In a significant step toward modernizing its combat capabilities, the Indian Army recently conducted two key exercises—’Exercise Divya Drishti’ in Sikkim and ‘Exercise Drone Prahar’ in the Northeast region—focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and advanced sensor-to-shooter technologies to enhance battlefield effectiveness in high-altitude and difficult terrains.
These exercises demonstrate the Army’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies and achieving self-sufficiency in accordance with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and its decade-long transformation program.
‘Exercise Divya Drishti’, held in the high-altitude areas of East Sikkim under the guidance of the Trishakti Corps, demonstrated the Indian Army’s efforts to improve battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and rapid decision-making through the use of a combination of ground-based systems, aerial platforms such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and drones.
The exercise’s combination of AI-enabled sensors with sophisticated communication networks ensured smooth, secure, and immediate data flows between command centers.
This arrangement dramatically improved situational awareness and allowed for faster, more informed decisions by establishing a strong sensor-to-shooter relationship. Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding of the Trishakti Corps, praised the exercise as a huge success, noting that the lessons learnt will define future technologies, doctrines, and tactics, allowing the Army to be ready for any foe or terrain.
Parallelly, Lieutenant General Abhijeet S Pendharkar of the Spear Corps watched ‘Exercise Drone Prahar’, a historic military practice aimed at verifying drone integration into infantry and supporting weapons tactical operations under realistic conditions.
This practice demonstrated the effective deployment of drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precise targeting, which is supported by real-time sensor-to-shooter linkages that work smoothly across tactical and operational layers.
One of the primary goals of this exercise was to extend command reach and improve situational awareness for tactical commanders via layered aerial surveillance. The exercise also thoroughly evaluated crucial components required for successful combat drone deployment, such as airspace deconfliction, secure communication, and multi-service coordination protocols.
According to defence spokespersons and senior Army leadership, these exercises represent the Indian Army’s targeted effort to developing a technology-enabled force capable of rapid flexibility, superior operational preparedness, and dominance in shifting conflict settings.
By combining artificial intelligence, modern sensors, drones, and secure communication networks, the Indian Army is strategically positioning itself to tackle future challenges across the Himalayan border and elsewhere.
Through these programs, India’s military modernisation gains traction, with a focus on innovation, agility, and technological dominance, ensuring readiness for any challenge on diverse and challenging battlegrounds.
