Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Central Command, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the operational and logistical preparedness of the Golden Key Gunners and the 116th Infantry Brigade, popularly known as the Sabse Aagey Brigade, in Dehradun. The visit is part of the Indian Army’s sustained efforts under the ‘Year of Defence Reforms’ to modernize its forces and enhance combat readiness.

During the visit, Lt Gen Sengupta closely reviewed the facilities at the Drone Training Lab, a pivotal unit supporting the Army’s push for technological absorption and innovation. He was briefed on the formation’s strides in adopting advanced tools such as drones, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Addressing officers and personnel, the Army Commander emphasized the growing role of technology in modern warfare and encouraged all ranks to upskill and adapt to evolving combat requirements.

The 116th Infantry Brigade, with a distinguished lineage tracing back to World War II under the British Indian Army, continues to lead the way in operational agility and modern military practices. Likewise, the Golden Key Gunners remain integral to Central Command’s modernization roadmap, aligning with the Army’s long-term vision of self-reliance and indigenization in defense systems.

Lt Gen Sengupta’s visit reflects the priorities of the Indian Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023–32), which builds upon milestones achieved during the 2023 ‘Year of Technology Absorption.’ The roadmap includes deepening collaborations with Indian academia, defense startups, and industries to boost indigenous capabilities in surveillance, logistics, and strike precision.

Commending the professionalism and dedication of the troops, the Army Commander urged the formations to maintain the highest standards of readiness. He referenced lessons from contemporary global conflicts, noting that hybrid warfare, rapid technological shifts, and non-conventional threats require a dynamic and forward-thinking defense strategy.

The visit also marks Lt Gen Sengupta’s continued engagement with frontline formations following his inspection of the Ibex Brigade in October 2024. His review in Dehradun underscores Central Command’s resolve to ensure that formations across varied terrains—from high-altitude Himalayan sectors to the complex Northeast—remain fully prepared and technologically empowered to meet emerging security challenges.

Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, conducted a strategic review of operational preparedness at forward locations in Arunachal Pradesh, with a special focus on leveraging drone technology to bolster battlefield efficiency. The visit took place at the Likabali Military Station, a key outpost in India’s northeastern frontier.

The inspection highlighted the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize warfare capabilities and maintain high levels of readiness along sensitive border areas. Lt Gen Pendharkar stressed the importance of adopting cutting-edge technology, particularly through the newly established Drone Excellence Centre at Likabali, which has been pivotal in training drone pilots and fostering innovation within the armed forces.

Established earlier this year, the Drone Excellence Centre is part of a larger vision to enhance surveillance and combat readiness in Arunachal Pradesh’s rugged and forested terrain. The facility is designed to equip soldiers with skills in operating First Person View (FPV) drones, which have been shown to increase reconnaissance effectiveness by up to 40%, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Defense Technology.

Lt Gen Pendharkar also reviewed indigenous drone fabrication projects underway within the Corps, encouraging a culture of self-reliance and innovation in line with the Indian Army’s 2025 “Year of Reforms” initiative. Since assuming command in August 2024, his leadership has emphasized adaptability and preparedness in addressing emerging threats along the border.

The strategic relevance of Arunachal Pradesh was underscored during the March 2025 seminar “Resurgent Arunachal: Integrated Approach to Security and Development,” held at Likabali. The event advocated for a balanced approach to border security and socio-economic growth, a perspective that resonates with the Spear Corps’ broader mission.

The Corps’ increased focus on drone technology also reflects the region’s complex security dynamics. Ongoing ethnic unrest in neighboring Manipur and spillover effects from Myanmar’s civil conflict have heightened the need for precise, agile operations. The integration of drone systems is expected to significantly improve situational awareness and operational response in such volatile conditions.

Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit reaffirms the Indian Army’s dedication to defending its northeastern borders through a blend of technological innovation and field-ready operational excellence. The efforts of the Spear Corps stand as a testament to India’s evolving defense capabilities in a challenging geopolitical environment.

A 25-year-old Agniveer from Himachal Pradesh, Naveen Kumar, lost his life in a tragic landslide while on duty in the Drass sector of Kargil on May 20. Officials confirmed that the young soldier was serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles under the Agnipath recruitment scheme.

Naveen Kumar hailed from Halun village in Thural Panchayat of Kangra district. His mortal remains are expected to arrive at his native village on Thursday, where his final rites will be conducted with full military honors.

Vandana Kumari, the Pradhan of Thural Panchayat, confirmed the tragic news and expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire village. “We were informed by a local soldier. The entire village stands united with the bereaved family,” she said.

Naveen had joined the Army two years ago through an open recruitment rally as part of the Agnipath scheme. Coming from a family with a proud military background, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Rajmal, a Havildar in the 13 JAK Rifles, who passed away four years ago due to cancer.

Family members shared that Naveen had spoken to his mother on the morning of May 19, just a day before the fatal incident. His last visit home was in July 2024.

The news of his death was conveyed to the family by a fellow soldier on Tuesday evening, leaving the entire village in mourning.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Agniveer Naveen Kumar. In official statements, both leaders conveyed their condolences to the grieving family and lauded Naveen’s sacrifice, praying for strength and peace for his loved ones during this difficult time.

In a significant move to reinforce combat preparedness, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD), known as “The Valiant Wings.” The evaluation focused on the unit’s technological integration, professional standards, and mission-oriented readiness.

During the visit, General Singh lauded the Corps for its exemplary performance and specifically praised its contribution to Operation Sindoor. The operation, a high-precision strike against terrorist infrastructure, highlighted AAD’s crucial role in defending Indian airspace and supporting modern counter-terrorism efforts.

The Corps of Army Air Defence, which became an autonomous force in 1994, traces its roots to the Second World War when it was formed to counter aerial threats. Over time, it has transformed into a cutting-edge defensive arm, bolstered by the Army Air Defence College in Gopalpur. This premier institution is instrumental in training personnel in advanced air defence artillery and missile systems.

General Singh’s review aligns with the Indian Army’s broader ‘Decade of Transformation’ initiative, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and embracing advanced technology across its ranks. The South Western Command’s emphasis on such strategic evaluations ensures that units like the AAD continue to evolve in response to dynamic security challenges.

This development reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to a proactive defence posture, continuous improvement, and maintaining technological superiority in the face of emerging threats.

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Title:
South Western Command Reviews Combat Readiness of Army Air Defence Corps

Subtitle:
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh applauds AAD’s performance in Op Sindoor and stresses technological advancement and preparedness under the ‘Decade of Transformation’

Body:
Jaipur, Rajasthan – In a key step towards reinforcing India’s defensive capabilities, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command, recently undertook a detailed review of the combat readiness of the Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD), also known as “The Valiant Wings.” The review focused on the Corps’ ability to respond to evolving aerial threats, its effective use of modern technologies, and its preparedness in line with the Indian Army’s overarching vision of transformation and future readiness.

During the review, General Singh was briefed on the operational capabilities, deployment strategies, and recent technological enhancements incorporated by the AAD units. He commended the Corps for its unwavering professionalism and innovative approaches, particularly its role in recent operations such as “Op Sindoor.” This high-precision counter-terror operation involved surgical air strikes on terrorist infrastructure, showcasing the AAD’s critical role in securing Indian airspace from hostile aerial incursions, including drones, UAVs, and manned aircraft.

The Army Commander praised the synergy between the AAD and other branches of the Indian Armed Forces, noting that joint operational effectiveness has become increasingly vital in modern warfare. He emphasized the need for continuous modernization of defence systems, integration of artificial intelligence and automation in surveillance and targeting, and the importance of rapid response mechanisms to tackle asymmetric threats.

The Corps of Army Air Defence has a storied legacy that dates back to the Second World War, when it was originally created to address aerial threats to the Indian subcontinent. Its transformation into an autonomous corps in 1994 marked a significant milestone, enabling it to focus exclusively on developing and maintaining India’s ground-based air defence infrastructure. Today, the Corps is responsible for defending critical military and civilian infrastructure from air attacks across diverse terrains and in various combat scenarios.

A key pillar in the Corps’ operational and training excellence is the Army Air Defence College, located in Gopalpur, Odisha. Recognized as one of the finest air defence training institutions in Asia, the college trains officers and soldiers in the operation and deployment of sophisticated air defence artillery and guided missile systems. The institution also plays a major role in promoting research, simulation-based training, and the testing of emerging air defence technologies.

General Singh’s review forms part of a wider initiative under the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” roadmap. This ambitious programme seeks to revolutionize the Army’s operational preparedness by embracing cutting-edge technology, enhancing interoperability, and fostering a culture of innovation and agility. As part of this vision, regular and rigorous evaluations of combat units, such as the AAD, ensure that the force remains one step ahead of potential adversaries.

The visit concluded with General Singh reiterating the Indian Army’s commitment to building a future-ready force capable of addressing traditional and non-traditional threats. He stressed that the Army’s strength lies not only in its weapons and systems but also in its people – disciplined, skilled, and deeply motivated to protect the sovereignty of the nation.

This review serves as a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s determination to uphold a robust and responsive air defence posture. By combining time-tested military traditions with forward-looking strategies and technologies, the Corps of Army Air Defence continues to stand as a formidable shield against aerial threats, ever ready to defend the skies above India.