NEWS – India’s armed forces are actively engaged in a significant tri-service military exercise, Poorvi Prahar, in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This exercise is designed to enhance India’s defense readiness and operational efficiency across its Army, Navy, and Air Force.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

• Amid Rising Tensions: Conducted in the wake of ongoing tensions along the LAC, especially in eastern Ladakh, Poorvi Prahar aims to bolster India’s preparedness for seamless joint operations across land, air, and sea.
• Timeline: The exercise began on November 10 and is scheduled to continue through November 18.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE EXERCISE

1. Deployment of Advanced Weaponry
   • M-777 Howitzers: The Indian Army is utilizing the recently inducted M-777 ultra-lightweight howitzers, especially suited for mountainous terrains.
   • Location of Deployment: These advanced artillery units are stationed in the eastern sector, ensuring increased firepower and precision for mountainous operations.
2. Integration of Next-Generation Technologies
   • Swarm Drones and Loitering Munitions: These advanced systems are being tested to enhance situational awareness, precision targeting, and operational flexibility.
   • First-Person-View (FPV) Drones: FPV drones are also being employed for real-time visual feeds, enhancing troops’ ability to monitor and react to battlefield dynamics.
3. Air and Reconnaissance Capabilities
   • Rafale Fighter Jets: Rafale jets stationed at the Hasimara Air Station are being deployed to provide air superiority and precision strike capabilities.
   • Rotary Aircraft Support: The exercise involves Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and Rudra (Advanced Light Helicopter) choppers, contributing to troop mobility and logistics support.
4. Trialing and Absorption of Technological Innovations
   • Real-Time Data Sharing: Troops are using satellite communications and AI-driven analytics for real-time information sharing, supporting precise and timely decision-making.
   • Joint Control Structures: One of the core objectives is to create a unified command system that synchronizes the efforts of ground, air, and naval forces, facilitating a common operating picture and better inter-service coordination.

SIGNIFICANCE OF POORVI PRAHAR

• Future-Ready Military Operations: By integrating cutting-edge technology, Poorvi Prahar serves as a testbed for technologies that will likely become central to future military strategies.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The exercise highlights the armed forces’ commitment to leveraging new tools for improving defense capabilities and rapid response.
• Strengthened Command Structures: Establishing joint command structures enhances collaboration across services, thereby optimizing operational response times and coordination in real-world scenarios.