army release said.