Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, conducted a strategic review of operational preparedness at forward locations in Arunachal Pradesh, with a special focus on leveraging drone technology to bolster battlefield efficiency. The visit took place at the Likabali Military Station, a key outpost in India’s northeastern frontier.

The inspection highlighted the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize warfare capabilities and maintain high levels of readiness along sensitive border areas. Lt Gen Pendharkar stressed the importance of adopting cutting-edge technology, particularly through the newly established Drone Excellence Centre at Likabali, which has been pivotal in training drone pilots and fostering innovation within the armed forces.

Established earlier this year, the Drone Excellence Centre is part of a larger vision to enhance surveillance and combat readiness in Arunachal Pradesh’s rugged and forested terrain. The facility is designed to equip soldiers with skills in operating First Person View (FPV) drones, which have been shown to increase reconnaissance effectiveness by up to 40%, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Defense Technology.

Lt Gen Pendharkar also reviewed indigenous drone fabrication projects underway within the Corps, encouraging a culture of self-reliance and innovation in line with the Indian Army’s 2025 “Year of Reforms” initiative. Since assuming command in August 2024, his leadership has emphasized adaptability and preparedness in addressing emerging threats along the border.

The strategic relevance of Arunachal Pradesh was underscored during the March 2025 seminar “Resurgent Arunachal: Integrated Approach to Security and Development,” held at Likabali. The event advocated for a balanced approach to border security and socio-economic growth, a perspective that resonates with the Spear Corps’ broader mission.

The Corps’ increased focus on drone technology also reflects the region’s complex security dynamics. Ongoing ethnic unrest in neighboring Manipur and spillover effects from Myanmar’s civil conflict have heightened the need for precise, agile operations. The integration of drone systems is expected to significantly improve situational awareness and operational response in such volatile conditions.

Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit reaffirms the Indian Army’s dedication to defending its northeastern borders through a blend of technological innovation and field-ready operational excellence. The efforts of the Spear Corps stand as a testament to India’s evolving defense capabilities in a challenging geopolitical environment.

A 25-year-old Agniveer from Himachal Pradesh, Naveen Kumar, lost his life in a tragic landslide while on duty in the Drass sector of Kargil on May 20. Officials confirmed that the young soldier was serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles under the Agnipath recruitment scheme.

Naveen Kumar hailed from Halun village in Thural Panchayat of Kangra district. His mortal remains are expected to arrive at his native village on Thursday, where his final rites will be conducted with full military honors.

Vandana Kumari, the Pradhan of Thural Panchayat, confirmed the tragic news and expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire village. “We were informed by a local soldier. The entire village stands united with the bereaved family,” she said.

Naveen had joined the Army two years ago through an open recruitment rally as part of the Agnipath scheme. Coming from a family with a proud military background, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Rajmal, a Havildar in the 13 JAK Rifles, who passed away four years ago due to cancer.

Family members shared that Naveen had spoken to his mother on the morning of May 19, just a day before the fatal incident. His last visit home was in July 2024.

The news of his death was conveyed to the family by a fellow soldier on Tuesday evening, leaving the entire village in mourning.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Agniveer Naveen Kumar. In official statements, both leaders conveyed their condolences to the grieving family and lauded Naveen’s sacrifice, praying for strength and peace for his loved ones during this difficult time.

In a significant move to reinforce combat preparedness, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD), known as “The Valiant Wings.” The evaluation focused on the unit’s technological integration, professional standards, and mission-oriented readiness.

During the visit, General Singh lauded the Corps for its exemplary performance and specifically praised its contribution to Operation Sindoor. The operation, a high-precision strike against terrorist infrastructure, highlighted AAD’s crucial role in defending Indian airspace and supporting modern counter-terrorism efforts.

The Corps of Army Air Defence, which became an autonomous force in 1994, traces its roots to the Second World War when it was formed to counter aerial threats. Over time, it has transformed into a cutting-edge defensive arm, bolstered by the Army Air Defence College in Gopalpur. This premier institution is instrumental in training personnel in advanced air defence artillery and missile systems.

General Singh’s review aligns with the Indian Army’s broader ‘Decade of Transformation’ initiative, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and embracing advanced technology across its ranks. The South Western Command’s emphasis on such strategic evaluations ensures that units like the AAD continue to evolve in response to dynamic security challenges.

This development reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to a proactive defence posture, continuous improvement, and maintaining technological superiority in the face of emerging threats.

4o

You said:

make longer

ChatGPT said:

Title:
South Western Command Reviews Combat Readiness of Army Air Defence Corps

Subtitle:
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh applauds AAD’s performance in Op Sindoor and stresses technological advancement and preparedness under the ‘Decade of Transformation’

Body:
Jaipur, Rajasthan – In a key step towards reinforcing India’s defensive capabilities, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command, recently undertook a detailed review of the combat readiness of the Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD), also known as “The Valiant Wings.” The review focused on the Corps’ ability to respond to evolving aerial threats, its effective use of modern technologies, and its preparedness in line with the Indian Army’s overarching vision of transformation and future readiness.

During the review, General Singh was briefed on the operational capabilities, deployment strategies, and recent technological enhancements incorporated by the AAD units. He commended the Corps for its unwavering professionalism and innovative approaches, particularly its role in recent operations such as “Op Sindoor.” This high-precision counter-terror operation involved surgical air strikes on terrorist infrastructure, showcasing the AAD’s critical role in securing Indian airspace from hostile aerial incursions, including drones, UAVs, and manned aircraft.

The Army Commander praised the synergy between the AAD and other branches of the Indian Armed Forces, noting that joint operational effectiveness has become increasingly vital in modern warfare. He emphasized the need for continuous modernization of defence systems, integration of artificial intelligence and automation in surveillance and targeting, and the importance of rapid response mechanisms to tackle asymmetric threats.

The Corps of Army Air Defence has a storied legacy that dates back to the Second World War, when it was originally created to address aerial threats to the Indian subcontinent. Its transformation into an autonomous corps in 1994 marked a significant milestone, enabling it to focus exclusively on developing and maintaining India’s ground-based air defence infrastructure. Today, the Corps is responsible for defending critical military and civilian infrastructure from air attacks across diverse terrains and in various combat scenarios.

A key pillar in the Corps’ operational and training excellence is the Army Air Defence College, located in Gopalpur, Odisha. Recognized as one of the finest air defence training institutions in Asia, the college trains officers and soldiers in the operation and deployment of sophisticated air defence artillery and guided missile systems. The institution also plays a major role in promoting research, simulation-based training, and the testing of emerging air defence technologies.

General Singh’s review forms part of a wider initiative under the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” roadmap. This ambitious programme seeks to revolutionize the Army’s operational preparedness by embracing cutting-edge technology, enhancing interoperability, and fostering a culture of innovation and agility. As part of this vision, regular and rigorous evaluations of combat units, such as the AAD, ensure that the force remains one step ahead of potential adversaries.

The visit concluded with General Singh reiterating the Indian Army’s commitment to building a future-ready force capable of addressing traditional and non-traditional threats. He stressed that the Army’s strength lies not only in its weapons and systems but also in its people – disciplined, skilled, and deeply motivated to protect the sovereignty of the nation.

This review serves as a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s determination to uphold a robust and responsive air defence posture. By combining time-tested military traditions with forward-looking strategies and technologies, the Corps of Army Air Defence continues to stand as a formidable shield against aerial threats, ever ready to defend the skies above India.

A 34-year-old Army jawan from Narsampet town in Warangal district tragically ended his life while on duty in Jammu and Kashmir. S Nagaraju, who was posted in the Samba district, reportedly died by suicide late Sunday night, with family members attributing his death to unresolved marital issues and emotional distress.

Nagaraju was serving with the 3rd Madras Unit of the 168 Brigade and was attached to the Border Outpost Saroj under the 125 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF). According to official sources, he shot himself using his service rifle. The Army informed his family about the incident on Monday night, bringing shock and grief to his hometown.

Born into a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, Nagaraju was the son of Mallaiah and Vijaya, both daily wage labourers in Narsampet. Despite financial hardships, Nagaraju completed his graduation locally and fulfilled his dream of joining the Army three years ago, a step that was a source of pride for his family and community.

Shortly after his enlistment, Nagaraju married a local woman. However, the couple had been living separately for some time due to unresolved differences. In March 2025, he made an effort to mend the relationship by visiting his wife’s residence, hoping for reconciliation. Unfortunately, she declined to return, which reportedly caused Nagaraju significant emotional pain. Family members believe this continued estrangement and the inability to resolve the marital discord deeply affected him, leading to his tragic decision.

Relatives described Nagaraju as a dedicated soldier who was proud to serve his nation but was burdened by personal struggles. They emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and support for soldiers facing emotional and familial challenges, especially those posted in difficult and high-stress environments like Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the incident, the Army completed necessary investigations and formalities in Samba before handing over Nagaraju’s body to his family. His funeral rites were conducted in Narsampet on Tuesday, attended by close relatives, friends, and members of the local community, who mourned the loss of a young soldier whose life ended prematurely.

This unfortunate incident highlights the complex challenges faced by armed forces personnel who often grapple with the demands of duty far from home alongside personal difficulties. Experts and community leaders have called for greater support systems, including counseling and family intervention programs, to help prevent such tragedies in the future.

Nagaraju’s death serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers—not only on the battlefield but also in their personal lives. His family and community remember him as a brave and committed young man whose aspirations to serve the nation ended in heartbreak.

In a significant move to strengthen India’s defense preparedness and embrace cutting-edge military technology, the Indian Army has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Drone Excellence Centre at Likabali Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh. The facility, commissioned by Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, marks a strategic push toward self-reliance and innovation in unmanned aerial systems amid rising security challenges in India’s northeastern region.

The Drone Excellence Centre is designed as a comprehensive hub for training, assembly, and innovation, focusing on three key verticals: pilot training, drone assembly, and research and development. Central to the initiative is an industrial-scale assembly line for First Person View (FPV) drones, featuring robust quality control systems aimed at enhancing reliability and battlefield performance.

This development comes at a time when drone warfare is becoming increasingly prevalent in regional conflicts. The September 2024 drone strike by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur’s Koutruk village, which led to civilian casualties, highlighted both the lethal potential of drone technology and the need for advanced countermeasures. That incident, reported by Frontline, exposed serious security gaps and prompted a re-evaluation of India’s drone strategy.

Military analysts have welcomed the Army’s investment in the new facility, noting its potential to revolutionize surveillance and tactical operations. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Defense Technology stated that FPV drones can improve reconnaissance efficiency by up to 40%, offering real-time intelligence and enabling precise strike capabilities in complex terrains. The Likabali centre is expected to be a game-changer, particularly in regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, where dense forests and challenging borders demand agile and tech-driven solutions.

The establishment of the centre also builds upon the Army’s ongoing outreach in the region. In March 2025, the Army held a high-level seminar in Likabali titled “Resurgent Arunachal: Integrated Approach to Security and Development.” The seminar emphasized the strategic significance of Arunachal Pradesh and called for technology-led initiatives to fortify India’s frontiers while promoting regional development.

Speaking at the inauguration, Lieutenant General Pendharkar commended the efforts of the soldiers and engineers involved in the project. He underlined the importance of innovation in defense and emphasized that the centre would not only advance India’s military capabilities but also contribute to long-term self-sufficiency in the drone sector. “This centre reflects the professionalism and ingenuity of our troops and marks a new chapter in our modernization journey,” he stated.

However, the launch of the centre comes against a backdrop of emerging regional tensions. In Manipur, reports have surfaced of strained interactions between the Army and local communities. Notably, members of the press were reportedly instructed by personnel of the 4th Mahar Regiment to remove the word “Manipur” from transport buses heading to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. The incident has sparked outrage among local media and activists, who view it as an affront to regional identity. News outlets such as Ukhrul Times have called for transparency and accountability, urging the Army to address concerns about civil-military relations in the northeast.

While the Indian Army’s focus on technological modernization is widely acknowledged as essential, the episode in Manipur underscores the need to balance military advancement with cultural sensitivity and community trust. As India navigates the dual challenges of regional unrest and rapid militarization, the success of initiatives like the Drone Excellence Centre will ultimately depend not just on technical prowess, but on inclusive engagement with the people it aims to protect.

The Likabali Drone Excellence Centre is expected to train hundreds of drone pilots and innovators over the coming years, laying the foundation for a more secure and technologically equipped defense force. Yet, as the Army looks to the future, bridging the divide between innovation and integration remains a critical task in India’s complex northeastern frontier.