Indian Army evolving a 'future ready force' with soldiers capable of operating in multiple domains: Upendra Dwivedi

New Delhi: The Indian Army is evolving into a “future ready force” with soldiers capable of operating in multiple domains and the next two years will be spent in making the troops more technologically empowered, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi said on Thursday.

At the Army Day parade at Jaipur, Gen Dwivedi said the force was preparing for “future forms of warfare” for which new structures like Rudra brigade, Ashni platoons, Shaktiban regiments and Divyastra batteries were created to operate in a complex environment.

“The Indian Army is steadily evolving into a future-ready force, with empowered soldiers, modern support systems and the ability to operate effectively across multiple domains. Technology is being used to enhance decision-making and situational awareness, while keeping the soldier firmly at the centre of operations,” he said.

More new formations may be in the offing with the Indian Army receiving 31 government approvals for raising new formations including the long awaited integrated battle groups.

Earlier this week, the Army Chief also underscored the need to raise a dedicated rocket force, which is in existence in China and Pakistan is setting up one. “Yes, we need a rocket-missile force. It is a need of the hour that we should raise a similar force,” he said.

Missiles like Pinaka (120 km), Pralay (400-500 km), Brahmos (290-800 km) and other rockets could be a part of such a force. The missiles and rockets in the army inventory are currently handled by the Corps of Air Defence and artillery regiments.

In place since 2016, China’s People Liberation Army Rocket Force is considered a potent unit that can launch missile attacks against high value targets. Post Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army has begun the process of raising a rocket force command to strengthen its long range strike capabilities.

Gen Dwivedi said the next two years would be observed as the ‘years of networking and data centricity’ for further improving the connectivity, information flow and coordination across the force, enabling timely and well-informed decisions. The land force showcased its weaponry and new technologies at the Army Day parade in Jaipur.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the government was equipping the armed forces with indigenous, state-of-the-art weapons and platforms tailored to India’s needs.

“The world is going through a period where all established notions are being challenged. In such a situation, it is more important than ever to bolster the armed forces and ensure their modernisation and self-reliance,” he said.