General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), conducted a detailed assessment of the operational preparedness of the Indian Army’s Red Eagle Division, highlighting its critical role in incorporating advanced technologies to address modern security challenges. The visit marks another key moment in the Army’s ongoing transformation and focus on self-reliant modernization.
General Dwivedi evaluated the division’s combat readiness and lauded its efforts in adopting cutting-edge tools, including counter-drone systems, encrypted communications, and secure mobile technologies. He specifically noted the widespread deployment of SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) handsets, part of a broader drive to strengthen communication infrastructure across the force.
“The Red Eagle Division exemplifies the spirit of combat readiness and innovation that the Indian Army strives for in this decade of transformation,” said General Dwivedi. He stressed that the unit’s alignment with the “Year of Tech Absorption” reflects the Army’s priority to integrate indigenous capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Formed in 1938, the Red Eagle Division has a storied past, having fought across Africa, Europe, and Asia during World War II. It earned global recognition for capturing over 150,000 prisoners while sustaining 25,000 casualties. British Field Marshal Archibald Wavell once hailed the division as one of the greatest fighting formations in military history, known for its unity among soldiers from diverse regions and backgrounds.
General Dwivedi’s review comes amid heightened focus on high-tech warfare capabilities, especially in response to the growing use of drones and artificial intelligence in global conflicts. His visit follows earlier reviews in strategic areas such as the Sir Creek sector on the India-Pakistan border, reaffirming his commitment to operational excellence and modernization.
As the former Vice Chief of the Army Staff and Northern Command head, General Dwivedi has been instrumental in shaping national defense policy and leading transformation efforts in sensitive regions like Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. His leadership now continues to steer the Army toward building a technologically empowered force, with the Red Eagle Division setting the benchmark for readiness and resilience.
