Army Chief Outlines Modernization Drive and New Specialist Units
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi delivered a significant update on the Indian Army's transformation efforts. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur on Thursday, he revealed concrete steps the force is taking to prepare for future conflicts.
New Specialist Formations for Modern Battlefields
General Dwivedi announced the creation of two new specialized units. The Bhairav Battalion will specifically address a critical capability gap. It is designed to operate between the elite Ghatak platoons and the full-fledged Special Forces. This move aims to create more versatile and highly trained "super specialists" within the army's structure.
Alongside this, the formation of the Shaktibaan Regiment represents another pillar of the army's evolving strategy. These units are part of a broader push to ensure the force can handle unpredictable, high-intensity warfare.
Preparing for the Unpredictable Nature of War
The Army Chief drew lessons from contemporary global conflicts. He pointed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as a stark example. That conflict demonstrates that the duration of future wars is impossible to forecast accurately. Wars could now be over in a matter of days or drag on for many years.
"The Indian Army is fully ready for any kind of situation," General Dwivedi stated firmly. "We are preparing for future warfare." He emphasized that the army's focus extends beyond current threats to actively anticipate and train for conflicts that have yet to emerge.
Showcasing a Future-Ready Force in Jaipur
The 78th Army Day Parade, held in Jaipur, served as a platform to demonstrate this new direction. The parade featured displays of new-age equipment and technology. General Dwivedi explained that modern warfare places immense strain on smaller, frontline units. However, units empowered by advanced technology can adapt much faster to changing battlefield conditions.
"Technology is being used to make the soldier even more capable," he said. He clarified that the army's approach is to enhance human effectiveness, not to replace soldiers with machines. For the next two years, a major focus will be on improving networking and data-centric systems. This upgrade aims to speed up decision-making and ensure smoother information flow across all levels of command.
Indigenous Production as a Strategic Necessity
A strong theme throughout the briefing was self-reliance. General Dwivedi connected the army's research and development efforts directly to the national Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. He stated that future military equipment must be designed and developed within India.
"Indigenisation is not just a goal," he asserted. "Today, it has become a strategic necessity." The push ensures that weapons can be manufactured and repaired domestically, reducing foreign dependence and boosting the national defense industry.
Jaipur: A Symbolic Venue Bridging Tradition and Change
General Dwivedi also explained the choice of Jaipur for this year's historic parade, which included public participation for the first time. He described Rajasthan as a land renowned for its veteran soldiers and legendary bravery, citing heroes like Param Vir Chakra awardees Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and Abdul Hamid.
He drew a parallel between the city and the army itself, noting that both successfully balance rich tradition with necessary change. He praised the residents of Jaipur for their support in making the event a success. The selection of the venue was a deliberate move to reduce the gap between ordinary citizens and the armed forces, fostering greater connection and understanding.
The Army Chief also highlighted Operation Sindoor as a benchmark. That operation established a "new normal" by showcasing the army's capacity for rapid response, enhanced coordination, and precise execution. New training structures and equipment protocols are now being established to build on this standard and meet future operational demands.
