Syllabus: Prelims, GS 3
Why in the news?
- The Indian Army, in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), conducted a major integrated multi-domain combat exercise.
- Location: High-altitude Himalayan terrain, Arunachal Pradesh, near the LAC.
What are the Purposes of the Exercise:
- Strengthening Jointness:
- Enhances interoperability: Army ground forces, IAF air assets, Surveillance and UAV systems, Logistics and supply chains.
- Aligns with India’s move toward Integrated Theatre Commands.
- High-Altitude Combat Preparedness:
- Tests combat capability in extreme terrain and harsh weather.
- Ensures readiness for possible conflict scenarios in the Eastern LAC.
- Precision Fire & Real-Time Targeting which involves: Artillery fire, Air support, UAV reconnaissance, multi-sensor data fusion, Validates real-time targeting and decision-making.
- Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs): It supports India’s transition to agile, mobile, and integrated IBGs. It will enhance swift response capability.
Strategic Significance:
- LAC Preparedness:
- Arunachal has seen increasing PLA activity, patrols, and infrastructure build-up along LAC.
- Multi-domain capabilities enhance deterrence and operational dominance.
- Part of Modernisation Drive: Supports shift toward – Network-centric warfare, Multi-domain operations (MDO), High-tech battlefield integration.
- Evolving Air-Land Battle Doctrine:
- Enhances synchronised use of air power and ground forces.
- Improves India’s response to multi-domain threats.
- Signalling to Adversaries:
- Demonstrates India’s strong defensive posture in difficult terrain.
- Reinforces commitment to territorial integrity.
Multi-Domain Operations (MDO):
- MDO integrates combat across multiple domains:
- Land – Infantry, mechanised forces, artillery.
- Air – Fighters, attack helicopters, UAVs.
- Cyber – Network protection, offensive cyber ops.
- Space – Satellite imagery, ISR (Intelligence–Surveillance–Reconnaissance).
- Electronic Warfare (EW) – Jamming, spectrum dominance.
- Information Warfare – Psychological operations, perception management.
- This aligns with India’s future model of Integrated Commands.
Arunachal Pradesh – Operational Context:
- Geostrategic Importance:
- Shares a long, disputed border with Tibet (China).
- Forms the Eastern Sector of the LAC.
- Terrain & Infrastructure Challenges:
- High altitude and dense forests.
- Limited roads and difficult mobility.
- Harsh winters and unpredictable weather.
- Exercises simulate real battlefield conditions in such terrain.
Mains Practice Question:
Q. Discuss the significance of the recent Army–IAF Multi-Domain Combat Exercise conducted in Arunachal Pradesh in strengthening India’s high-altitude operational preparedness and its transition toward Integrated Theatre Commands.
Pointers for Answer:
Introduction:
- Joint Army–IAF multi-domain exercise held in high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh near the LAC.
- Aimed at testing joint operational readiness, precision targeting, and multi-domain integration.
Significance for High-Altitude Preparedness:
- Validates combat performance in extreme cold, steep terrain, and unpredictable weather.
- Enhances real-time coordination through artillery fire, air support, UAV reconnaissance, and sensor fusion.
- Ensures readiness for conflict scenarios in the Eastern Sector amid rising PLA activity.
Strengthening Jointness & Integration:
- Improves interoperability between Army ground forces, IAF air assets, UAVs, surveillance systems, and logistics.
- Supports creation of agile Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) for swift, mobile responses.
- Advances India’s shift toward Integrated Theatre Commands and network-centric warfare.
Multi-Domain Operations (MDO):
- Integrates land, air, cyber, space, electronic warfare, and information warfare capabilities.
- Enhances India’s deterrence and operational dominance along the LAC.
Source: Arunachal Times
