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.
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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.
