India conducted the tri-service exercise ‘Prachand Prahaar’ in Arunachal Pradesh to enhance integrated warfare capabilities amid ongoing border tensions with China.
- Exercise Name: ‘Prachand Prahaar’
- Location: High-altitude terrain, Arunachal Pradesh
- Duration: March 25-27, 2024
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
- Objective:
- Validate an integrated multi-domain warfare approach involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Enhance synergized combat drills for future warfare scenarios.
- Strengthen surveillance, command & control, and precision firepower capabilities across the three services.
Technological and Tactical Aspects:
- Deployment of cutting-edge platforms, including:
- Long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft – For extended surveillance capabilities.
- Armed helicopters & UAVs – Providing tactical support and aerial superiority.
- Loitering munitions – Enabling rapid and precision strikes.
- Space-based assets – Enhancing situational awareness and strategic communication.
Strategic Significance:
- Operational Readiness: Ensures preparedness for high-altitude warfare and integrated tri-service operations.
- Border Security: The location in Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-China border, underscores India’s focus on strengthening defenses against potential threats.
- Future Warfare Simulation: The exercise simulates modern combat scenarios, integrating advanced warfare techniques and technology.
Linked Developments & Context:
- India-China Border Tensions:
- Arunachal Pradesh has been a contentious region in India-China relations.
- Recent renaming of places by China in Arunachal Pradesh and India’s strong response.
- Increased infrastructure development along the LAC (Line of Actual Control).
- Previous Military Drills:
- Exercise Astrashakti (2023) – Focused on Indian Air Force’s integrated strike capabilities.
- Exercise Sangam (India-US tri-service exercise, 2023) – Highlighted interoperability with global partners.
- Exercise Vayu Shakti (2024) – Showcased aerial combat readiness in Rajasthan.
- India’s Defense Modernization:
- Indigenous military hardware development under Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
- Growing integration of AI, cyber warfare, and space-based technologies in defense strategy.
Conclusion:
The ‘Prachand Prahaar’ exercise reinforces India’s commitment to a fully integrated and modernized defense strategy. With increasing geopolitical challenges, such joint operations enhance inter-service coordination, strategic deterrence, and operational readiness in sensitive border regions.
