Exercise Drone Prahar

The Exercise Drone Prahar conducted by the Indian Army in Arunachal Pradesh is a significant milestone in the integration of drone technology into military operations.

Features of Exercise Drone Prahar

1. Objective and Focus:

   • The main aim of the exercise was to validate the integration of drones into tactical battlefield operations. Drones are increasingly becoming a game-changer for modern militaries, and this exercise showcased how these technologies can enhance situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and precision targeting in real-time scenarios.

2. Location:

   • The exercise was held at Rayang military station in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang District. This area is strategically significant, given its proximity to India's borders with China, where technological advancements in military operations are critical for maintaining security.

3. Key Aspects Demonstrated:

   • Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Drones were deployed for surveillance, which is a critical component in modern warfare. This allows commanders to monitor enemy movements, terrain, and activities without putting soldiers at direct risk.

     Real-time Sensor-to-Shooter Coordination: The integration of sensor data collected by drones with real-time targeting systems allows for quicker, more accurate responses to threats, improving the precision of strikes and minimizing collateral damage.

     Enhanced Command Reach: By utilizing drones, commanders can gain an extended operational reach and better control over distant or challenging areas on the battlefield.

4. Tactical Decision-Making:

   • The exercise emphasized dynamic decision-making by enabling commanders to make quick, informed decisions using the data collected by drones. This could lead to faster mobilization and resource allocation during critical moments of conflict.

5. Testing of Critical Aspects:

   • Airspace Deconfliction: The coordination between various drones and manned aircraft is crucial. Ensuring there are no conflicts in airspace is vital for safety and operational efficiency.

     Secure Communication Channels: With drones playing a central role, it is essential to establish secure communication protocols to protect the data being transmitted between the drone and command centers from enemy interference or hacking attempts.

     Coordination Between Various Arms: The success of this exercise also depended on cross-service coordination, ensuring that infantry, artillery, and air support worked in tandem with drone systems.