‘BHARAT SHAKTI’ A TRI-SERVICES FIRING AND MANOEUVRE EXERCISE IN POKHRAN, RAJASTHAN

1. The Indian Army organized a major integrated tri-service war game exercise.
2. The exercise demonstrated the firepower of Made-in-India weapon systems and platforms.
3. The exercise was held on March 12 at the Pokhran field firing range in the deserts of Rajasthan.
4. The exercise is called “Bharat Shakti” and it is a live fire and manoeuvre exercise.
5. The exercise was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the top military officials.

“Today, once again, Pokhran is witnessing the triveni of India's Aatmnirbharta, self-confidence and its glory”' “The idea of Viksit Bharat is unimaginable without Aatmanirbhar Bharat” “Aatmanirbharta for India’s defence needs is the guarantee of self-confidence in the armed forces” “Viksit Rajasthan will give strength to Viksit Sena” -Prime Minister

Key Points:

1. The exercise involved advanced weapons including the long-range Agni missile with MIRV technology and 3D-printed bunkers
2. The PM stressed the importance of reducing dependence and promoting self-reliance in the defense sector.

Indigenous Defence Achievements:

1. PM Modi highlighted India's achievements in indigenous defense production, including fighter aircraft, tanks and submarines.
2. Steps towards self-reliance: Policy reforms, private sector participation and support for MSME startups.

Significance of Aatmanirbharta:

1. PM said that self-reliance in the defense sector increases the confidence and energy of the armed forces.
2. India's transformation from a defense importer to an exporter was witnessed, with an 8-times increase in defense exports since 2014.

Transformative Measures:

1. The PM mentioned reforms like corporatization of arms factories and revival of HAL.
2. The implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) was highlighted as an important step benefiting defense personnel.

 Background: Bharat Shakti Exercise 

1. Bharat Shakti showcased the multi-domain operations of the Indian Armed Forces demonstrating integrated operational capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber and space domains.

Key Equipment: Featured equipment included T-90 tanks, Dhanush guns, Akash weapons system, logistics drones, and indigenous helicopters, highlighting ground warfare and aerial surveillance capabilities.

Naval and Air Power:

1. The Indian Navy displayed anti-ship missiles and air targets in a display of sea power.
2. The Indian Air Force demonstrated air superiority by deploying Tejas aircraft and ALH Mk-IV, Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Lightweight Torpedo, Autonomous Cargo-Carrying Aerial Vehicle, Mobile Anti-Drone System, T90 Tanks, BMP-II, Artillery Platforms such as Dhanush, Sharang, K9 Vajra and Pinaka, Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, UAV-launched precision-guided munition, Quick-Reaction Fighting Vehicles, and Drones of various types, including Logistic Drones.

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