The Indian Army took part as an observer in Exercise African Lion 2025, the largest U.S.-led military exercise in Africa, marking a significant step in India’s defence diplomacy and strategic engagement with the continent. Hosted primarily in Morocco and extending to Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, the 21st edition of the exercise brought together more than 10,000 troops from 27 countries, including key NATO allies.

Representatives from the Indian Army’s Headquarters Army Training Command (HQ ARTRAC) and the College of Military Engineering (CME) observed a variety of advanced operational drills. Among the key highlights were the deployment and firing of the U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), capable of striking targets at distances up to 300 kilometers, and coordinated responses to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Indian observers also monitored complex counter-IED scenarios, showcasing the high level of interoperability and joint operational readiness among participating forces.

African Lion 2025, which commenced on April 14 in Tunisia, included command post exercises, field training sessions, live-fire operations, and humanitarian civic assistance missions such as medical, dental, and veterinary outreach programs. These diverse activities underscored the exercise’s primary goal of enhancing readiness and building crisis response capabilities among multinational forces.

India’s observer status in African Lion 2025 reflects its increasing commitment to building defence ties with African nations. The exercise provided an opportunity for Indian military planners to study large-scale joint operations involving hybrid warfare tactics and multinational coordination, which are increasingly relevant in contemporary security environments.

This engagement complements India’s broader strategic initiatives across Africa. Notable efforts include the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT), capacity-building programs for African militaries, and the establishment of maritime surveillance infrastructure in the western Indian Ocean, including facilities in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar.

India’s presence at African Lion 2025 reinforces its aspiration to be seen as a credible and capable partner in regional and global security architectures. It also sends a clear signal of India’s interest in countering growing strategic competition in Africa, particularly from China, while strengthening cooperation with Western and African partners alike.

India is advancing efforts to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system akin to the Russian S-400 under an ambitious indigenous initiative known as Project Kusha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is spearheading the project, with the prototype expected to be ready within the next 12 to 18 months.

Project Kusha is envisioned as a comprehensive air defence system capable of neutralizing a wide spectrum of aerial threats including enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles. BEL is playing a key role as DRDO’s development partner for various crucial subsystems, including radar technologies and control systems essential for target tracking and engagement.

BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain confirmed the company’s deep involvement in the project, stating that several critical components are being jointly developed. He also noted that BEL is being considered as a potential integrator of the full system if multiple system integrators are approved.

Beyond Project Kusha, BEL is actively involved in the production of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system, a project jointly envisioned by the Indian Army and Air Force. BEL anticipates an order worth approximately Rs 30,000 crore for QRSAM, with finalization expected either by the end of the current financial year or in the early part of the next.

BEL’s air defence credentials have recently been enhanced by the successful deployment of its Akashteer system. Designed to enhance situational awareness and streamline response to aerial threats, Akashteer integrates various sensors and weapon systems into a unified control framework. The system has already been inducted into active service and is viewed as a significant improvement over legacy systems.

India’s ongoing use of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system remains an integral part of its strategic deterrent posture. Deployed at key strategic locations, the S-400 system provides comprehensive coverage against high-speed aerial threats and has performed reliably during training and operations. Its effectiveness has informed the development goals of Project Kusha, which aims to replicate and eventually surpass the S-400’s capabilities using entirely Indian technologies.

As India continues to invest in a layered and self-reliant air defence architecture, Project Kusha marks a significant step toward reducing dependence on foreign platforms and building a robust indigenous defence ecosystem.

The Indian Army has entered into a landmark agreement with the Drishti Group, comprising Drishti IAS and VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd., to extend exclusive educational benefits to its personnel and their families. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Saturday in the national capital, reflects the Army’s commitment to supporting the academic and professional growth of its community beyond the battlefield.

As per the agreement, serving and retired Army personnel, as well as their spouses and wards, will receive a 40 percent discount on all online coaching courses and a 25 percent discount on offline courses offered by Drishti IAS. These programs cater to a wide range of competitive examinations including the UPSC Civil Services Exam, State Public Service Commission exams, Judiciary exams, CUET, and various teaching eligibility tests.

The formal signing ceremony was marked by a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Senior officials from both the Indian Army and Drishti Group were present as the MoU was exchanged. A ceremonial backdrop showcasing military insignia and national emblems served as a reminder of the Army’s enduring legacy and its evolving commitment to the welfare of its personnel.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Indian Army to bolster educational access and socio-economic mobility within its ranks. The Army Welfare Education Society (AWES) has long played a central role in managing a wide network of schools and higher education institutions for the children of Army personnel. Furthermore, the Army has previously partnered with institutions like the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to facilitate distance education, recognizing the unique lifestyle and mobility challenges faced by soldiers and their families.

Drishti IAS, founded in 1999, is a leading institute known for its structured, research-based approach to competitive exam preparation. Over the years, it has expanded its reach to include programs for the judiciary, teaching, and state-level exams. The organization’s focus on accessibility and inclusive education resonates strongly with the objectives of this new partnership.

The collaboration has been welcomed as a significant step in nation-building, where the defense sector and the education sector join hands to create lasting impact. It not only provides affordable learning options for soldiers and their families but also enhances their prospects in civil life, further reinforcing the Indian Army’s role as a progressive and people-centric institution.

By facilitating access to high-quality educational resources, the Indian Army continues to invest in the future of its people, fostering intellectual empowerment alongside national security.

In a high-level visit aimed at assessing the prevailing security situation, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, conducted an operational review of Army formations deployed in Manipur. The visit comes as the state continues to witness recurring ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has claimed more than 200 lives since May 2023 and displaced thousands.

During the review, Lt Gen Pendharkar interacted with field commanders and troops, examining their preparedness to tackle emerging security challenges. He commended the soldiers for their professionalism and composure in maintaining peace amid complex and sensitive ground realities. Stressing the importance of mission readiness, he directed the formations to stay vigilant and responsive to rapidly evolving situations, particularly in conflict-sensitive areas.

The Spear Corps, also known as III Corps, is headquartered under the Eastern Command and holds a crucial role in safeguarding the northeastern frontiers of India. The Corps has been at the forefront of counter-insurgency and border security operations for decades, with a proven track record during the 1962 Battle of Walong and more recently in anti-insurgency efforts in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and now Manipur. The current ethnic strife has placed immense pressure on security forces, requiring coordinated efforts between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and local police to restore law and order.

In recent months, joint operations have resulted in the recovery of over 35 illegal weapons, large quantities of ammunition, and other warlike materials from violence-hit regions. These operations underscore the Indian Army’s proactive approach in neutralizing armed threats and stabilizing volatile zones. Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit reinforces the Army’s strategic commitment to protect civilians, assist civil administration, and foster conditions conducive to peace and reconciliation.

Since assuming command of the Spear Corps in August 2024, Lt Gen Pendharkar has brought with him a wealth of experience in high-altitude warfare, counter-terrorism, and border management, particularly from his previous tenures in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control. His leadership is seen as pivotal at a time when Manipur remains embroiled in social unrest and ethnic polarization.

The Indian Army, through its boots-on-ground engagement and humanitarian assistance, continues to be a stabilizing force in the Northeast. The Corps Commander’s presence in the conflict zone is being viewed as both a morale booster for the troops and a reassuring gesture to the civilian population, reinforcing the Army’s impartial and enduring role in preserving peace and unity in the region.

The Indian Army marked a momentous occasion in its history as Major Jagmeet Kaur and Major Isha Thakur became the first women to be designated as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) instructors. The officers were awarded the prestigious Instructors Badge after successfully completing the demanding RPAS Instructors Course at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) in Nashik.

The recognition ceremony was held at CAATS and was attended by senior military officers and dignitaries. A memorable photograph from the event shows the two pioneering officers seated with their fellow soldiers in front of a ceremonial table draped in red, a lamp glowing at the center — symbolizing enlightenment and achievement. A helicopter stationed nearby and a grand Red Fort backdrop added a fittingly majestic tone to the celebration.

Major Jagmeet Kaur, a fourth-generation Army officer, and Major Isha Thakur have emerged as trailblazers in a field traditionally dominated by men. Their success marks a major step forward for the Indian Army’s vision of greater gender inclusion, reflecting the broader national commitment to the empowerment of women through the Nari Shakti initiative. Their achievement is being hailed as a landmark moment in the journey towards a more inclusive and future-ready defense force.

The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) acknowledged the significance of the event, noting it as a leap forward in the empowerment of women aviators. The legacy of women like Captain Abhilasha Barak, who became the Army Aviation Corps’ first woman combat aviator in 2022, continues to grow stronger with each such milestone.

CAATS has long served as a center of excellence for military aviation training, preparing officers in cutting-edge aerial warfare, operational concepts, and doctrine development. Under the leadership of Officiating Commandant Brigadier Satyavir Shokeen, the institution continues to play a vital role in adapting the Indian Army to the challenges of modern warfare. The inclusion of women instructors in RPAS training adds a new dimension to the school’s legacy and to the evolving role of the Army Aviation Corps as a force multiplier.

This development also aligns with a global trend of growing female representation in military aviation roles. In India, the progress has been notable — from Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, the nation’s first female Rafale pilot, to Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, among the first women to fly fighter aircraft in combat roles. The achievements of Major Kaur and Major Thakur now join this line of inspiring firsts.

Public reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the dedication, resilience, and excellence of the two officers. As India continues its journey of modernizing and diversifying its armed forces, the success of these pioneering women will no doubt encourage a new generation of aspirants ready to serve the nation with pride and purpose.

The Indian Army’s embrace of gender diversity, as symbolized by this historic moment, reflects a broader national ethos — one that believes in equal opportunity, capability-driven roles, and the transformative power of inclusion.