In a significant push towards military modernisation and self-reliance, the Indian Army has commenced extensive field trials of advanced defence systems under simulated near-combat conditions. These trials are part of a broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge technologies and boost operational readiness, officials said on Saturday.
According to the ministry, the evaluations include Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munitions (ULPGM), Runway Independent Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), and counter-UAS technologies. These platforms are being tested alongside loitering munitions, Specialised Vertical Launch drones, Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS), Low Level Light Weight Radars, next-gen infrared systems, and advanced electronic warfare (EW) solutions.
“These field trials are being conducted under near-combat conditions, integrating electronic warfare simulations, to assess the performance of cutting-edge defence systems rigorously,” the ministry said in a statement.
The trials are part of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” roadmap and aim to enable the “rapid absorption” of next-generation technologies to meet dynamic battlefield requirements. The demonstrations are taking place across various terrains at Pokhran and Babina Field Firing Ranges, Joshimath, and upcoming sessions in Agra and Gopalpur for air-defence equipment.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Babina Field Firing Ranges on May 27 to review the ongoing capacity development demonstrations. He also engaged with participating stakeholders, including developers and defence officials, to take stock of the progress made.
The defence ministry emphasised that the trials reinforce the Army’s commitment to indigenous capability development under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. “Through these evaluations, the Indian Army aims to strengthen its technological edge, enhance operational readiness, and reaffirm its commitment to indigenous innovation and self-reliance in defence capability development,” it said.
Multiple domestic defence industry participants are taking part in the trials, reflecting growing cooperation between the military and Indian manufacturers. The synergy is likely to accelerate development and deployment of next-generation systems to suit the Army’s needs.
These demonstrations reflect the Army’s maturing doctrine which emphasizes rapid induction of indigenous systems for future conflict environments, fusing innovation with strategic preparedness.
With inputs from PTI