New Delhi, May 25, 2026 — Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, visited the elite Shatrujeet Brigade to review the formation’s operational preparedness, mission readiness and capability enhancement initiatives. The visit underlined the Indian Army’s continued focus on strengthening rapid deployment forces, specialised airborne operations and infrastructure-led combat readiness.
During the visit, the Vice Chief of Army Staff was briefed on the brigade’s current operational posture, training standards and ongoing efforts to enhance its ability to execute high-risk airborne missions. The Shatrujeet Brigade, known for its specialised airborne role, remains one of the Indian Army’s key rapid reaction formations, trained to undertake deep insertion, swift mobilisation and mission-oriented operations in varied terrain and operational environments.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 1 April 2026, after serving in key command appointments including Southern Command and South Western Command. His visit to the Shatrujeet Brigade comes at a time when the Indian Army is placing greater emphasis on modernisation, technology absorption, infrastructure development and operational agility across formations.
As part of the review, the VCOAS assessed the brigade’s specialised airborne platforms and deep insertion capabilities through tactical demonstrations. These demonstrations showcased the formation’s ability to rapidly deploy troops and equipment into operational areas, sustain airborne missions and execute complex tasks requiring speed, precision and coordination.
The visit also included a detailed review of ongoing infrastructure development projects designed to support operational effectiveness. Among the key projects inspected were the Containerised Shooting Range and the Operational Readiness Hangar. These facilities are expected to improve training efficiency, weapon handling standards, combat preparation and the brigade’s ability to maintain high levels of readiness at short notice.
The Containerised Shooting Range represents a modern, modular approach to marksmanship and tactical firing practice, enabling troops to train in a controlled and efficient environment. Such facilities help improve firing standards, reduce dependency on conventional range availability and support regular weapon proficiency for personnel engaged in specialised roles.
The Operational Readiness Hangar, meanwhile, is aimed at strengthening the brigade’s equipment preparedness and response capability. For a formation tasked with airborne and deep insertion missions, timely availability of platforms, stores, mission equipment and support infrastructure is critical. The development of such infrastructure reflects the Army’s broader focus on ensuring that frontline and specialised formations remain ready for swift deployment.
Lieutenant General Seth also interacted with officers and troops of the formation and appreciated their professionalism, sharp combat orientation and commitment to mission preparedness. He commended the brigade’s ongoing modernisation efforts and emphasised the importance of maintaining the highest standards of training, discipline and operational efficiency.
The VCOAS urged all ranks to continue working towards enhanced combat readiness and mission effectiveness. He highlighted the need for formations to remain adaptive, technologically enabled and prepared for emerging security challenges. His message reinforced the Army’s focus on creating agile, modern and responsive formations capable of operating in dynamic and complex battle spaces.
The Shatrujeet Brigade’s operational role is closely linked to rapid response and airborne capability, making it a crucial component of the Army’s ability to project force and respond swiftly to contingencies. Its emphasis on specialised training, airborne platforms, deep insertion techniques and mission-focused preparedness places it among the most important formations in India’s evolving operational framework.
The visit also reflects the Indian Army’s continuing push towards capability enhancement through a combination of modern training infrastructure, improved logistics, advanced platforms and realistic tactical drills. In recent months, senior Army commanders have repeatedly stressed the importance of preparedness, technological adaptation and faster response capability across formations. Lt Gen Seth has also previously highlighted the Army’s transformation towards emerging technologies, self-reliance and future-ready warfare capabilities.
By reviewing both operational demonstrations and infrastructure projects, the Vice Chief’s visit provided a comprehensive assessment of the brigade’s combat orientation and future readiness. The focus on airborne platforms, deep insertion capabilities and training infrastructure indicates a clear effort to ensure that the Shatrujeet Brigade remains fully prepared for its specialised operational responsibilities.
The visit concluded with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth expressing confidence in the formation’s professionalism and preparedness. He praised the troops for their dedication and urged them to continue upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army while remaining ready for any mission entrusted to them.
