The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of approximately 400 High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicles (HMRVs) along with associated equipment under the government’s Make in India initiative. The move aims to enhance operational capabilities in forward areas while promoting indigenous defense manufacturing.

According to the RFI, the complete delivery of the HMRVs is expected to be completed within 24 months from the signing of the contract. These vehicles are intended to serve as force multipliers by providing enhanced mobility, protection, and reconnaissance abilities in diverse and difficult terrains, including high-altitude regions.

The procurement aligns with the Army’s modernization roadmap and focus on self-reliance in defense production. Industry players are expected to respond with solutions that meet stringent performance and mobility parameters, as outlined in the RFI. The inclusion of advanced sensors, communication systems, and weapon integration options will be key evaluation criteria.

This development marks another step in the Indian Army’s efforts to equip its forces with advanced platforms tailored to India’s specific operational needs, while simultaneously strengthening the domestic defense ecosystem.

In a forward-looking initiative to strengthen its technological edge, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps will launch a seven-day drone operations competition ‘Exercise Drone Kaushal’ aimed at enhancing the combat preparedness of troops deployed in forward areas. The event will be designed to hone skills in maneuvering drones with precision and integrating them effectively into battlefield scenarios.

The competition will place a strong emphasis on stabilized controls and real-time decision-making, providing soldiers with a simulated combat environment to test their capabilities with advanced drone equipment. The initiative will reflect the Army’s increasing focus on unmanned aerial systems as essential tools for both surveillance and tactical missions.

Spear Corps, which played a critical role during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, will continue to adapt to modern warfare dynamics by incorporating drone technology into its training regime. The event will take place amid a global shift in military strategies, where drones are proving their value in ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine, prompting new tactical approaches and exposing vulnerabilities in traditional defense systems.

The Indian Army’s push for drone proficiency will also be supported by the rise of drone culture within the country, including platforms like the Indian Drone Racing League, which is fostering innovation and interest in aerial systems among the youth. This convergence of civilian and military drone usage will signal a broader transformation in India’s defense posture, equipping its forces for the demands of future warfare.

In a moment of pride and progress, the Manipur Super-50 program celebrated the success of 44 students who cleared the NEET and JEE 2025 examinations. Mentored by the Indian Army’s Red Shield Division in partnership with the North East Initiative Development Organization (NIEDO), the initiative has emerged as a beacon of hope for underprivileged students across the region.

The felicitation ceremony, held in Bishnupur, honored the achievements of the students and highlighted the transformative impact of free, high-quality education. Among the top performers, Master Philem Jenin Singh stood out as the state topper in NEET 2025, inspiring many with his remarkable journey from modest beginnings to academic excellence.

The Manipur Super-50, formally known as the Red Shield Centre for Excellence and Wellness, provides rigorous coaching and support for students preparing for competitive exams. The program is designed to bridge socio-economic disparities and enable students from remote and conflict-affected areas to compete at a national level.

Local leaders, Army officials, mentors, and proud families attended the ceremony, celebrating not just academic success, but the resilience and determination of the youth. The event also signified the Indian Army’s evolving role in Manipur, moving from purely security-oriented operations to playing a key part in educational and social development.

With an 84% success rate in 2025—far surpassing the national NEET average of around 56%—the program’s impact is evident. It is being seen as a replicable model for educational empowerment in other parts of the country.

The Indian Army reaffirmed its dedication to expanding the initiative, emphasizing that education-based programs like Super-50 contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, social upliftment, and long-term stability in the region.

In a reaffirmation of India’s close military ties with Bhutan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan today. The visit spotlighted the longstanding defense partnership between the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), a relationship rooted in mutual trust and regional security cooperation since 1962.

General Dwivedi’s visit to IMTRAT’s base included briefings on the mission’s operations and its pivotal role in training and mentoring Bhutanese military personnel. Over the years, IMTRAT has become a cornerstone of bilateral defense ties, having trained more than 10,000 Bhutanese soldiers. The Army chief praised the joint efforts of Indian and Bhutanese personnel, particularly in leadership development and interoperability in modern warfare.

A ceremonial highlight of the visit was the award presentation to RBA officers, symbolizing the enduring camaraderie between the two forces. General Dwivedi also took part in community outreach, engaging warmly with Bhutanese citizens, including children, and distributing gifts as a gesture of goodwill.

This visit also served as a reminder of India’s crucial support in Bhutan’s defense, notably during Operation All Clear in 2003 when the Indian Air Force provided air support to flush out insurgents from Bhutanese territory. The cooperation continues to be vital in the context of growing Chinese military activity near Bhutan’s northern border, especially since Tibet’s annexation by China in 1959.

General Dwivedi’s presence at IMTRAT reaffirms India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and reflects the shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. The India-Bhutan defense partnership remains a unique model of cooperation, balancing sovereignty with collective strategic interests.

In a key oversight initiative reflecting the Indian Army’s proactive approach to national security, Lt Gen Vijay B Nair, Chief of Staff of the Northern Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the security apparatus at the Vajra Division in Kashmir on July 3, 2025.

During the visit, Lt Gen Nair was given a detailed briefing on the division’s operational readiness, surveillance capabilities, and combat preparedness. The visit comes amid a rise in cross-border incidents, underlining the critical need for real-time threat assessment and adaptive strategy. He stressed the necessity of constant vigilance and emphasized innovation in training methods to confront evolving challenges in the volatile region.

The inspection also included a tour of a state-of-the-art command center outfitted with advanced battlefield management systems. Drawing on global best practices, such as those used by NATO forces, the Indian Army is actively incorporating air and digital integration to improve combat efficiency. A RAND Corporation study found that such integration can boost operational capabilities by up to 25%. A helicopter escort during the inspection highlighted the Army’s emphasis on mobility and coordination in dynamic terrain.

Lt Gen Nair underlined the significance of technological advancement, particularly AI-driven surveillance tools, in bolstering border monitoring. According to a 2024 DRDO report, there has already been a 30% improvement in real-time threat detection along sensitive sectors of the northern border.

A veteran of multiple operational tenures, Lt Gen Nair is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. He has commanded an infantry battalion and played a pivotal role in modernizing operational doctrines across formations under the Northern Command.

The Northern Command, reinstated in 1972 to manage strategic responsibilities along India’s borders with Pakistan and China, continues to serve as a critical arm of the country’s defense structure. Lt Gen Nair concluded the visit by commending the Vajra Division’s professionalism and readiness, expressing full confidence in its ability to meet emerging security challenges.