Key Features of Drones and Loitering Munitions at ‘Ex Prachand Prahaar’

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Key Features of Drones and Loitering Munitions at ‘Ex Prachand Prahaar’

Synopsis

The tri-services integrated multi-domain exercise ‘Ex Prachand Prahaar’ showcased the vital role of swarm drones, kamikaze drones, and loitering munitions, highlighting advancements in modern warfare techniques and joint operational capabilities among the Indian Armed Forces in Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Takeaways

  • Swarm drones and kamikaze drones were tested as offensive weapons.
  • All three military services collaborated to identify and destroy targets.
  • The exercise emphasized the importance of jointness and technological superiority.
  • Advanced surveillance resources were utilized for domain awareness.
  • This exercise continues the efforts from ‘Ex Poorvi Prahaar’.

Kolkata, March 27 (NationPress) Swarm drones, kamikaze drones, and loitering munitions were significant features of the tri-services integrated multi-domain exercise Prachand Prahaar, conducted by the Army's Eastern Command in challenging, high-altitude terrain in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Eastern Army commander, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, along with Air Marshal Surat Singh, AOC-in-C of the Eastern Air Command, and Commodore Ajay Yadav, NOIC of West Bengal, monitored the exercise's advancements on Wednesday.

“In line with contemporary warfare strategies, drones performed an essential function during the exercise. Surveillance drones and space assets were deployed for both force and equipment arrangement, as well as target identification. Swarm drones, kamikaze drones, and loitering munitions were thoroughly assessed as offensive weaponry,” stated a senior official of the Eastern Command.

The official emphasized that, as demonstrated in global conflicts, drones will be pivotal in future warfare, suggesting that the side boasting superior technology will hold the advantage.

He elaborated that the initial phase of the three-day exercise saw the deployment of advanced surveillance assets from all three branches of the military. This included long-range surveillance aircraft from the Indian Air Force, maritime domain awareness aircraft from the Indian Navy, helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), along with space resources and the Army's elite Special Forces.

This coordination facilitated domain awareness, enabling all assets to identify simulated targets.

“The next phase commenced post-target identification, leading to swift destruction through synchronized joint firepower involving fighter aircraft, long-range rocket systems, medium artillery, armed helicopters, swarm drones, loitering munitions, and kamikaze drones in an electronically contested environment,” he added.

‘Ex Prachand Prahaar’ follows just months after ‘Ex Poorvi Prahaar’, which centered on the integrated use of aviation assets.

This latest exercise advanced the practice of integrated planning, command and control, and seamless execution of surveillance and firepower platforms across the three services, addressing the full spectrum of conflict, in alignment with the proposed Theatre Command concept.

Lt Gen Tiwari and his colleagues acknowledged the dedication to jointness, precision, and technological superiority exhibited during the exercise.