Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday travelled to the Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan to witness the integrated tri-service firepower and manoeuvre exercise.
The ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise showcased indigenous weapons systems and platforms, highlighting the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to self-reliance. It demonstrated the Armed Forces’ capabilities to effectively counter threats in land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
“Today, once again Pokhran became a witness to the triveni of India’s Aatmnirbharta, self-confidence and its glory,” PM Modi said.
“It is the same Pokhran that witnessed India’s nuclear test and today we are witnessing the power of strength from indigenisation”.
The Prime Minister remarked that the first successful flight test of an indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology, which took place on Monday, is a huge step towards self-reliance in the defence sector.
“In the last 10 years, the country’s defence production has doubled to more than Rs 1 lakh crore. More than 150 defence startups have been launched in the country, and our forces have given them orders worth Rs 1,800 crore,” the PM said.
Referring to the recent Cabinet decision to design, develop and manufacture 5th generation fighter jets in India, the Prime Minister said that the defence sector would continue to grow and create employment opportunities in the future.
“The success of Make in India is in front of us. Our guns, tanks, fighter ships, helicopters, missile systems…this is ‘Bharat Shakti’. From arms and ammunition, communication equipment, and cyber to space, we can experience the flight of Made in India. Our pilots are today flying Indian-made Tejas, fighter aircraft, advance light helicopters and light combat helicopters,” PM Modi said.
The exercise featured key equipment and weapons systems such as T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons Systems, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and an array of unmanned aerial vehicles, among others.
The Indian Air Force deployed the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters, demonstrating air superiority and versatility in air operations.