Indigenous equipment display at Ex Bharat-Shakti
Indigenous equipment display at Ex Bharat-Shakti
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The integrated tri-services exercise Bharat Shakti displayed the indigenous defence capability of the armed forces along with the integration and jointness that are being achieved in various aspects like communications, training, inter-operability and logistics by the three defence forces.

Exercise Bharat Shakti, a tri-service fire and manoeuvre exercise, was organised under the aegis of the Indian Army on March 12 in Pokhran. The synergised demonstration of indigenous defence capabilities is a testimony to its commitment towards modernisation through indigenisation.

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Displaying an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country, premised on the nation’s Aatmanirbharata initiative, the ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise simulated realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.

The chief of the army staff, Gen Manoj Pande conducting prime minister Narendra Modei during the exercise
The chief of the army staff, Gen Manoj Pande conducting prime minister Narendra Modei during the exercise

A static display of various equipment and weapons in the display arena gave a holistic view of the indigenous platforms of the Armed Forces. Equipment & weapons on display included various drones and counter-drone systems, simulators, and communication systems, including software-defined radio (SDR), radars, LCH Prachand, ALH, Akash Missile Systems, Jammers and electronic warfare systems from all three services.

From the Army, Multi-Mode Hand Grenade (MMHG), Laser Dazzler, Thermal Imager Integrated Observation Equipment (TIIOE) and Night Sights, Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition (CALM), Low Power Jammer Systems, Mini RPAs, Aerial Targeting Sys (ATS) ER, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), 3D Printed Bunkers, Operation Theatre on Wheel (11xALS/HMV), Weapon Locating Radar Swathi, TATA Xenon & ALS Medical Ambulance with Critical Care Equipment, NAMIS (Tracked), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver, Artificial Intelligence Based Satellite Imagery Analysis System, Situational Awareness Module for Army (SAMA) were some of the prominent items on display.

Over a 50 minute duration, several top-line equipment development and license manufactured in India were put through paces, including T-90 (IM) tanks, Dhanush and Sarang artillery guns, Akash surface to air system, logistics drones, robotic mules, light combat aircraft and advanced light helicopter among others.

While the Indian Army showcased the advanced ground warfare and aerial surveillance capabilities, the Indian Navy highlighting maritime strength and technological sophistication, showcased naval anti-ship missiles, autonomous cargo carrying aerial vehicles, and expendable aerial targets. The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased the indigenously developed light combat aircraft Tejas, light utility helicopters, and advanced light helicopters to demonstrate air superiority and versatility in air operations.

Prime Minister in Attendance

The first-ever exercise of such a high magnitude was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Witnessing the combined demonstration of indigenous defence equipment and live fire and manoeuvre exercises, he said that Aatmanirbharta for India’s defence needs is the guarantee of self-confidence in the armed forces.

Prime minister Narendra Modi meeting the three Service Cjiefs at Pokhran Ranges during Ex Bharat Shakti
Prime minister Narendra Modi meeting the three Service Cjiefs at Pokhran Ranges during Ex Bharat Shakti

Prime Minister Modi said, “Roar of aircraft mid-air, valour displayed on ground during ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise is the call of a New India.”. Noting that the exercise was a step towards this resolution, he said that India is laying emphasis on aatmanirbharta from edible oils to fighter jets. The success of aatmanirbharta in defence can be seen with India’s tanks, cannons, fighter jets, helicopters and missile systems which reflect India’s strength, he added. “We are experiencing the flight of Made in India with arms and ammunition, communication devices, cyber and space. This is indeed Bharat Shakti,” he stated.

The exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ not only showcased the advanced operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces but also symbolized India’s readiness to confront and overcome challenges with indigenous solutions. This event marks a pivotal moment in India’s defence narrative, showcasing the resilience, innovation, and burgeoning strength of its domestic defence industry on a global stage.

The integrated tri-services exercise Bharat Shakti displayed the indigenous defence capability of the armed forces along with the integration and jointness that are being achieved in various aspects like communications, training, inter-operability and logistics by the three defence forces.

READ MORE: Tri-services Missile Command on anvil as stand-off weapons era dawns

Exercise Bharat Shakti, a tri-service fire and manoeuvre exercise, was organised under the aegis of the Indian Army on March 12 in Pokhran. The synergised demonstration of indigenous defence capabilities is a testimony to its commitment towards modernisation through indigenisation.

Displaying an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country, premised on the nation’s Aatmanirbharata initiative, the ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise simulated realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.

A static display of various equipment and weapons in the display arena gave a holistic view of the indigenous platforms of the Armed Forces. Equipment & weapons on display included various drones and counter-drone systems, simulators, and communication systems, including software-defined radio (SDR), radars, LCH Prachand, ALH, Akash Missile Systems, Jammers and electronic warfare systems from all three services.

From the Army, Multi-Mode Hand Grenade (MMHG), Laser Dazzler, Thermal Imager Integrated Observation Equipment (TIIOE) and Night Sights, Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition (CALM), Low Power Jammer Systems, Mini RPAs, Aerial Targeting Sys (ATS) ER, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), 3D Printed Bunkers, Operation Theatre on Wheel (11xALS/HMV), Weapon Locating Radar Swathi, TATA Xenon & ALS Medical Ambulance with Critical Care Equipment, NAMIS (Tracked), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver, Artificial Intelligence Based Satellite Imagery Analysis System, Situational Awareness Module for Army (SAMA) were some of the prominent items on display.

Over a 50 minute duration, several top-line equipment development and license manufactured in India were put through paces, including T-90 (IM) tanks, Dhanush and Sarang artillery guns, Akash surface to air system, logistics drones, robotic mules, light combat aircraft and advanced light helicopter among others.

While the Indian Army showcased the advanced ground warfare and aerial surveillance capabilities, the Indian Navy highlighting maritime strength and technological sophistication, showcased naval anti-ship missiles, autonomous cargo carrying aerial vehicles, and expendable aerial targets. The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased the indigenously developed light combat aircraft Tejas, light utility helicopters, and advanced light helicopters to demonstrate air superiority and versatility in air operations.