6 -day fire & manoeuvre training drive by Army concludes

Jhansi: The integrated fire and manoeuvre training exercise ‘Swavlamban Shakti' conducted by the Indian Army at Babina field firing ranges concluded on Tuesday.Conducted over six days from Oct 17-22, the exercise showcased the Army's integration of indigenous technologies, aligning with the govt's ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. This large-scale manoeuvre and live-fire exercise focused on testing new technology equipment (NTEs) from the Indian defence industry to shape future combat strategies. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, attended the valedictory ceremony and appreciated the Indian Army's focus on indigenous technological solutions. In his address, he said, "Swavlamban Shakti underscores our commitment to self-reliance. The Indian industry's innovations are transforming our capabilities, and we will continue to integrate advanced technology into our operations." Over 1,800 personnel, 210 armoured vehicles, 50 specialist vehicles, and multiple air and aviation assets participated in the exercise. More than 40 industry partners, including Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, and several emerging defence startups, showcased over 50 cutting-edge technologies that were tested under battlefield conditions. These included Swarm and Kamikaze drones for precision strikes and reconnaissance, Logistic Swarm drones for rapid troop resupply in contested zones, hand-held drone jammers for neutralising enemy drones, software-defined radio-based mobile network systems for secure, real-time communications, robotic mules and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), light armoured multipurpose vehicles (LAMVs) for enhanced mobility and troop support, laser-based communication systems, directed energy weapons for next-generation aerial defence, and long-endurance UAVs for extended surveillance missions. According to one of the senior army personnel present at the exercise, all these high-end indigenous technologies were integrated into warfighting drills and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), helping the troops become abreast of next-generation technical warfare while paving the way for revolutionising the way the Indian Army approaches complex modern battle scenarios. The highlight of the event was the Southern Star Drone Mela, held on Monday and Tuesday, which provided a platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and defence innovators to showcase the latest in drone and anti-drone technologies. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth further said, "The Drone Mela underscores our resolve to innovate and adapt rapidly to emerging technologies. It offers a window into the evolving requirements of the armed forces while highlighting govt support for the drone industry."
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