PM Modi witnesses 'Bharat Shakti' tri-service exercise in Rajasthan

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with over 30 delegates on Tuesday witnessed the tri-service exercise 'Bharat Shakti' in Rajasthan's Pokhran.

Welcoming the guests, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande said, "Today we are here to witness the display of the firepower capability of indigenous weapons and the operational readiness of all three defence forces. Today tri-service will showcase the key Equipment and Weapons Systems."

Today's demonstration showcased the calibrated tactical employment of niche technology in a tri-services environment against perceived threats.

The exercise 'Bharat Shakti' displays an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country, premised on the nation's Aatmanirbhar initiative.

LCA Tejas, ALH Mk-IV, LCH Prachand, mobile anti-drone system, BMP-II and its variants, NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), T90 tanks, Dhanush, K9 Vajra and Pinaka rockets are among the platforms that were demonstrated at Pokhran, about 100 km from Jaisalmer city.

"Synergised joint operations will be decisive in the Indian context. Through live firepower and manoeuvre demonstration, it is endeavoured to showcase the tri-services operational capabilities to counter any threat leveraging indigenous capability and the ability to undertake conflicts in the face of global upheavals," Additional Director General, Army Design Bureau, Major General C S Mann had earlier said.

Naval anti-ship missiles, autonomous cargo carrying aerial vehicles, and expendable aerial targets were being showed by the Indian Navy which highlighted the maritime strength and technological sophistication.

Indian Air Force will be deploying the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters, demonstrating air superiority and versatility in air operations.

(With inputs from agencies)