Indian army carries out tri-service exercise Poorvi Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh near the LAC

New Delhi: Amidst LAC tensions in eastern Ladakh, the armed forces are conducting tri service military exercise named Poorvi Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh for honing their skills to execute seamless operations across land, air and sea, defence ministry sources said on Wednesday.

The Indian Army uses its M-777 ultra lightweight howitzers – a weapon for the mountain - for the drill that began on Nov 10 and will continue till November 18. The M-777 howitzers have been recently inducted in the artillery units deployed in the eastern sector.

A key feature of the drill is integration of innovative technologies that are reshaping the future of military operations. In the exercise, the troops are trying out new technologies like swarm drones, and loitering munitions.

“Cutting edge technologies like swarm drones, first person view drones, and loitering munitions, that dramatically enhance situational awareness, precision strikes, and operational flexibility are being used extensively in the exercise,” said an officer.

“The incorporation of these tools reflects the military’s commitment to leveraging next-generation technologies to bolster defence capabilities,” he added.

Participating forces are utilising advanced fighter aircraft like the Rafale combat jets that are stationed at the IAF’s Hasimara air station, reconnaissance platforms and Chinook and Rudra (Advanced Light Helicopter) helicopters.

“These state-of-the-art assets provide an unprecedented level of mobility, firepower, and precision in the region’s challenging topography,” said a source.

The Exercise Poorvi Prahar, said a source, would serve as a platform for further absorption and integration of advanced technological tools and coming out with joint command structures that improve collaboration across services.

One of the core components of the exercise is the development of a common operating picture through joint control structures that optimise coordination between ground, air and naval forces.

Real-time information is seamlessly shared through systems operating on satellite communications, powered by AI-driven analytics, enabling more precise decision-making and faster response times.

“The use of AI and satellite communication technologies is pivotal in optimizing multi-service operations, ensuring that commanders have access to a comprehensive, real-time view of the battlefield,” said the officer.

The wargaming in Arunachal Pradesh – often a source of dispute between India and China – is happening at a time when there is a simmering tension between the two neighbours in eastern Ladakh, even though steps are being taken to restore normalcy.

Following a diplomatic breakthrough, the two sides completed their disengagement at Depsang and Demchok areas in eastern Ladakh and carried out the first round of coordinated patrolling earlier this month