The Indian Army’s recent “Exercise Divya Drishti” in East Sikkim has underscored the country’s growing emphasis on drone warfare and AI-enabled military technology. The high-altitude exercise, conducted by the Trishakti Corps, tested a range of cutting-edge systems, including AI-powered sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to enhance battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and rapid decision-making.
The exercise simulated realistic combat scenarios, integrating ground-based systems with aerial platforms to assess their effectiveness in challenging terrain. A key highlight was the deployment of AI-enabled sensors linked with advanced communication networks, ensuring seamless and secure data transmission between command centres. This setup strengthened situational awareness and decision-making capabilities, reinforcing the critical “sensor-to-shooter” link—a cornerstone of modern military strategy.
“Exercise Divya Drishti has been a great success,” said Lt Gen Zubin A. Minwalla, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps. “We tested cutting-edge technologies in realistic field conditions. The lessons will help develop future technologies, doctrines, and tactics across the Indian Army, making us ready for any adversary and any terrain.”
The exercise demonstrated how AI and multi-domain sensors can enhance battlefield surveillance, enabling real-time decision-making and strengthening operational readiness. As the Trishakti Corps noted in a social media post, “Ex DIVYA DRISHTI, conducted in the rugged terrain of East Sikkim, showcased how AI and multi-domain sensors enhanced battlefield surveillance, enabled real-time decision-making, and strengthened sensor-to-shooter links through lateral and vertical integration of sensors and command structures.”
This exercise is a significant step forward in integrating AI, drones, and advanced surveillance into Indian military operations. By leveraging these technologies, the Indian Army is not only bolstering its operational capabilities but also advancing its goal of technological self-reliance. The lessons learned from “Exercise Divya Drishti” will likely shape future military doctrines, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of modern warfare innovation.
As drone warfare continues to evolve, exercises like these are crucial in refining tactics, improving interoperability, and ensuring that military forces are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. The Indian Army’s commitment to embracing these technologies reflects a broader global trend toward smarter, more agile, and more autonomous military systems—systems that will define the battlefields of the future.