Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, Chief of Staff of the Northern Command, conducted a crucial visit to South Kashmir on Thursday to review the security architecture and operational readiness of frontline units under the Chinar Corps. The visit included comprehensive briefings on prevailing security dynamics along the Line of Control (LoC) and internal security challenges in the region.

During the visit, Lt Gen Nair interacted with troops deployed in forward areas, commending their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and morale. He emphasized the need for continuous operational alertness, robust training, and flexibility to counter emerging threats.

He also reviewed technological advancements being employed by the Army, particularly AI-based surveillance tools and integrated sensor systems, which are proving vital in enhancing situational awareness and counter-infiltration efforts.

This visit comes amid a period of heightened vigilance in Kashmir, following a series of successful operations by the Chinar Corps that led to the neutralization of terror threats and dismantling of insurgent networks in recent months.

Lt Gen Nair’s presence and guidance were seen as a morale booster for the troops operating in challenging terrain and high-risk zones. His emphasis on adaptability and technological integration underscores the Army’s evolving approach to modern hybrid warfare.

The Northern Command, restructured in 1972 to oversee India’s sensitive borders with both Pakistan and China, plays a pivotal role in strategic military operations. This inspection follows an earlier review conducted by the Vajra Division on July 3, demonstrating a sustained focus on ensuring high readiness levels across commands.

Lt Gen Nair, a seasoned officer and alumnus of the NDA and IMA, has extensive experience in counter-insurgency and high-altitude operations. His leadership continues to inspire confidence in India’s capacity to defend its interests and maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army has rolled out an ambitious modernisation roadmap aimed at transforming its combat capabilities for next-generation warfare. The announcement was made by Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance, at the “New Age Military Technologies: Industry Capabilities & Way Forward” conference organised by FICCI.

Lt Gen Aujla emphasized that the Army’s vision is centered on unprecedented collaboration between the military, policymakers, and private industry to accelerate innovation and self-reliance in defence technologies.

At the forefront of this plan is the development of cutting-edge hypersonic platforms, including hypersonic glide vehicles, air-breathing engines, and advanced generation missiles that aim to fundamentally shift the deterrence landscape. “We want to change the deterrence equation with ultra-fast and highly manoeuvrable weapon systems,” he said.

Precision-guided munitions (PGMs), loitering munitions, and directed energy weapons such as high-energy lasers and microwave systems will also form part of the Army’s enhanced strike and defence capabilities, particularly in counter-drone and anti-satellite roles.

Recognising the importance of digital dominance, the Army is also prioritising offensive and defensive cyber warfare, electronic warfare capabilities, and autonomous systems to secure spectrum and satellite communications.

The roadmap places significant focus on soldier-centric upgrades. Plans include exoskeletons, smart body armour, human augmentation, and AI-powered wearable tech like helmets and real-time health monitors, designed to improve agility, resilience, and operational endurance.

To support these capabilities, the Army is revamping its logistics and supply chain systems through AI, machine learning, blockchain, and IoT technologies, aiming for cyber-resilient, efficient, and sustainable operational frameworks.

Lt Gen Aujla urged policymakers to accelerate defence innovation through dedicated funds, streamlined procurement policies, and the creation of tech hubs and incubators. He called for a clear alignment of roles among the military, industry, and government to turn strategic vision into reality.

“We must move beyond slogans. Without a supportive environment, atmanirbharta will remain a catchphrase,” he cautioned, urging for meaningful and measurable collaboration to make India a leader in modern warfare technologies.

In a sharp assessment of the recent cross-border conflict with Pakistan, the Indian Army has revealed that Operation Sindoor was not merely a bilateral military response, but a confrontation involving multiple adversaries. According to Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), India faced a complex tri-front challenge, with China and Turkey covertly supporting Pakistan during the escalation.

The operation was launched in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 Indian citizens. India’s swift response targeted nine terror-linked sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), eliminating over 100 militants affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Lt Gen Singh revealed that a total of 21 targets were identified using a blend of human intelligence and advanced surveillance technologies. “Out of these, nine were selected for precision engagement. This decision was taken at the very last hour to maintain operational secrecy,” he said, adding that the Indian leadership’s messaging during the operation was clear and firm—there would be no tolerance for cross-border terrorism.

Highlighting the deeper geopolitical undercurrents of the operation, Lt Gen Singh said, “We had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in front. China was providing all possible support. 81 percent of Pakistan’s military hardware is Chinese. China is able to test its weapons in real-time, using Pakistan as a live lab.”

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has sold $8.2 billion worth of arms to Pakistan since 2015. From 2020 to 2024, nearly 63 percent of China’s global arms exports were directed to Pakistan, making it Beijing’s largest defense client. These exports include the JF-17 Thunder, the J-10C multirole fighter, and the soon-to-be-inducted Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters.

Lt Gen Singh also pointed to Turkey’s role, stating that Ankara had offered tactical and strategic support to Islamabad during the conflict. He added that during Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks between India and Pakistan, Pakistan was receiving live updates from China, exposing the extent of Beijing’s real-time intelligence sharing.

The situation has reignited discussions within Indian military circles about the urgent need for a more robust and integrated air defence system. “We need to address our vulnerabilities and be ready for multidomain threats. This conflict has proven we are no longer dealing with isolated state actors but with well-coordinated military partnerships,” Lt Gen Singh said.

A recent 2025 report by the US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) echoes similar concerns, noting that India now regards China as its primary strategic adversary, with Pakistan positioned as an ancillary challenge. Operation Sindoor, while tactically limited in duration, may have marked a strategic inflection point in India’s defence posture toward a complex and interconnected threat environment.

In a move underscoring the Indian Army’s commitment to technological advancement and frontline readiness, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, conducted a comprehensive review of forward units stationed along the eastern frontier in Arunachal Pradesh. The visit focused on assessing combat preparedness, particularly the use of drone technology in mountainous operations.

Lt Gen Pendharkar witnessed live demonstrations of drone-assisted surveillance and reconnaissance exercises, commending troops for their adept use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in enhancing operational effectiveness.

The Spear Corps plays a vital role in defending India’s eastern borders, especially in the high-altitude, strategically sensitive areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Army’s focus on integrating niche technologies such as drones reflects a broader strategy to counter emerging security threats through innovation and adaptability.

In his interaction with the soldiers, Lt Gen Pendharkar praised their professionalism and morale. Studies, including the Journal of Military Psychology, indicate that such senior leadership engagement can enhance troop resilience by up to 20 percent, particularly in isolated and challenging environments like the northeast.

The Indian Army’s enhanced use of drone technology, combined with continuous high-altitude training and leadership outreach, signifies a robust and forward-looking posture to secure the nation’s eastern frontier amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has said that the Indian Army’s swift and decisive response to the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad is a testament to its evolving role in national disaster management. Speaking at a high-level symposium held at the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, Lt Gen Seth emphasized the growing significance of disaster response as an operational mandate for the Indian Army.

The symposium, titled ‘Exercise Durg Vishwas: Role of Corps of Engineers in National Disaster Management Framework – Risk, Resilience and Response’, brought together senior leaders from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), state disaster agencies, and key institutions. The event focused on enhancing inter-agency coordination, improving readiness, and strengthening civil-military collaboration in crisis response.

Lt Gen Seth, who was the Chief Guest, said, “Disaster relief is no longer an episodic task. It has become an operational reality that must be trained for and seamlessly executed. The Army’s pan-India deployment places it in a unique position to act as first responder when civilian resources are overwhelmed.”

Citing the AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad as a recent example, he said that over 150 Army personnel, including engineers, medical teams, firefighters, and quick reaction units, were mobilised within minutes of the incident. “The prompt decision to breach the wall between the military hospital and BJ Medical College, which had been struck by the aircraft, helped save lives of those trapped within the complex,” he noted. The General Officer Commanding of the local division was also present at the crash site shortly after the incident.

The symposium featured keynote addresses from Lt Gen Arvind Walia, Engineer-in-Chief, and Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Member of the NDMA. Rajendra Singh, Member and Head of Department at NDMA, also addressed the gathering. General Manoj Pande (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff, was the Guest of Honour.

Lt Gen Walia detailed the capabilities of the Corps of Engineers and their growing role in national resilience, particularly in the face of natural disasters, industrial accidents, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats.

A press release summarising the event highlighted key takeaways including the need for integrated communication protocols among the NDMA, state authorities, and the Armed Forces; increased investment in training and disaster simulation; strategic pre-positioning of engineering assets; enhanced CBRN preparedness; and institutionalising lessons learned to guide future doctrines and training.

The event reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to supporting national disaster response efforts through agility, engineering excellence, and seamless coordination with civil agencies.

The Indian Army has commenced the third evaluation phase of Agniveer soldiers recruited in January 2023 under the Agnipath scheme. This critical assessment will play a key role in determining which candidates are eligible for permanent induction into the armed forces, with final selections expected by October 2026.

This stage of evaluation includes approximately 3,000 Agniveers who served during Operation Sindoor, India’s coordinated response to recent cross-border missile and drone attacks. Their operational performance, particularly in air defence roles, will be factored into the current round of assessments.

The ongoing third evaluation is part of the four-stage evaluation process laid out under the Agnipath scheme. Agniveers are tested at the 31-week, 18-month, 30-month, and 42-month marks during their service tenure. The third stage specifically assesses physical fitness, drill performance, and weapons handling skills. To ensure fairness and objectivity, Agniveers are not evaluated by their own unit but by external teams.

Army officials have emphasized the transparency of the system, noting that each Agniveer receives their mark sheet and multiple attempts per test—three in the first phase and two in later evaluations. Special arrangements are in place for those posted in remote or high-altitude areas such as Siachen and Ladakh, who are temporarily attached to nearby Corps Battle Schools or rear units to undergo evaluation.

Agniveers involved in Operation Sindoor operated a range of sophisticated air defence systems including Pechora, Schilka, OSA-AK, Strela, and Tunguska, as well as medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. Many served as gunners, communication specialists, fire control operators, and heavy vehicle drivers, contributing significantly to the successful deployment of the Akashteer air defence grid.

The Army has also incorporated provisions for recognizing acts of bravery and sporting achievements. Agniveers who receive gallantry awards such as the Sena Medal, Shaurya Chakra, Kirti Chakra, or Ashoka Chakra are automatically eligible for permanent recruitment. A mention in dispatch earns an additional 25 bonus marks.

On the sports front, Agniveers representing India at the international level will be directly inducted permanently. Those participating in national and service-level competitions will receive 10 and 6 bonus marks, respectively.

The first Agniveer batch will complete its four-year tenure in January 2027. Following final medical checks, 25 percent of the batch—selected on the basis of overall merit—will receive permanent positions. Selected Agniveers will be informed within seven days of discharge and must report to their respective regimental centres within 30 days. Failure to report will lead to disqualification, and the position will be offered to the next candidate on the merit list.