Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander of the Western Command, recently observed a significant display of integrated air defence capabilities executed by the Kharga Air Defence Warriors. This exercise served as a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to enhancing its operational efficacy in countering contemporary threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drones and various aerial platforms.
The exercise was a comprehensive portrayal of advanced air defence competencies, which featured cutting-edge systems adept at detecting, tracking, and neutralizing aerial threats with remarkable precision. Participants engaged in real-time drills aimed at simulating encounters with hostile drones, an essential aspect of modern battlefield readiness. Moreover, the event highlighted the interoperability between various air defence assets, ensuring a robust and layered defensive structure capable of responding to a wide array of aerial threats.
Lt Gen Katiyar expressed his admiration for the operational readiness and tactical proficiency exhibited by the troops during the exercise. He commended the professionalism, dedication, and morale of all ranks involved, stressing the critical need for continuous vigilance against the rapidly evolving aerial threat landscape. “Staying ahead means embracing continuous training and adapting technologically to meet future challenges,” he remarked. He further underscored the necessity of maintaining the highest standards of combat preparedness, particularly in light of the dynamic security environment facing the nation.
In light of the increasing sophistication of unmanned aerial systems, exercises like this are pivotal as they emphasize the Indian Army’s proactive stance in reinforcing its air defence strategies. This includes a particular focus on counter-drone operations and the development of anti-UAS strategies. The integration of advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and kinetic interceptors is also a priority, as is the enhancement of joint operations with other services to ensure comprehensive protection of India’s airspace and strategic assets.
The event underscored the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining air defence superiority, ensuring that its forces remain primed to safeguard the nation’s skies against any potential challenges in the future.
