SOURCE: AFI
In a groundbreaking stride toward modernizing its warfighting capabilities, the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has successfully validated Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) at the tactical level during Exercise Sarvshakti. Conducted in early 2025 under the Eastern Command, this exercise marks a pivotal moment in integrating next-generation technology with frontline tactics, showcasing India’s readiness to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare. The Trishakti Corps, headquartered in Siliguri and tasked with guarding the strategically vital eastern sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), has demonstrated how human ingenuity and cutting-edge systems can converge to enhance combat effectiveness.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) is a revolutionary concept that pairs human-operated platforms—such as fighter jets, helicopters, or ground units—with unmanned systems like drones or robots. This synergy leverages the strengths of both: the decision-making prowess and situational awareness of human operators, combined with the precision, endurance, and expendability of autonomous machines. At its core, MUM-T aims to amplify battlefield awareness, extend operational reach, and reduce risk to personnel—all while delivering a decisive edge over adversaries.
In Exercise Sarvshakti, the Trishakti Corps tested this concept at the tactical level, integrating manned assets like the Army’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv or infantry units with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the indigenous Switch UAV or loitering munitions like the Nagastra-1. The result? A seamless fusion of real-time intelligence, surveillance, and strike capabilities, validated in the rugged terrain of the eastern Himalayas.
The validation process involved multiple scenarios:
- Reconnaissance and Targeting: UAVs scouted enemy positions, relaying live feeds to manned units, enabling precise targeting without exposing troops.
- Coordinated Strikes: Manned platforms directed unmanned systems to engage targets, blending human oversight with machine accuracy.
- Situational Awareness: Real-time data from drones enhanced the command’s understanding of the battlefield, allowing rapid tactical adjustments.
Reports indicate that the exercise featured swarm drone operations, where multiple UAVs operated in unison under human control, a capability that mirrors global trends in autonomous warfare. This hands-on demonstration underscored MUM-T’s potential to transform how the Indian Army engages threats, particularly in contested border regions.
The successful validation of MUM-T at ExSarvshakti is more than a technical milestone—it’s a leap into the future of warfare. For the Trishakti Corps, this capability addresses critical operational challenges along the LAC, where China has been ramping up its own technological edge, including the deployment of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs and upgraded airbases like Lhunze, just 100 kilometers from Tawang. By fusing manned and unmanned systems, the Indian Army can counter these threats with greater flexibility and lethality.
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