Army to showcase military might in Punjab

The Army's Western Command is conducting a major exercise in the plains of Punjab during this month as part of its operational preparedness.

The battle manoeuvres being undertaken aim at validating the army's fighting concepts and the absorption of new technologies, a defence spokesman said in New Delhi on Friday.

This exercise is part of the Army's systems approach to training which aims at transforming it into a modern, lean, agile and well-equipped force, capable of accomplishing assigned tasks thus showcasing its rapid response capability.

The exercise will enter its peak phase in mid-May when the elements of The Western Command will carry out the final phase of manoeuvres.

This will encompass all the fighting arms of the Indian Army, including approximately 20,000 soldiers, tanks, mechanised vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Attack Helicopters and front line Fighter Aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

During the exercise, units and formations will practice infusion of latest technology within the Army, thereby gearing it up for "network-centric operations," the spokesman said.

The exercise will encompass extensive use of satellite imagery, air borne surveillance and a wide array of land and air based radars to "achieve battle field transparency."

This will provide real time information of the battle front to the field commanders which will help in decision making during conflict.