Indian army tests next-gen defence systems in simulated combat drills
New Delhi, May 31: The Indian Army has begun extensive field trials of advanced indigenous defence technologies at multiple locations across the country. The trials, underway at the Pokhran and Babina Field Firing Ranges, as well as Joshimath, with dedicated air defence evaluations at Agra and Gopalpur, are being conducted under simulated operational conditions closely mirroring combat scenarios. Electronic warfare simulations have also been integrated to test the performance and interoperability of the systems rigorously.
On May 27, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, visited the Babina range to review the demonstrations and engage with military personnel and industry representatives.
These trials form part of the Army’s broader “Decade of Transformation” initiative and are aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-Reliant India) programme, aimed at building domestic capabilities in defence manufacturing. The demonstrations are being held in close collaboration with a wide array of Indian defence firms, signalling deepening cooperation between the armed forces and indigenous industry.
Among the technologies under evaluation are:Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munitions (ULPGM), Runway Independent Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), Counter-UAS technologies. Loitering Munitions, Specialised Vertical Launch (SVL) Drones,Precision Multi-Munition Delivery Systems, Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS), Low-Level Light Weight Radars, Next-generation Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORADS) Infrared Systems, Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Platforms. By conducting these trials under realistic battlefield conditions, the Army seeks to fast-track the integration of next-generation systems into its operational arsenal, enhancing its combat readiness and reducing dependency on foreign platforms. The move also highlights a strategic shift towards rapid induction of disruptive technologies to meet evolving security challenges.
