Bharat Shakti, a tri-services exercise led by the Indian Army, showcased the Armed Forces’ indigenous defence capabilities and the Atmanirbharata (self-reliance) initiative. The event emphasised integration and jointness in communications, training, interoperability, and logistics. It also displayed an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms aligned with indigenisation, demonstrating the growing prowess of rising India. The live fire and static display have given our adversaries a strategic message about the combat potential of armed forces in terms of capability and capacity.
Bharat Shakti also signalled to the world military community to subscribe to India’s considerable defence manufacturing potential. The synergised demonstration is a testimony to the armed forces’ commitment to modernisation through indigenisation. In this live fire demonstration, held in Pokhran on 12 March, the Indian Army displayed visible efforts as the lead service. They began with careful planning to maximise the use of resources in Pokaran for integrated firing, akin to actual battle space management. The demonstration showed synergy in ISR, firepower, and communications throughout the operation.
Coordinating airspace management with the Indian Air Force (IAF) was crucial in battles where both Army and Air Force assets utilise the airspace concurrently. It necessitates clearly defined boundaries, identification drills, and reliable communication systems. Coordinating live fire and manoeuvre drills among different arms and services is vital in large-scale exercises. These activities provide firsthand experience in handling similar situations in real battles.
Efforts were underway, with extensive planning to integrate and foster jointness among the services. Bharat Shakti embodied in these endeavours. This showcases the Army’s contributions to realising the long-awaited integration. While the firing was impressive, the Static Display of various equipment and weapons provided a comprehensive view of the Armed Forces’ indigenous platforms. Exhibited items encompassed multiple drones, counter-drone systems, and simulators, communication systems like software-defined radios (SDR), radars, LCH Prachand, ALH, Akash Missile System, jammers, and electronic warfare systems from all three services.
PM Modi at static display arena
Displayed by the Army were several prominent items, including the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade (MMHG), Laser Dazzler, Thermal Imager Integrated Observation Equipment (TIIOE) & Night Sights, Canister Launched Anti Armour Loiter Munition (CALM), Low Power Jammer Systems, Mini RPAs, Aerial Targeting Systems (ATS) ER, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), 3D Printed Bunkers, Operation Theatre on Wheels (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, and Situational Awareness Module for Army (SAMA).
Put plainly, the exercise aims to strengthen joint military operations among the three forces. India’s ability to leverage its advantages hinges on demonstrating a credible military strength. Bharat Shakti should be viewed in this light. There is a globally significant statement emanated from Pokhran, – merely 150km from the nearest Indo-Pak border – showcasing Indian military prowess.
Brig SK Chatterji (Retd)
