Perched in the high-altitude terrain of East Sikkim, the Indian Army has begun testing the future of Himalayan warfare, where drones, artificial intelligence, real-time surveillance and precision fire dominate the battlefield.
Through Exercise Divya Drishti, held earlier this month, the Trishakti Corps deployed a synchronised network of aerial platforms, AI-enabled sensors and digital command systems to sharpen its response capability against evolving threats. The exercise underscored a shift from conventional tactics to an intelligence-driven, tech-integrated combat doctrine.
“Exercise DIVYA DRISHTI has been a great success. We tested cutting-edge technologies in realistic field conditions. The lessons will help develop future technologies, doctrines, and tactics across the Indian Army, making us ready for any adversary and any terrain,” said Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps.
The demonstration included unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and ground-based surveillance systems working in tandem. At the core of the trial was the sensor-to-shooter loop, where battlefield data is fed instantly to shooters through a secure network, ensuring swift, informed decisions.
The outcomes of the exercise were reviewed by Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, on behalf of Army Headquarters.
The Army said the initiative reflected its broader push for self-reliance and modernisation, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and the Decade of Transformation strategy.
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The push towards intelligent warfare was also on display at the Kargil Battle School grounds in Drass, where the Army commemorated the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas with a high-impact exhibition of firepower, mobility, and surveillance systems.
Speaking on the sidelines of the demonstration, Defence PRO Colonel Nishant Arvind highlighted the balance between legacy and future-ready platforms.
“The Bofors gun proved its effectiveness during the 1999 Kargil War. It remains an important part of our artillery system even today. On the other hand, we have the Dhanush system, a 155mm, 45-calibre gun with a longer barrel, giving it superior range. We have introduced enhancements to the muzzle brake and added an automatic laying system, which allows for quicker and more accurate fire delivery. This significantly boosts our effectiveness in targeting the enemy,” he said.
He added, “We have now transitioned from mass fire to precision fire. Not just the Indian Artillery, but all arms and services are progressing toward self-reliance. We are steadily enhancing our firing capabilities, logistics efficiency, and surveillance systems across the board.”
The events in Sikkim and Drass together projected a strong signal, that the Indian Army is not only drawing on past battlefield lessons, but actively shaping a technology-first, terrain-ready strategy for future conflicts.
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