Context

This Article is based on the news “PM witnesses ‘Bharat Shakti Exercise’ – a Tri-Services Firing and Manoeuvre Exercise in Pokhran, Rajasthan” which was published in the PIB. Recently, a tri-service military exercise “Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024” was held in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

• The exercise commenced with the Army’s Special Forces, MARCOS of the Indian Navy and GARUDS of the Indian Air Force.

Objective of the Bharat Shakti Exercise

• Display of Self-Defence Power: It displayed an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country.
• Demonstration of Integrated Operational Capabilities: It simulated realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

Participated in Key Equipment and Weapons Systems

• By Indian Army: T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons System, showcasing the advanced ground warfare and aerial surveillance capabilities. 
• Indian Navy: Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, highlighting maritime strength and technological sophistication. 
• Indian Air Force: Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, demonstrating air superiority and versatility in air operations.

Demonstrated Technologies & Systems

• Firepower and ammunition.
• Logistic capabilities for transporting equipment and evacuating injured and casualties using the latest technologies.
• The integration of individual communication systems of the tri-services, the ‘e-Tarang’ software tool, GIS-related systems, topographical maps, hydrographic charts, and air navigation charts with analysis and operational planning capabilities.
• Systems and platforms integrated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
• The aspects of India’s cyber and multi-domain operations capabilities along with the operations of the three services.

Significance of Bharat Shakti Exercise

• First-of-its-kind Exercise: It is the first-of-its-kind exercise on such a scale that is not tailored towards any direction (northern or western border) or any adversaries.
• Showcase of Operational Capabilities: Through live firepower and manoeuvre demonstration, it showcased the tri-services operational capabilities to counter any threat, leveraging indigenous capability and the ability to undertake conflicts in the face of global upheavals.

Conclusion

It highlights the resilience, innovation, and strength of India’s domestic defense capabilities on the global stage towards realizing the idea of Aatmanirbharta in defense.