Army holds 4-day exercise for multi-domain warfare

A tri-service multi-domain exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Army’s Northern Command headquarters, setting new benchmarks in preparedness for next-generation conflicts, a defence spokesperson said here on Saturday.

The four-day exercise tested commanders, staff and troops against futuristic threats in the cyber, space, electromagnetic and cognitive domains. Central Armed Police Forces, sister services, central government agencies and private sector players participated jointly, underscoring the importance of an integrated, whole-of-nation approach to the evolving security landscape, the spokesperson added.

He said the involvement of indigenous defence industry players established a new standard in jointness, aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) and innovation. Troops deployed in forward areas were trained to respond to challenges such as cyber intrusions, spectrum saturation, electronic jamming, spoofing and cognitive attacks.

“In modern warfare, the lines are blurring between domains, so we need to leverage niche technology and keep innovating. A whole-of-nation approach is required to protect our territorial integrity and critical assets and also unleash punitive action on the adversary if the situation so demands,” said Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, while interacting with the troops.

Initiated after a strategic dialogue held during Samvad at Mathura on October 4, the exercise reflected that readiness for future warfare begins with open minds and seamless teamwork, the spokesperson said. He added that the Northern Command now stands “better equipped, united and prepared” to counter emerging threats with strategic foresight and multi-domain synergy.