Swavlamban Shakti Exercise
The Indian Army concluded the Swavlamban Shakti exercise. This integrated training event took place at Babina Field Firing Ranges. The exercise lasted six days, starting on October 17. It involved over 1,800 personnel and a variety of military assets, including armoured vehicles and aviation support.
Purpose of the Exercise
Swavlamban Shakti aimed to test new technologies developed by the Indian defence industry. The White Tiger Division conducted the exercise under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps. This corps is a strike unit based in Bhopal. The focus was on integrating indigenous technologies into military operations, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Key Participants
The exercise was attended by senior military officials. Notable attendees included Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth and Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh. Their presence brought into light the importance of the event for the Indian Army and its future combat strategies.
Technologies Tested
Over 40 industry partners participated in the exercise. These included major organisations like DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems, as well as emerging defence startups. More than 50 advanced technologies were tested in realistic battlefield conditions.
Innovative Defence Solutions
Some of the key technologies tested included:
Swarm and Kamikaze Drones: Used for precision strikes and reconnaissance missions.
Logistic Swarm Drones: Designed for rapid troop resupply in contested areas.
Drone Jammers: Hand-held devices for neutralising enemy drones.
Software Defined Radio Systems: Ensured secure, real-time communications.
Robotic Mules and ATVs: Enhanced mobility and troop support on the ground.
LASER-based Communication Systems: Improved communication capabilities.
Directed Energy Weapons: Advanced systems for aerial defence.
Long-Endurance UAVs: Extended surveillance capabilities.
Training and Tactics
The exercise incorporated these technologies into war-fighting drills. These drills focused on Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). The integration of new technologies is expected to revolutionise how the Army approaches modern battle scenarios.
Drone Fair Highlights
A event during the exercise was the Southern Star drone fair held on October 21 and 22. This fair showcased innovations from MSMEs, startups, and defence innovators. It provided a platform for the latest drone and anti-drone technologies.
The collaboration between the Army and private sector partners is crucial. This partnership aims to modernise the forces and ensure readiness for future challenges. The focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat positions India as a leader in defence technology innovation. The exercise marks an important step towards self-reliance in defence capabilities, showcasing the Army’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its operations.
Month: Current Affairs - October, 2024
Category: Defence Current Affairs