Exercise Divya Drishti

Exercise Divya Drishti was a significant high-altitude military exercise conducted by the Indian Army in the East Sikkim region, showcasing the Army's readiness to incorporate advanced military technologies into its operations. The exercise was aimed at testing and refining new tools that enhance battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and decision-making speed.

Features of Exercise Divya Drishti:

1. High-Altitude Technology Demonstration:

   • Exercise Divya Drishti was held in the high-altitude terrains of East Sikkim, an area known for its challenging mountainous environment. This setting allowed the Army to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced technologies in difficult terrain and realistic conditions.

2. Objectives:

   • The primary goal of the exercise was to test the integration of new technologies in improving the Indian Army's battlefield awareness. The focus was on developing systems that can provide real-time surveillance, enhance situational awareness, and improve quick decision-making.

3. Technologies Tested:

   • AI-enabled sensors: The exercise incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance sensor capabilities, which were connected to advanced communication systems. This integration allowed for real-time data flow between different command centres, providing the necessary intelligence for more precise and quicker decisions.

   • UAVs and Drones: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones were deployed to simulate a variety of battlefield scenarios, creating realistic battle scenes. These aerial platforms played a significant role in surveillance, reconnaissance, and real-time communication.

   • Ground-based Systems: Along with aerial platforms, the exercise also utilized ground-based systems to create a seamless flow of information between command posts and ground units.

4. Enhanced Sensor-to-Shooter Link:

   • A key highlight was the creation of a strong sensor-to-shooter link, where data collected from sensors on the battlefield could be directly linked to fire control systems. This allowed for quick and accurate targeting, improving the response time during engagements.

5. Integration of Modern Technologies:

   • The exercise focused on the integration of AI, advanced communication networks, and real-time data flow to ensure the Army’s modernization in line with the changing nature of warfare.

   • The use of AI to process battlefield information and connect ground systems with aerial platforms aims to provide a 360-degree view of the operational environment, improving decision-making accuracy and tactical advantage.

6. Troops Involved:

   • The Trishakti Corps, based in Siliguri, played a key role in the exercise. This corps is crucial in operations along the northeastern borders of India, making the exercise particularly relevant to the country’s defense strategy in these areas.

Significance

• Real-Time Surveillance & Decision-Making: By incorporating AI, drones, and sensors, the exercise aimed to test how quickly the Indian Army could analyze and react to battlefield situations in a high-stress environment. The goal was to ensure superior situational awareness, allowing soldiers to make faster and more accurate decisions.

• Strategic Importance: The exercise was a vital step in strengthening India's defensive capabilities in the northeastern region, particularly considering the geopolitical sensitivity of areas like Sikkim and the border regions with China.

• Technological Advancements: The use of AI and UAVs in such exercises aligns with India's ongoing efforts to modernize its military by integrating cutting-edge technologies. This demonstration highlights the military’s focus on becoming more tech-savvy and digitally connected, which is crucial in contemporary warfare.