Introduction to Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! There is a big development is scheduled for 12^th of March 2024, which is Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024. In a significant display of Indigenous strength and technological prowess, the Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct the Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024, an integrated tri-service war game.

Why Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 is in the news? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024

The highly anticipated Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 is making headlines as the Indian Army prepares for an integrated tri-service war game on March 12 at Rajasthan’s Pokhran field firing range. This exercise will be witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and top military brass. The live fire and manoeuvre exercise in 2024 is under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to showcase the might of Made-in-India weapon systems.

What is Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024?

Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 is a major integrated tri-service war game organized by the Indian Army, scheduled to take place on March 12 at the Pokhran field firing range in the deserts of Rajasthan, India. The exercise aims to showcase the firepower and manoeuvre capabilities of Made-in-India weapon systems and platforms. It will be a live fire and manoeuvre exercise witnessed by key dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and top military officials.

Objectives of Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024

These are the key Objectives of Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024

1. Showcasing Firepower Prowess

Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 will demonstrate the impressive firepower capabilities of indigenously manufactured weapon systems, emphasizing the efficacy of Made-in-India military equipment.

2. Highlighting Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative

Bharat Shakti Exercise will showcase advancements achieved under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing self-reliance and reduced dependence on foreign imports for defence needs.

3. Tri-Service Integration

This exercise will emphasize seamless integration and joint operations among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing collective capabilities to address contemporary security challenges.

4. Operational Readiness

It will display the armed forces’ preparedness to respond to potential threats by conducting live fire and manoeuvre demonstrations in simulated battlefield conditions.

5. Technological Innovation

Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 will showcase advancements in diverse technology domains, including unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced communication systems.

6. Global Recognition

Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 will elevate India’s standing in the global defence landscape by exhibiting its indigenous military capabilities, fostering international confidence in the nation’s strategic capabilities.

7. Armed Forces Empowerment

It will illustrate the empowerment of the armed forces through the incorporation of indigenous technology, promoting a sense of national pride and confidence in the country’s defence capabilities.

Features of Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024

These are the key features of this exercise:-

1. Live Fire and Manoeuvre Demonstrations: Witness live, integrated tri-service operations showcasing offensive capabilities and the coordinated use of indigenous equipment.
2. Static Equipment Display: Provide an up-close look at standalone equipment, allowing attendees to explore the technical specifications and capabilities of the showcased weaponry.
3. Diverse Technology Domains: Encompass a wide range of technology domains, including unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone systems, AI, robotics, and advanced communication systems.
4. Strategic Venue Choice: Capitalize on the historic significance of the Pokhran field firing range, known for India’s nuclear tests, to emphasize the adaptability of the armed forces in diverse terrains.
5. Joint Services Communication Integration: Highlight seamless communication and coordination among the three services through the integration of Information and Communication Technology networks.

Venue of Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024

The exercise will unfold at the renowned Pokhran field firing range situated in the arid deserts of Rajasthan, India. This historic venue, previously associated with India’s first nuclear test, offers a strategic setting for the exercise.

Significance

The Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 showcases so many significance importances-
1. Technological Advancements Showcase

Bharat Shakti Exercise serves as a platform to showcase India’s indigenous technological advancements in defence, demonstrating the nation’s capability to develop and deploy cutting-edge military equipment.

2. Boosting National Confidence

The exercise contributes to enhancing national confidence by exhibiting the self-reliance achieved under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, fostering a sense of pride and self-sufficiency in the country’s defence capabilities.

3. Tri-Service Integration Emphasis

With a focus on jointness and coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Bharat Shakti highlights the significance of integrated tri-service operations, essential for addressing contemporary and future security challenges.

4. Strategic Pokhran Venue Symbolism

Conducting the exercise at Pokhran, a historically significant venue associated with India’s nuclear tests, adds symbolic value. It underscores the adaptability of the armed forces in varied terrains, emphasizing India’s strategic preparedness.

5. Global Recognition and Diplomatic Impact

The exercise aims to elevate India’s profile in the global defence arena, garnering recognition for its indigenous military capabilities. This, in turn, enhances India’s diplomatic standing by showcasing its commitment to self-reliance and technological innovation in defence.

Showcasing Indian Made Defence Equipments

Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 stands as a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence, prominently showcasing a diverse array of indigenous military equipment. The event provides a unique platform to exhibit the advancements achieved under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing the prowess of Made-in-India defence technologies. The showcased equipment spans various domains, highlighting the nation’s technological capabilities and fostering a sense of national pride.

Key Indigenous Defence Equipments on Display:

1. LCA Tejas: India’s light combat aircraft, showcasing advanced avionics and aerial capabilities.
2. ALH Mk-IV: The Advanced Light Helicopter Mark-IV, emphasizing indigenous rotorcraft technology.
3. T90 Tanks: Indigenous variants of battle tanks, demonstrating cutting-edge armoured warfare capabilities.
4. K9 Vajra: A self-propelled howitzer, symbolizing India’s artillery strength.
5. Pinaka: Multi-barrel rocket launch system, showcasing the nation’s artillery firepower.
6. Dhanush: Indigenous towed howitzer, highlighting artillery advancements.
7. Swathi Weapon Locating Radar: Indigenous radar system for locating enemy artillery positions.
8. UAV-launched Precision-guided Munition: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) integrated with precision-guided munitions, exemplifying advanced drone capabilities.
9. Mobile Anti-Drone System: Indigenous counter-drone technology, addressing modern threats.
10. Light Utility Helicopter (LUH): Indigenous utility helicopter, showcasing advancements in rotary-wing aviation.
11. Autonomous Cargo-Carrying Aerial Vehicle: Cutting-edge unmanned cargo delivery system.
12. Quick-Reaction Fighting Vehicles: Agile and responsive vehicles for rapid deployment in various scenarios.
13. 3D-Printed Bunkers: Innovative defence infrastructure, demonstrating advancements in construction technologies.
14. AI/Autonomous Systems/Robotics: A glimpse into the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems in defence operations.
15. Communication Systems and Survival/Protection Equipment: Indigenous solutions for communication and personnel protection, reflecting comprehensive defence preparedness.

Tri-Service Integration

Tri-Service Integration takes center stage at the Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024, underscoring the significance of coordinated efforts among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This strategic approach aims to maximize operational effectiveness and readiness, providing a cohesive response to diverse and evolving security challenges. The exercise focuses on seamless collaboration across services, emphasizing jointness in planning, communication, and execution. Several key aspects highlight the importance of Tri-Service Integration during the event:

1. Unified Command and Control

The exercise showcases a unified command structure, emphasizing joint decision-making and coordination to enhance overall strategic responsiveness.

2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Networks

Tri-Service Integration involves the seamless integration of service-specific ICT networks, ensuring real-time communication and information sharing among the three branches of the armed forces.

3. Joint Operational Maneuvers

Live fire and manoeuvre demonstrations feature joint operational maneuvers, illustrating the synchronized efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in offensive operations.

4. Combined Firepower Display

The exercise exhibits the combined firepower of the three services, emphasizing the shared resources and collaborative strategies employed to achieve maximum impact on the battlefield.

5. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Grid

A sophisticated ISR grid is established, showcasing the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities across services for comprehensive situational awareness.

Special Guests

Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 will host distinguished special guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, high-ranking military officials, foreign dignitaries, and industry leaders.

Their presence emphasizes the government’s commitment, showcases political support, and fosters international collaboration. This esteemed gathering underscores the event’s national significance, offering insights into India’s indigenous military advancements and reinforcing the nation’s dedication to self-reliance in defence.

Key Facts about Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 UPSC

We have added all the related key facts about Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 below-

FAQs – UPSC Questions on Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024

Question-1: What is Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024?

Answer. Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 is a major integrated tri-service war game organized by the Indian Army to showcase the firepower and manoeuvre capabilities of Made-in-India weapon systems.

Question-2: When and where will the exercise take place?

Answer. The exercise is scheduled for March 12, 2024, at the Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan.

Question-3: What is the main objective of Bharat Shakti Exercise?

Answer. The primary objective is to demonstrate the prowess of indigenously manufactured defence equipment and emphasize self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Question-4: Who will be participating in the exercise?

Answer. The participants include the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with special guests like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Question-5: What are the key features of the exercise?

Answer. Key features include live fire and manoeuvre demonstrations, static equipment display, showcasing diverse technology domains, joint operational maneuvers, and seamless communication integration.

Question-6: Which indigenous weapons will be highlighted during the exercise?

Answer. Indigenous weapons such as LCA Tejas, ALH Mk-IV, T90 Tanks, K9 Vajra, and Pinaka will be showcased.

Question-7: How long will the live demonstration last?

Answer. The live demonstration is expected to last approximately 50 minutes.

Question-8: What is the significance of Pokhran as the venue?

Answer. Pokhran, with its historic association with India’s nuclear tests, symbolizes adaptability in varied terrains, emphasizing the strategic preparedness of the armed forces.

Question-9: What role does tri-service integration play in the exercise?

Answer. Tri-service integration is a focal point, emphasizing joint operations, unified command and control, integrated ICT networks, and collaborative efforts among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Question-10: How does Bharat Shakti Exercise contribute to national security?

Answer. The exercise enhances national security by showcasing the country’s technological advancements, fostering diplomatic ties, and reinforcing commitment to self-reliance in defence.

Question-11: Why is the exercise named ‘Bharat Shakti’?

Answer. The name reflects the exercise’s focus on showcasing India’s strength, self-reliance, and empowerment in the defence sector.

Question-12: What technology domains will be featured in the exercise?

Answer. Diverse technology domains, including unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone technology, AI/autonomous systems, and advanced communication systems, will be showcased.

Question-13: Why is the presence of special guests significant?

Answer. Special guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, symbolize political support, government commitment, and international collaboration.

Question-14: How does the exercise contribute to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative?

Answer. Bharat Shakti Exercise underscores the success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by showcasing indigenously manufactured defence equipment and reducing dependence on foreign imports.

Question-15: What is the expected diplomatic impact of the exercise?

Answer. The exercise is expected to enhance India’s diplomatic standing by showcasing its commitment to self-reliance, technological innovation, and indigenous military capabilities.

Question-16: Which international figures might attend the exercise?

Answer. Foreign dignitaries and defence attaches may attend, fostering diplomatic ties and providing insights into India’s indigenous military advancements.

Question-17: How will the armed forces empower themselves through the exercise?

Answer. The exercise empowers the armed forces by incorporating indigenous technology, promoting national pride, and bolstering operational capabilities in the face of contemporary threats.

Question-18: What are the key achievements of the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign in the defence sector?

Answer. The Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign has led to a paradigm shift in indigenous R&D, adoption of niche technology, and the establishment of an indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.

Question-19: How does the exercise align with the government’s Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran goal?

Answer. The exercise aligns with the goal by emphasizing transformation through modernization and technology infusion via indigenous methods, achieving self-reliance and empowerment.

Question-20: What can be expected from the static equipment display?

Answer. The static equipment display will provide a closer look at standalone equipment, allowing attendees to explore technical specifications and capabilities showcased during the exercise.