Army Chief Details India's Combat Readiness in Exclusive Interview
In an exclusive interview with India TV, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi provided a comprehensive overview of India's combat readiness, emphasizing the transformation of warfare and the critical role of drones. He stated that the Indian Army is fully prepared to face any challenge, with a focus on modernizing its capabilities to meet future threats.
Future Warfare and Technological Advancements
General Dwivedi highlighted that future warfare will be characterized by the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned systems. He noted that the Indian Army is investing heavily in these areas to ensure it remains ahead of potential adversaries. "We are moving towards a network-centric warfare model, where data and real-time intelligence will be key," he said.
The Army Chief also stressed the importance of joint operations among the three services. He mentioned that the recently established joint commands are a step towards seamless coordination. "The future battlefield will require rapid integration of land, air, and sea assets," he added.
Drone Power and Indigenous Development
A significant portion of the interview focused on the growing role of drones in modern warfare. General Dwivedi revealed that the Indian Army has inducted over 500 drones of various types, including surveillance and combat drones. He emphasized the need for indigenous development to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. "We are working with Indian startups and DRDO to develop state-of-the-art drone technology," he said.
The Army Chief also mentioned that drone swarms and counter-drone systems are being developed to address emerging threats. "Drones will be a game-changer in future conflicts, and we are preparing accordingly," he stated.
Modernization and Infrastructure Upgrades
General Dwivedi outlined several modernization initiatives, including the procurement of new-generation rifles, artillery, and armored vehicles. He noted that the army is also focusing on improving logistics and infrastructure along the northern borders. "We are building new roads, bridges, and tunnels to enhance mobility," he said.
He also highlighted the importance of cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. "We are creating dedicated cyber units to protect our networks and disrupt enemy systems," he added.
Personnel Welfare and Training
The Army Chief emphasized the welfare of soldiers and their families. He announced that the army is implementing a new career progression policy to retain talent. "Our soldiers are our greatest asset, and we are committed to their well-being," he said.
Training programs are being revamped to include simulation-based learning and joint exercises. "We are training our personnel to operate in multi-domain environments," he explained.
Strategic Outlook and Regional Stability
General Dwivedi also touched upon the strategic challenges facing India, including terrorism and border tensions. He reiterated the army's commitment to protecting the nation's sovereignty. "We are prepared for any contingency, whether it is conventional warfare or sub-conventional threats," he said.
He called for greater cooperation with friendly nations in the region. "India's security is linked to regional stability, and we are working with partners to address common challenges," he concluded.
