Overview

• Western and South Western Commands wrapped a five-day Exercise Vayu Samanvay at Naraingarh to prove offensive and defensive UAS concepts in a contested environment.
• Troops executed live strikes by dropping 155 mm shells, 81 mm and 51 mm mortar rounds, and 84 mm rockets, using in-house shape charges and some 3D-printed ammunition.
• Formations simulated opposing forces named Suryadesh and Chandradesh, demonstrated swarm and saturation tactics with several dozen drones, and trained for close-contact fights within 5 km.
• Tactical drones fabricated by Army units and local industry featured ranges up to 5 km and 5 kg payloads, while counter-UAS drills validated layered defenses that leaders said worked in Operation Sindoor.
• Katiyar said the Army will need thousands of drones for future conflicts, highlighted integration across arms for combat and high-altitude resupply, cited recent flood-relief use, and flagged upcoming training for Drone Didis.