Lt Gen PK Mishra, AVSM, YSM, SM, assumed command of the prestigious White Knight Corps from Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, AVSM, SM, in a formal ceremony held today.

The change of command marks a significant moment for the Corps, which plays a vital role in maintaining peace and security in the Jammu region. Upon assuming charge, Lt Gen PK Mishra addressed all ranks, urging them to continue upholding the highest standards of operational excellence and remain committed to fostering peace and stability in the region.

Lt Gen Mishra brings with him a wealth of operational experience and leadership, having served in various key appointments across diverse terrains. Under his leadership, the Corps is expected to further strengthen its mission readiness and people-centric approach in the sensitive region.

The outgoing Corps Commander, Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, was lauded for his exemplary service and efforts in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Corps during his tenure.

In an inspiring display of innovation and self-reliance, Havildar Varinder Singh of the 22 Sikh Regiment has developed a highly versatile 35 kg Octacopter drone that can fight and fire, conduct surveillance and monitoring, and deliver payloads to forward and difficult locations. His remarkable achievement has earned him the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), awarded by President Droupadi Murmu for his distinguished service and contribution to enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Army.

A Marvel of ‘Jugaad’ and Indigenous Ingenuity

With ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) and innovation at the forefront of India’s defense strategy, Havildar Singh’s invention is a shining example of ‘jugaad’ — the Indian spirit of resourcefulness that finds optimal solutions using available resources. While India is investing $3.5 billion in procuring 31 MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems from the United States, Havildar Singh has done his part by designing a mission-ready combat drone that offers a multi-role platform for surveillance, combat, and logistics.

The Octacopter drone has been equipped with real-time video capability, which is displayed on a remote screen and can be shared with command centres. In a remarkable innovation, the drone has also been fitted with both automatic and remote firing mechanisms, making it a versatile asset in both combat and logistical operations.

Tested and Proven Combat Capability

The ‘jugaad’ drone has been rigorously tested in real-time operations. It can be fitted with a wide range of weapons, including:

• AK-47 assault rifles
• Multi-grenade launchers
• High explosive grenades
• Light Machine Guns (LMG) in an under-slung configuration

The drone has an operational range of 8-10 km in plains and high-altitude areas, making it a reliable platform for transporting weapons, ammunition, medicines, and mission-critical supplies to remote locations. Its utility was demonstrated during Operation Teesta following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim in October 2023, where it played a key role in relief and rescue operations. The drone’s capabilities were further validated in major war games, including Bharat Shakti.

Enhanced Capabilities with Advanced Features

To further enhance its effectiveness, the Octacopter has been integrated with GPS, night-enabled zooming cameras for surveillance, and autonomous flight capabilities via mission-planning software. It is compatible with both Defence Series Maps and open-source mapping systems, ensuring deployment flexibility in diverse terrains and operational environments.

From Humble Beginnings to a Combat-Ready Platform

Havildar Varinder Singh’s journey of innovation began in 2023 with humble tinkering around a basic hexacopter prototype. Through persistent effort and dedication, his prototype evolved into a combat-ready, multi-role Octacopter drone that is now capable of fulfilling critical military roles with precision and efficiency.

Recognition for Distinguished Service

For his exceptional contribution, Havildar Varinder Singh was conferred the Vishisht Seva Medal by President Droupadi Murmu. The award is presented to Indian armed forces personnel for “distinguished service of a high order,” and Havildar Singh’s innovation has rightfully earned him this honor.

As India strides towards technological self-reliance in defence, Havildar Singh’s invention serves as a testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and spirit of innovation that continues to define the Indian Army’s quest for operational excellence.

Exercise ‘Spear Thrust,’ conducted by the Spear Corps of the Indian Army, demonstrated an impressive display of firepower precision, operational synergy, and sensor-shooter integration, enhancing the Corps’ combat preparedness and operational effectiveness. The exercise was aimed at orchestrating seamless coordination between sensor and shooter elements, ensuring accurate and synchronized execution of plans in a dynamic battlefield environment.

Exercise ‘Spear Thrust’ simulated real-time operational scenarios where troops of the Spear Corps rehearsed integrating a multi-layered surveillance network with multi-calibre artillery platforms. The exercise validated the Corps’ ability to deliver high-impact, precision strikes on designated targets by effectively synchronizing diverse artillery assets, including surveillance and reconnaissance systems such as UAVs and ground-based radars. The incorporation of a common operational picture (COP) ensured that target acquisition, assessment, and engagement were conducted with unmatched speed and accuracy.

A key highlight of the exercise was the seamless integration of advanced sensor technologies with kinetic firepower capabilities, enabling real-time target engagement and minimizing response time. The exercise emphasized real-time target acquisition, high-accuracy engagement, and efficient command and control to maximize operational effectiveness.

The successful conduct of Exercise ‘Spear Thrust’ reflects the Spear Corps’ readiness to operate in multi-domain environments, combining technology, firepower, and tactical acumen to achieve mission success. The exercise served as an essential platform to refine procedures, enhance inter-unit coordination, and assess the Corps’ capability to conduct synchronized, high-intensity operations under complex scenarios.

Spear Corps remains at the forefront of ensuring operational excellence and combat readiness, capable of delivering decisive results in varied operational settings. Exercise ‘Spear Thrust’ has reaffirmed the Corps’ ability to dominate the battlefield with precision, synergy, and relentless operational focus.

Lucknow, 31 March 2025: As part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), which will be celebrated on 8 April 2025, the Surya Tuskers of the Shatrujeet Brigade have embarked on a historic Paramotor expedition from New Delhi to Secunderabad.

The expedition, comprising a team of two officers, two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and five soldiers, was flagged off by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Central Command, from Lucknow on 31 March 2025.

A Historic Journey of Endurance and Tribute

The Surya Tuskers’ Paramotor Expedition will traverse a distance of 1,974 kilometers, navigating through mountains, valleys, and plains of the Indian peninsula, symbolizing the unwavering commitment, resilience, and technological progress of the Army Ordnance Corps as it strides confidently into the future.

The expedition is not merely a journey — it is a tribute to the ethos of the Army Ordnance Corps, which has stood the test of time by ensuring seamless logistics and ordnance support to the Indian Army. The team will encounter diverse terrains and challenging weather conditions, showcasing their endurance, adaptability, and indomitable spirit.

Flagging Off by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta

During the flag-off ceremony in Lucknow, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta commended the high standards of logistics and operational excellence demonstrated by the Army Ordnance Corps over the years. He lauded the Surya Tuskers for undertaking this remarkable initiative and emphasized the Corps’ vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of the Indian Army.

“The Army Ordnance Corps has been the backbone of the Indian Army’s operational efficiency by ensuring timely and effective logistics support. The Surya Tuskers’ expedition is a testament to the Corps’ legacy of excellence, adaptability, and technological advancement. I urge all ranks of the Corps to continue striving for professional excellence and to uphold the highest traditions of service,” said Lt Gen Sengupta.

Promoting Innovation and Adventure in the Corps

The Paramotor expedition not only reflects the spirit of adventure but also highlights the technological prowess and operational preparedness of the Corps. By embracing modern methodologies and adventurous pursuits, the Army Ordnance Corps continues to foster innovation, resilience, and adaptability among its personnel.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As the Surya Tuskers soar through the skies, their journey serves as an inspiration to the younger generation of soldiers, demonstrating the importance of pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers, and embracing challenges with courage and determination.

The successful completion of this momentous expedition will serve as a fitting tribute to the 250 years of dedicated service and excellence of the Army Ordnance Corps, reinforcing its pivotal role in supporting the operational readiness of the Indian Army.

As the Corps prepares to celebrate its historic milestone on 8 April 2025, the Surya Tuskers’ Paramotor Expedition stands as a shining example of its enduring legacy and its commitment to embracing the challenges of tomorrow.