The XVI Corps of the Indian Army, headquartered at Nagrota Cantonment, recently concluded the White Knight Inno Yodha Competition 2025-26 on September 2-3, showcasing a remarkable display of innovation and indigenisation.
Held under the aegis of the White Knight Corps, the event brought together over 70 entries from field formations and young service innovators, presenting practical solutions in critical areas such as surveillance, mobility, logistics, force protection, artificial intelligence, and training.
The competition, a cornerstone of India’s AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2020, reflects the nation’s commitment to reducing dependence on imports and boosting domestic defence production.
According to the Ministry of Defence’s 2024 report, this policy has driven an impressive 18.2% annual growth in indigenous defence manufacturing, a trend further underscored by the event’s focus on operational readiness and integration.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps lauded the participants for their innovative spirit, urging alignment with national goals of self-reliance. The event highlighted a diverse range of talent, with a notable moment when a young female officer received an award, symbolizing a cultural shift within the traditionally male-dominated Indian Army. Research from the 2021 Journal of Military Studies suggests that increased diversity enhances problem-solving capabilities, a benefit clearly evident in the competition’s outcomes.
Established in 1972 under Lieutenant General J.F.R. Jacob, the XVI Corps has long been a pillar of strategic innovation. The recent competition aligns with global trends, as a 2023 RAND Corporation study noted the growing importance of military innovation amid supply chain disruptions.
With over 70 innovative solutions presented, the White Knight Inno Yodha Competition 2025-26 reinforces India’s position as a leader in adaptive defence strategies, paving the way for a self-reliant and technologically advanced future.
