Army, IAF to unfold warfare doctrine in desert

Chandigarh, Feb 5 (UNI) Breaking away from the traditional approach, the Indian Army together with the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to project 'manoeuvre warfare doctrine' of the Indian Armed Forces in a 'fire and manoeuvre' combat exercise, codenamed "Brazen Chariots".

The exercise will be conducted at the Pokharan field firing range in western Rajasthan on March 19.

The exercise is being jointly conducted by one of the desert formations of the Indian Army in the sector, who together with the IAF will put to test an array of their latest weapon system acquisitions.

These weapson systems include the state-of-the-art missile firing tanks T-90 (Bhishma), all-weather Air Defence Gun Missile systems, Searcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) besides other electronic sensors and surveillance equipment.

The IAF would closely support the surface forces with induction of airborne troops, provide logistical support while its frontline fighter aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG-27, MiG-21 Bison and armed helicopters, would unleash their firepower to devastating effect. The synergy with the IAF would highlight the shape of future operations, which would be joint and seamless.

A host of foreign dignitaries and Defence Attaches of friendly foreign countries will witness the exercise that is aimed at putting the mechanized formations through the paces in a simulated, deep offensive scenario in a desert terrain.

The combat exercise will also include the deployment of a comprehensive communication and data linking systems incorporating Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) and Force Multiplier Command Post (FMCP).

Notwithstanding the hi-tech weaponry and war fighting support systems, essential pre-requisites to success in battle, the exercise will most certainly challenge the military leadership at various levels as their ability to synergize the application of the state-of-the-art weapon platforms towards achieving optimum results aimed at causing pre-emption, disruption and dislocation of enemy forces will be tested.

Exercise Brazen Chariots has been conceptualized for exercising combat groups consisting of tanks, infantry combat vehicles and Infantry in high Mobility Vehicles, ably supported by air and complimented by weapon platforms of supporting arms and combat logistics in essential tactical applications on the battlefield.

UNI HS VN1321