The Indian Army’s Southern Command has demonstrated major technological advancements in a recent operational readiness review, reinforcing its commitment to transforming into a modern, agile, and future-ready force. The review, led by Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh, AVSM, General Officer Commanding of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, focused on the capabilities of the Agnibaaz Division, a key formation under the command.
During the comprehensive assessment, Lt Gen Singh observed an array of innovations aimed at enhancing battlefield effectiveness. These included the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mobile artillery platforms with containment systems, and a range of indigenous weapon systems. The review emphasized the Army’s efforts to leverage cutting-edge technology as part of the “Decade of Transformation” (2023–2032), a roadmap for reshaping the Indian Army into a technology-enabled and self-reliant force.
The event also highlighted the Indian Army’s drive to integrate domestically developed systems, reducing reliance on foreign imports. According to a 2023 study in the Journal of Defense Studies, such efforts could cut India’s dependency on foreign military equipment by nearly 30%. Initiatives like Inno-Yoddha have been instrumental in supporting this shift by encouraging innovation from within the defense ecosystem.
The Southern Command, historically known for its key roles in the 1961 Goa operation and the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, continues to evolve with changing times. It has embraced technology and joint-force integration to address emerging threats across multiple domains, including cyber, space, and information warfare.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has repeatedly underscored the necessity of integrating indigenous technologies and advanced systems to address India’s evolving security landscape. The Agnibaaz Division’s readiness review serves as a strong affirmation of this strategic vision, positioning the Indian Army to meet the challenges of contemporary and future warfare.
With the Indian Army steadily advancing its modernization goals, the review at Pune marks a significant step toward operational excellence and technological self-reliance in the armed forces.
