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The final phase (validation phase) of the training exercise by Indian Army’s Southern Command Ex ‘DRAD SANKALP’ in simulated contemporary battlefield environment, which commenced on 03 Dec culminated today. The focus of the exercise has been on validation of operational preparedness of the formations and units to the evolving doctrine of the Indian Army to launch swift offensive in the desert terrain in a network centric environment in close coordination with long range Artillery and Air Force. The exercise has presented an excellent opportunity to the formations and units to gauge their operational preparedness while operating in a highly intense, dynamic and fluid operational environment. Participation included entire spectrum of ground forces to include fighting arms, combat support arms duly supported by services and logistics, Force Multipliers like Army Aviation, Special Forces and Electronic Warfare System in conjunction with Indian Air Force.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Dalbir Singh visited the exercise area today. He interacted with the participants and witnessed the conduct of critical manoeuvres in deserts. The Army Chief was briefed by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General Ashok Singh on the operational setting, plans and training objectives of the Exercise.

The COAS reviewed integrated operational manoeuvres of the formations, the aspect of synergy between Army and Air Force in launching coordinated air-land battle and the ability to orchestrate battle in network centric environment. The Army Chief complimented the formations and units for their high standards of training and plan execution at operational & tactical levels. Addressing Commanders, he also reiterated the importance of technology and innovation in the fast changing battlefield scenario, high standards of physical fitness, mental alertness and maintenance of high state of readiness of the equipment to take to field at short notice.

During the Exercise, combined arms of infantry and mechanised forces practiced swift manoeuvres in coordination with airborne troops. Networked radars, UAVs and aerial surveillance platforms ensured continuous flow of information resulting in battlefield transparency which enabled Commanders to assess and modify their operational plans to meet the emerging challenges. Such large scale exercises are conducted once in three to four years as part of operational validation of doctrinal tenets which are dynamic in nature, in keeping with the ever changing security environment.

Col Rohan Anand, SM
PRO (Army)