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Indian Army Conducts Divya Drishti Exercise in Sikkim to Test Drones, AI & Battlefield Tech

Posted by

Pradipta V Mukherjee

July 30, 2025

On July 30, 2025

To modernize battlefield operations, the Indian Army held Exercise ‘Divya Drishti‘ in East Sikkim in July 2025. The exercise focused on integrating advanced surveillance systems and artificial intelligence (AI) in harsh terrain and operational conditions. Held by the Trishakti Corps, the exercise marked a significant step in preparing the Army for technology-centric future warfare.

The purpose of the exercise was to assess how well unmanned platforms and AI-enabled tools could be applied in actual combat situations. In order to demonstrate sensor-to-shooter capabilities—a crucial idea in contemporary military strategy—high-altitude simulations of combat were carried out utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), multirotor drones, and ground-based sensor platforms connected by secure digital networks.

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Real-Time Intelligence and Decision Support

The demonstration of real-time data transmission from forward-deployed sensors to command centers was one of “Divya Drishti’s” primary highlights. Tactical commanders were able to make quicker and more accurate decisions thanks to AI-based systems that processed surveillance data to increase situational awareness.

The primary goal of the exercise, according to the Ministry of Defence, was to evaluate the Army’s capacity to recognise, understand, and react to changing threats in real time. The speed of analysis and response is as crucial as firepower in today’s battlefields, officials stressed.

On behalf of Army Headquarters, Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Coordination), personally examined the exercise results, demonstrating the initiative’s strategic significance at the level of national defense.

Tactics for the Terrain of Tomorrow

In order to obtain operational insights, the technologies were put through a rigorous testing process in the harsh Himalayan environment, according to Lt Gen Zubin A. Minwalla, General Officer Commanding of the Trishakti Corps. Future combat doctrines, unit-level tactics, and training approaches will all be directly impacted by these findings.

Senior officers from the Eastern Command say the exercise is part of an increasing trend in the Indian Army toward network-centric warfare and digitally empowered operations. The importance of these capability-focused exercises has increased due to the growing border challenges in high-altitude regions, especially in the eastern sector.

Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Decade of Transformation

“Divya Drishti” is a crucial component of the Army’s Decade of Transformation roadmap, which is a long-term plan to develop into a technologically advanced, independent fighting force. Since many of the tools and systems being tested were created or modified by Indian defense technology companies and startups, this initiative also echoes the central government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Impact on Training and Procurement

The results of Exercise Divya Drishti will influence future force training initiatives, doctrine development, and procurement strategies, officials confirmed. The Army hopes to stay ahead of high-tech threats by applying lessons learned from real-time battlefield simulations.

If this exercise is successful, the Indian Army will be at the forefront of next-generation military readiness, where autonomous systems, data integration, and decision speed could decide the outcome of future wars.

Pradipta V Mukherjee

CEO, Mavdrones

Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.