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India's modernizing army gets "techno-savvy"

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, May 10 -- Indian Army whose Jalandhar-based No. 11 corps is now in the midst of the ten-day exercise code named "Vajra Shakti" in Punjab, is training on satellite aided war maneuvers, reports 'Hindustan Times'.

India is honing its skills for the battlefield of the future where machines would be as much if not more important than the men in fatigues. As part of the future-oriented techniques, satellite imaging facilities are being provided at all division headquarters of the Indian Army as an integral part of its war-fighting machinery.

This exercise and operational grooming is part of efforts to familiarize Indian Army with the changing needs of the battlefields of the future.

For the first time, a Force Multiplication Command Post (FMCP) has been set up to integrate real-time flow of information as a principal tool to decision making. This move announces the arrival of network-centric warfare capability in the Indian Army.

Strategic and crucial information collected at the command post from such diverse sources as UAVs (Unidentified Aerial Vehicle), atellites, long range reconnaissance and observation system (LORROS) radars and even digital photos transferred to infantry soldiers from the battlefield through modem.

Indian Army Chief General J.J. Singh who witnessed the exercise involving the FMCP said future wars will be short and intense.

Singh said, technology will be the principal ally in future wars.

The 10-day exercise is being held to validate the new war doctrine and battle drills down to the unit levels. The doctrine presupposes a severe limitation of time, and is oriented towards
'blitzkrieg' offenses.

This simulation is the closest environment for troops to practice battle drills. It involves an active two-sided conflict.

Modernization of its army has been on top of India's defense requirements during the recent years. Modernization of its forces consists of heavy purchase of military hardware and battle field training.

As part of the move Indian Air Force and the Navy are already shopping around the world for lethal weaponry. The Army which traditionally depends on its million-strong manpower is not willing to lag behind and is training to become techno-lethal.

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::IRNA No.040 10/05/2005 15:34 --End