Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, visited the First to Strike Air Defence Brigade to conduct an in-depth review of its preparedness, technological advances, and evolving operational capabilities. The visit emphasized India’s growing air defense proficiency and reinforced the strategic role of the brigade in national security.
During the review, Lt Gen Seth was briefed on the brigade’s modern training regimens, joint operations drills, and integration of next-generation systems. The unit demonstrated recent upgrades, including hypersonic missile defense capabilities—a major milestone following India’s successful long-range hypersonic missile test in November 2024. With this capability, India joins a select group of nations equipped to counter future aerial threats.
The General also evaluated the brigade’s equipment modernization under the Atmanirbhar Bharat push, praising the shift toward domestically developed systems. Citing a 30% rise in defense R&D investment since 2020, he underscored India’s commitment to technological self-reliance and resilience in the face of evolving warfare.
Acknowledging the brigade’s exceptional performance during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Seth commended the troops for their dedication and innovation. He encouraged the unit to maintain momentum in aligning with the Indian Army’s broader transformation goals, aimed at achieving a modern, responsive, and tech-enabled force by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision.
The visit reaffirmed the Air Defence Brigade’s role as a critical pillar in India’s military readiness, capable of both warfighting and disaster response with speed and precision.
