In a recent visit to the Army Aviation Base at Bathinda Military Station, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander of the South Western Command, conducted a thorough operational review and assessed the recent infrastructure upgrades at the facility.
During his visit, General Seth expressed his appreciation for the dynamism, professional excellence, and dedication to duty displayed by the Army Aviation Warriors. Highlighting the critical role of the base, General Seth encouraged all ranks to continue their efforts in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the unit.
Bathinda Military Station, a key military hub located in Punjab, India, is not only one of the largest in the country but also serves as the headquarters of the 10 Corps—also known as Chetak Corps. This station plays a crucial role in the defense operations of southern Punjab and adjoining Rajasthan.
The history of the Bathinda Military Station traces back to its establishment post the 1971 war when the new Corps headquarters was raised in July 1979 with Lieutenant General ML Tuli inaugurating as the first General Officer Commanding.
Since then, the station has seen significant modernization which includes new accommodations for married officers and jawans, enhanced civic facilities like shopping areas, restaurants, parks, and green belts.
Strategically located near the national highway, the station maintains stringent security measures to uphold its critical defensive roles.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in collaboration with the Indian Army, held an interactive session under the aegis of Sapta Shakti Command to raise awareness about their joint venture, the IGNOU Army Education Project.
The event focused on informing soldiers about new initiatives and degree courses available to them.
During the session, the Senior Regional Director of IGNOU Jaipur addressed various queries from attendees concerning the different programs offered.
This initiative not only aims to boost the educational qualifications of young soldiers but also targets enhancing the skills of coordinators at Army Regional and Study Centres.
The event successfully increased awareness among soldiers and their families regarding academic and professional opportunities.
It underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to the holistic development of its personnel, ensuring they remain at the forefront of both operational preparedness and personal growth.
General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited the Panchshul Brigade on June 14, 2024, to assess the operational preparedness and ongoing capability development within the Kumaon Sector. Stationed in Pithoragarh, a strategic district in Uttarakhand, India, the brigade is a critical formation of the Indian Army known for its robust combat readiness.
During his visit, General Pande traveled to key locations including Pithoragarh and Gunji, where he engaged with troops from the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The COAS commended the forces for their exceptional standards of operational readiness and the effective synergy they maintain despite the challenging terrain of the region.
The troops demonstrated various combat drills involving sophisticated weaponry such as the MAG 2A1 Medium-Machine Guns, Carl Gustav M3 Recoilless Rifles, and 105mm Light Field Guns. These exercises highlight the brigade’s capability to operate advanced military equipment and adapt to the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.
General Pande’s visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring the security of its borders and enhancing the combat effectiveness of its units in strategically important sectors like Kumaon. The COAS emphasized the importance of continuous training and preparedness to face any challenges that may arise in the mountainous terrain of the region.
In a significant visit, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), toured the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. During his visit, General Pande meticulously reviewed the regimental centre’s training activities and infrastructure, which are crucial for preparing soldiers for the challenges of modern warfare.
The COAS expressed his admiration for the high training standards and professional excellence maintained by all ranks at the centre. His commendation highlights the regiment’s ongoing commitment to excellence in military training and operational readiness.
The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, a cornerstone of military training for the Indian Army, is located at an altitude of 5800 feet above sea level. The site, originally known as Kalundanda, was renamed Lansdowne in 1890 in honor of Lord Henry Lansdowne, the then Viceroy of India. The first battalion of the Garhwal Rifles moved to the area on November 4, 1887, setting the stage for a long history of military excellence.
Each year, the centre trains approximately 2500 new recruits over a rigorous 34-week course that focuses on physical fitness, mental toughness, and weapon handling, followed by an additional two weeks dedicated to counter-insurgency operations. Since India’s independence, over 60,000 soldiers have been trained at the centre, with more than 25,000 currently serving across various battalions of the Garhwal Rifles.
The regiment itself boasts an impressive array of honors, having earned 30 battle honours, including five post-Independence. It has also been recognized with numerous awards for gallantry, including one Ashok Chakra, four Mahavir Chakras, 13 Kirti Chakras, and 52 Vir Chakras, showcasing the bravery and heroism of its members.
General Pande’s visit underscores the strategic importance of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in the broader context of national defense and the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities.
On 15 June 2024, the Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal celebrated a momentous occasion with the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP), witnessing the commissioning of 235 flight cadets into the Indian Air Force. The parade, led by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and the Reviewing Officer (RO), marked a significant milestone in the lives of these young officers including 22 women, who were commissioned into various branches of the IAF.
The ceremony also included the commissioning of officers from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign countries, all of whom had completed rigorous training at the academy. In a historic first, 25 cadets from the Ground Duty branches who began their journey at the National Defence Academy 4 years prior, were also commissioned.
The day started with the CAS being welcomed by Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal S Shrinivas, Commandant AFA. The parade showcased exemplary coordination, featuring a traditional march past and a spectacular fly-past by Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak helicopters, highlighting the skills these officers had learned.
Awards and Honors
Flying Officer Happy Singh received the prestigious President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for his outstanding performance in the pilot’s course. Similarly, Flying Officer Taufeeq Raza was honored with the President’s Plaque for excellence in the ground duty officers course.
A Call for Transformation
During his address, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari congratulated the officers and spoke on the theme of ‘Transformation Through Upskilling’. He urged the newly commissioned officers to embrace continuous learning to become leaders adept in multifaceted domains. Emphasizing the dynamic nature of modern warfare, he highlighted the importance of adopting innovative strategies and leveraging advanced technologies to maintain a decisive edge in conflicts.
Core Values and Vision
The CAS reiterated the core values of the IAF: Mission, Integrity, and Excellence. He stressed the importance of mission accomplishment, ethical leadership, and the pursuit of excellence through discipline and passion. Additionally, he emphasized the IAF’s vision of ‘People First, Mission Always’, advocating for leadership that inspires respect and fosters teamwork.
A Grand Finale
The event concluded with a grand finale featuring a slow march to ‘Anandaloke’ by Rabindranath Tagore, where the newly commissioned officers received their first salute from their juniors. This was followed by a breathtaking aerobatic display by the SU-30 MKI, the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, leaving a lasting impression on all present.
The CGP on 15 June 2024 not only commemorated the successful training of these brave young officers but also celebrated their readiness to defend and uphold the sovereignty and honor of the nation. As these officers begin their journeys, the skills and values instilled at the Air Force Academy will guide them through their careers in service to the nation.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam today, marking his first official trip outside the capital since his reappointment as the Minister of Defence.
During his visit, Shri Rajnath Singh embarked on INS Jalashwa to participate in a ‘Day at Sea’, a demonstration of the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and readiness.
Accompanied by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, the Defence Minister witnessed a series of dynamic operations. These included maneuvers by various ships, submarines, and aircraft, highlighting the combat readiness of the Navy.
In discussions with officers and sailors, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for its state of operational readiness and its role as the primary responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He emphasized that the Navy’s efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Security And Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR), promoting safety and mutual progress among nations in the Indo-Pacific.
Shri Rajnath Singh also lauded the Navy for its vital role in national growth and its international reputation, recalling a recent rescue operation in the Arabian Sea where Indian Naval forces freed 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates. This act, he noted, underscored the humanitarian values upheld by the Indian Navy.
“It is our pride that the Navy ensures safe trade, maintains peace, and supports prosperity in the IOR, contributing significantly to a rule-based world order,” Shri Rajnath Singh stated. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to securing its maritime borders and enhancing its commercial interests linked to the IOR.
Reflecting on his tenure, the Raksha Mantri highlighted his visits to key strategic locations like the Siachen Glacier, demonstrating the government’s balanced focus on both northern borders and maritime security. Looking ahead, he expressed determination to further enhance India’s naval strength, emphasizing the expansion of shipyards, increase in aircraft carriers, and overall fortification of naval forces.
The visit concluded with a traditional Barakhana with the crew, celebrating the shared commitments and camaraderie among the naval personnel. Shri Singh’s visit underscores the strategic priority the government places on strengthening maritime security and ensuring India’s prowess in regional and global waters.
The Ministry of Defence announced the appointment of Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Gen Manoj C Pande. This appointment will take effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2024, the same day Gen Pande will retire from service.
Lt Gen Dwivedi, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, met with Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. This visit comes just after the official announcement of his upcoming role as the head of the Indian Army.
Born on July 1, 1964, Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984. With a career spanning nearly four decades, he has held a variety of significant Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments. His Command appointments include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.
The distinguished officer is decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and other honors, reflecting his exceptional service and commitment to the nation.
The transition of leadership is expected to be seamless, with Lt Gen Dwivedi bringing extensive experience and a deep understanding of contemporary military challenges to the table.
In an impressive display of athleticism and dedication, Sgt Pawan Kumar of the Indian Air Force clinched the Bronze Medal at the 14th South Asian Body Building & Physique Sports Championship 2024.
The event, which took place this week in Male, Republic of Maldives, saw competitors from across South Asia vying for the top spots.
Sgt Kumar, competing in the Senior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 90 kg category, showcased his exceptional physique and strength to secure third place, bringing pride to his team and country.
The Indian Air Force has expressed its pride and congratulations to Sgt Kumar for his outstanding achievement in this prestigious international sports event.
On June 13th, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander of the South Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of various elite brigades, signaling a significant focus on bolstering national defense capabilities.
The brigades under review included the Amogh Gunners, Dot Arty Brigade, Black Charger Brigade, Sarvada Agrani Brigade, and the Spectrum Warriors.
During his visit, Lt Gen Seth inspected several training infrastructures and observed numerous innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing combat effectiveness, spectrum domination, and network centricity.
His tour encompassed a detailed assessment of current strategies and readiness protocols which are pivotal in maintaining a high state of preparedness.
Highlighting the importance of joint training exercises, the Army Commander emphasized synergy and cohesiveness among all stakeholders.
He advocated for an integrated approach to military preparedness, stressing that collaboration is essential for achieving optimal combat effectiveness.
The review by Lt Gen Seth reflects the armed forces’ commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture through continuous improvement and strategic readiness. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the forces remain equipped and ready to face any challenges that may arise, reinforcing security and stability in the region.
In a significant development at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS), Brigadier Satyavir Shokeen has been appointed as the new Commandant. Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOCinC), along with all ranks of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), extended their heartfelt congratulations to Brig Shokeen on his new role.
Established on September 1, 2003, CAATS serves as a cornerstone in the training regimen of the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps, located at the Gandhi Nagar airfield on Nashik Road. This institution emerged from the previous training setup at the School of Artillery in Deolali, marking a pivotal evolution in specialized military education under the ARTRAC’s oversight in Shimla.
CAATS is dedicated to equipping Army Aviation Corps pilots with comprehensive training across a spectrum of critical skills. These include valley flying, special forces missions, night and tactical flying, as well as handling medical emergencies. To enhance the efficiency and safety of training, the school employs advanced simulators for the Cheetah and Cheetak helicopters. These simulators prepare the pilots for a variety of challenging conditions such as snow, rain, diverse terrains, and tactical maneuvers.
The Army Aviation Corps, as the sole flying branch of the Indian Army, plays a vital role in providing multifaceted aviation support. Its responsibilities range from combat search and rescue, artillery lift, and combat transportation to logistics relief, military prisoner transportation, and medical evacuation. The corps operates a fleet of helicopters including the Cheetah, Cheetak, HAL Dhruv, and Rudra, and actively contributes to humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
Selection and recruitment of pilots into the corps are rigorously managed through the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) and comprehensive medical tests. Additionally, officers from other combat arms, such as artillery, are eligible to join directly after passing the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), further ensuring the high standards and readiness of the Army Aviation Corps.
As Brig Shokeen steps into his new role as Commandant, CAATS looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence in training and furthering the capabilities of the Indian Army’s aviation wing.
