Indian Army Prachand Shakti military drill in Meerut showcased AI-enabled warfare, UAVs, and autonomous systems under the Ram Division. A major step in modern battlefield readiness and tech absorption.
Indian Army Demonstrates “Prachand Shakti” in Meerut
Introduction: A Leap in Battlefield Modernisation
On July 14–15, 2025, the Indian Army’s Ram Division orchestrated a major military demonstration titled “Prachand Shakti” at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Designed to showcase cutting-edge combat systems, the exercise underlined the Army’s initiative to integrate disruptive technologies into real-world operations
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Eyes in the Sky
A cornerstone of the exercise was the deployment of UAVs for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. By providing real-time aerial intelligence, UAVs significantly improved battlefield awareness and decision-making speed during strike corps maneuvers
AI-Enabled Systems: Smarter Command and Control
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems were used to manage sensor feeds, coordinate firepower, and enhance communication workflows. These AI-led systems streamlined decision cycles during deep offensive operations, boosting both lethality and survivability of infantry units
Loitering Munitions and Autonomous Platforms
The exercise featured loitering munitions—so-called “suicide drones”—capable of hovering before striking high-value targets with precision. Autonomous ground platforms, too, participated by supporting infantry formations in dynamic battlefield scenarios
Strike Corps in Action: Agility Meets Precision
By integrating these advanced systems into Strike Corps formations, the demonstration tested real-time combat synergy. The infantry showcased faster penetration capabilities, precision strikes, and enhanced survivability, reflecting a shift toward modern warfare doctrine
“Year of Tech Absorption”: Building Homegrown Resilience
The exercise was a flagship event in the Army’s “Year of Tech Absorption,” aimed at incorporating indigenous innovations from civilian and defence start-ups. This echoes the broader vision under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign systems
Strategic Implications and Future Trajectory
“Prachand Shakti” sends a clear operational message: future wars will revolve around multi-domain integration where robotics, AI, and autonomous systems play critical roles. It reinforces India’s intent to stay ahead in tech-driven military preparedness
Conclusion: Setting the Tomorrow’s Template
By staging another technologically advanced exercise with measurable gains in agility, precision, and command efficiency, the Army cements its path toward modern warfare readiness. “Prachand Shakti” is more than a demonstration—it’s a blueprint for the future infantry force.
Why This News Is Important
Warfare Paradigm Shift
“Prachand Shakti” marks a pivotal shift in how India conceptualises land warfare—moving from traditional massed infantry and armoured thrusts to advanced, networked, tech-centric strike formations. Its success indicates India’s readiness to operate in an era of unmanned systems and AI-driven tactics.
Relevance to Competitive Exams
Exam aspirants covering Defence, GS Paper III, and internal security topics should note this exercise as a case study in military modernization. It highlights India’s evolving doctrinal shift, defence self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the application of latest technologies in national security.
Strategic Posturing
Holding the exercise in Meerut amplifies strategic messaging, signaling to adversaries that Indian forces possess enhanced deep-offensive capabilities. This serves not just as training but as geopolitical signaling to regional powers.
Encouragement for Defence Innovation
By promoting civilian–military tech partnerships, the Army is opening avenues for start-ups and domestic innovators, aligning with national agendas to boost defence manufacturing and R&D pipelines.
Historical Context
From “Long-Drawn” to “Quick-Initiative” Warfare
Traditionally, Indian tactical doctrine emphasized sustained infantry or armoured engagements. However, recent border skirmishes—like in Doklam and Eastern Ladakh—have pushed the Army to adopt quicker, tech-enabled formations.
“Year of Tech Absorption” Initiative
Launched in 2024, this policy encourages assimilating indigenous technologies—especially from start-ups—into operational frameworks. Previous drills integrated live ammunition and mechanized platoons; “Prachand Shakti” raises that integration significantly.
Evolving Exercises Trend
This follows other tech-forward drills like Exercise Prachand Prahaar in Arunachal Pradesh, which emphasized multi-domain coordination across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These exercises cumulatively indicate the shift toward digital-enabled jointness in India’s military.
Key Takeaways from “Prachand Shakti”
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exercise “Prachand Shakti” was held at Kharga Corps Field Training Area in Meerut, UP. |
| 2 | Demonstrated use of UAVs, loitering munitions, AI systems, and autonomous platforms. |
| 3 | Conducted by RAM Division under Strike Corps to test deep offensive capabilities. |
| 4 | Part of the “Year of Tech Absorption” to integrate indigenous tech into the Army. |
| 5 | Signals India’s move toward tech-driven, self-reliant combat readiness aligned to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes “Prachand Shakti” relevant for defence exam aspirants?
It reflects evolving defence strategies, military modernization, and India’s geopolitical positioning—all common UPSC and CDS topics.
What is the significance of the “Prachand Shakti” exercise?
It demonstrates the Indian Army’s enhanced capability through AI, UAVs, and autonomous weapons in a strike corps environment.
Which division of the Indian Army conducted “Prachand Shakti”?
The Ram Division under the Kharga Corps conducted this exercise.
Where was the “Prachand Shakti” military exercise held?
It was held at the Field Training Area in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
What technologies were highlighted during the “Prachand Shakti” exercise?
UAVs, loitering munitions, autonomous ground vehicles, and AI-enabled combat systems were showcased.
Why is the Year of Tech Absorption important in Indian defence?
It promotes the integration of indigenous technologies and start-up innovations into Army operations, enhancing self-reliance.
How does “Prachand Shakti” support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission?
By using domestically developed systems and encouraging civilian-military collaboration in technology.
What does the term loitering munitions mean in military context?
These are drones that can hover before attacking high-value targets, often called “suicide drones.”
How does this exercise affect India’s regional military posture?
It signals enhanced offensive and tech-enabled readiness to adversaries.
Which previous exercise also emphasized technological warfare similar to Prachand Shakti?
Exercise “Prachand Prahaar” in Arunachal Pradesh.
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