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EX SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI – INTEGRATING INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGIES

Amit Bhardwaj
22 Oct, 2024

The Indian Army concluded its integrated fire and manoeuvre training Exercise Swavlamban Shakti, on 22 October 2024, at the Babina Field Firing Ranges. Conducted over three days starting with effect from 17-22 October, the exercise showcased the Army’s integration of indigenous technologies, aligning with the Government’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 exercise’s culmination and appreciated the Indian Army’s focus on indigenous technological solutions. In his address, he remarked, “Exercise Swavlamban Shakti underscores our commitment to self-reliance. He further said that, “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 DRDO, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, and several emerging defence startups, provided 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.

• Handheld 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 and Directed Energy Weapons for next-generation aerial defence.

• Long-endurance UAVs for extended surveillance missions.

During the conduct of the exercise, these technologies were integrated into warfighting drills or Tactics Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) as they are called in the Army, 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 21-22 October, 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, the Southern Army Commander stated, “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 government support for the drone industry.”

The event reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to forging strong ties with the private sector, as it seeks to modernise its forces and ensure readiness for the future battlefield. This collaboration, coupled with the drive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, is positioning India as a leader in defence technology innovation.