Southern Command Chief Witnesses Advanced Military Technology Display at Pokhran Exercise
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, conducted a comprehensive review of cutting-edge military technology during a dynamic live-fire exercise at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district. The exercise, part of Exercise Rudra Shakti–2026, featured the Rudra Brigade demonstrating advanced capabilities through an all-arms manoeuvre that showcased the Indian Army's transformation toward future-ready warfare.
Decade of Transformation Goals in Action
The exercise represented a significant milestone in the Indian Army's Decade of Transformation initiative, emphasizing innovation, self-reliance, and rapid technological adoption. A diverse array of indigenously developed systems was prominently displayed, highlighting the military's commitment to reducing dependency on foreign technology while enhancing operational effectiveness.
Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nikhil Dhavan confirmed that Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth personally reviewed Exercise Rudra Shakti, describing it as a comprehensive live-fire, all-arms manoeuvre conducted by the Rudra Brigade. The demonstration effectively illustrated the Indian Army's growing capability to execute high-intensity, integrated operations under rapidly evolving battlefield conditions.
Advanced Technology Showcase
The technology display featured multiple groundbreaking systems developed through indigenous research and development efforts:
- Advanced drone systems including kamikaze drones capable of precision strikes
- Loitering munitions with enhanced stand-off lethality capabilities
- Drone jamming technology for counter-unmanned aerial system operations
- Mobile repair platforms for field maintenance and rapid deployment
- AI-enabled enemy drone detection systems for enhanced battlefield awareness
These technologies are specifically designed to counter modern battlefield threats while providing Indian forces with tactical advantages through reduced exposure to enemy fire and improved precision targeting capabilities.
Integrated Combat Operations Demonstration
Exercise Rudra Shakti followed the successful completion of Exercise Akhand Prahar, which had previously validated the Rudra Brigade and tested innovative operational concepts in desert warfare conditions. The live-fire activities were specifically designed to enhance combat integration and operational effectiveness through synchronized deployment of multiple military assets.
The exercise featured coordinated operations across multiple domains:
- Land forces including mechanized units and artillery systems
- Air defense units with integrated response capabilities
- Army Aviation assets featuring ALH-WSI and Apache helicopters
- Unmanned Aerial Systems for reconnaissance and strike missions
- Counter-UAS capabilities for defensive operations
This multi-domain coordination demonstrated the Indian Army's evolving approach to integrated warfare, combining traditional combat elements with advanced technological systems.
Leadership Engagement and Troop Recognition
During his review, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth actively engaged with participating troops and officers, praising their exceptional training standards, professionalism, and operational readiness. The Southern Command chief specifically commended the soldiers' ability to execute complex missions with remarkable speed, precision, and unity of effort.
Lt Gen Seth observed the operational deployment of advanced systems and interacted extensively with the personnel responsible for their development and field implementation. He expressed particular appreciation for the formation's innovation-driven approach, emphasizing that rapid integration of new technologies and development of indigenous capabilities are essential for maintaining operational superiority in contemporary warfare scenarios.
The live demonstration included dramatic kamikaze drone strikes and precision munition delivery using domestically developed platforms, showcasing stand-off lethality that enables forces to engage targets accurately while minimizing exposure to enemy counter-fire.
This comprehensive exercise at Pokhran Field Firing Range represents a significant step forward in the Indian Army's modernization efforts, demonstrating both technological advancement and operational readiness as the military continues its transformation toward future warfare capabilities.
