Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, visited the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, Shahbaaz Division and affiliated formations to review their operational readiness, mission preparedness and ongoing capability development initiatives. The visit highlighted the Indian Army’s sustained focus on technological modernisation, indigenous capability development and the creation of a future-ready force capable of addressing the challenges of contemporary and emerging battlefields.
During the visit, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar was briefed extensively on the operational preparedness of the formations and the measures being undertaken to enhance mission effectiveness across diverse operational scenarios. Senior military officials apprised the Army Commander of initiatives aimed at strengthening combat capabilities through advanced training methodologies, technological integration and continuous capability enhancement programmes.
The Southern Army Commander reviewed the mission readiness of the formations and assessed their preparedness to respond effectively to evolving security challenges. The Indian Army’s continued emphasis on maintaining high standards of operational excellence remains central to its broader transformation agenda, which seeks to build agile, technologically proficient and combat-ready formations across all theatres of operation.
A significant focus of the visit was the review of advanced training programmes and technology absorption initiatives being implemented by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps. The integration of emerging technologies into military training and operational frameworks has become increasingly important in preparing forces for the multidimensional character of modern warfare. Such initiatives contribute significantly towards enhancing situational awareness, decision-making capabilities and overall battlefield effectiveness.
Lt Gen Pushkar also witnessed demonstrations by indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms at the Shahbaaz Division that showcased their precision engagement capabilities in countering emerging threats. The demonstration reflected the Indian Army’s growing emphasis on incorporating indigenous technological solutions into its operational ecosystem while simultaneously strengthening the nation’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The indigenous UAV platforms exhibited advanced capabilities designed to enhance surveillance, reconnaissance and precision engagement functions, highlighting the transformative role of unmanned systems in contemporary military operations. Their deployment aligns closely with the Indian Army’s modernisation objectives and its commitment to leveraging indigenous technologies to address future operational requirements effectively.
The Army Commander lauded the formations for their sustained efforts towards indigenous capability development, describing such initiatives as being fully aligned with the Indian Army’s vision for the Decade of Transformation. The transformational roadmap emphasises technological innovation, organisational adaptability and enhanced self-reliance as key pillars for developing a future-ready military force capable of meeting both conventional and emerging challenges.
Indigenous capability development continues to occupy a central position within the Indian Army’s modernisation efforts, reflecting the broader national vision of Atmanirbharta in defence production and technological advancement. By fostering innovation and encouraging the adoption of home-grown technologies, the Army aims to strengthen both operational capabilities and strategic self-reliance across multiple domains.
Interacting with officers, junior leaders and troops, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar commended all ranks for their professionalism, high standards of operational preparedness and unwavering pursuit of excellence. He acknowledged their dedication and commitment towards maintaining mission readiness while continuously enhancing their professional competencies and technological expertise.
The Army Commander exhorted the personnel to continue strengthening indigenous capabilities and actively embrace emerging technologies that are shaping the future of warfare. He emphasised that the evolving strategic environment demands forces that are not only combat-ready but also adaptable, innovative and technologically proficient across all operational domains.
Lt Gen Pushkar underscored the importance of remaining resolute in the pursuit of excellence and encouraged all ranks to contribute meaningfully towards the Indian Army’s transformation journey. He observed that future battlefields will increasingly require seamless integration of advanced technologies, adaptive leadership and mission-focused professionalism to ensure operational superiority.
The visit reaffirmed Southern Command’s commitment to building combat-ready and future-oriented formations capable of effectively addressing emerging security challenges. Through sustained investments in capability enhancement, indigenous innovation and advanced military training, the Indian Army continues to strengthen its preparedness for the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield.
The professionalism and dedication displayed by the personnel of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and Shahbaaz Division exemplify the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to operational excellence and transformational growth. Guided by the vision of the Decade of Transformation, the formations remain steadfast in their pursuit of becoming technologically advanced, agile and future-ready forces dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s strategic interests.
