India to hold major military drills - Bharat Shakti on March 12

The Indian Armed Forces will conduct a large-scale integrated maneuver of the Army, Air Force and Navy - Bharat Shakti on March 12, Report informs via TASS.

“The exercise will demonstrate success in the implementation of the government program to achieve self-sufficiency of the armed forces with weapons of Indian design and production. The Ministry of Defense signed 150 of 153 contracts for the supply of weapons last year with domestic manufacturers,” sources in the ministry said.

During the maneuvers, the combat capabilities of about 60 weapons systems produced by Indian companies will be demonstrated, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash anti-aircraft missile systems, Swati artillery reconnaissance stations, Vajra self-propelled howitzers, Pinaka multiple launch rocket systems and other weapons.

The maneuvers will involve Tejas fighter jets and Prachand light fire support helicopters, warships equipped with the latest artillery systems, torpedo weapons and anti-drone capabilities.

The land and air phases of the Bharat Shakti, which will take place in the Thar desert in the western state of Rajasthan bordering Pakistan, will be overseen by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.