Indian Army Transforms for Future Warfare with Indigenous Tech & AI

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stated the Indian Army has undergone a strategic shift in thinking, deliberately preparing for future forms of warfare. He highlighted the creation of new, agile formations like the Bhairav Battalions and emphasized that indigenization of equipment is now a strategic necessity for operational flexibility. The Army showcased advanced indigenous systems, including the BrahMos missile, Akashteer air defence, and AI-driven drone systems during the Jaipur parade. The next two years have been designated to enhance networking and data-centricity to build a truly future-ready force.

Key Points: Indian Army Future-Ready with Atmanirbharta: COAS General Dwivedi

  • Shift to future warfare preparedness
  • New agile units like Bhairav Battalions raised
  • Indigenous tech as strategic necessity
  • 2026-27 as Years of Networking & Data
  • AI, drones, and integrated systems showcased
3 min read

Indian Army fully ready for Atmanirbharta; preparing for future forms of warfare: COAS General Dwivedi

COAS General Upendra Dwivedi details Army's shift to future warfare, new agile units, and indigenous tech like Akashteer, BrahMos, and AI systems.

"At the heart of this journey is Atmanirbharta - General Upendra Dwivedi"

Jaipur, January 15

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday emphasised that that the Indian Army has "undergone a clear shift in thinking" and is not only responding to current challenges but also "preparing deliberately for future forms of warfare."

To meet such requirements, the Army has created new structures, which are being "created, equipped and trained to operate effectively in evolving and complex operational environments."

"As part of this transformation, formations such as Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Platoons, Shaktiban Regiments and Divyastra Batteries have been raised. These represent our effort to build agile, responsive and mission-oriented forces aligned with future operational needs. At the heart of this journey is Atmanirbharta, which was evident during the parade through the 'Made in India' equipment on display," the COAS said while addressing a press conference after the 78th Army Day Parade.

Emphasising the need to have weapons systems and equipment that are designed and developed in India, the COAS said that indigenisation has become a "strategic necessity."

"It gives us operational flexibility, long-term reliability and greater confidence in our preparedness. We are also emphasising dual-use resources: capabilities that can serve both military and civilian purposes. Infrastructure, technology and innovation developed for national security should also contribute to national development," he said.

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.

"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."

On that note, the Army will be observing the next two years (2026-27) as 'Years of Networking and Data Centricity', with the aim of improving connectivity, information flow and coordination.

The COAS further congratulated and thanked the people of Jaipur the Government of Rajasthan and the media for their support.

Apart from the Army Day grand parade, the COAS also emphasised on the initiative to bring the Army closer to its citizens. initiatives such as the 'Know Your Army' Mela, 'Shaurya Sandhya' are being organised for the public.

This is the first time the Army Day celebrations were held in public in Jaipur, outside the cantonment area. The Army Day parade featured the various mechanical units, infantry units, paratroopers and other modern capabilities of the Army.

The parade showcased the newly raised Bhairav battalion, which was part of the Army's recent restructuring, drawing operational lessons from global conflicts, including its own Operation Sindoor.

The army also showcased its technical capabilities, with robot dogs and all terrain vehicles leading the BrahMos missile, India's indigenously made long-range, ramjet powered supersonic missile.

Highlighting its Artificial Intelligence, drone and technical capabilities, the Army displayed its 'Integrated Drone detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS)/

Air defence capabilities on showcase included the indigenous Akashteer system with its medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAM), which proved their effectiveness in a high-threat environment during Operation Sindoor by shooting down a variety of Turkish and Chinese-origin drone systems operated by Pakistan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very encouraging to read. The focus on dual-use resources is brilliant. Technology developed for the army can boost our civilian infrastructure and economy too. A true nation-building approach.
R
Rohit P
Robot dogs and BrahMos in the same parade! 😲 Our army is literally leaping into the future. The new battalion names sound powerful. Hope the 'Know Your Army' melas come to my city soon.
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Sarah B
As an observer, I find the emphasis on data-centricity and networking for 2026-27 very astute. Modern warfare is about information dominance. Glad to see the Indian Army preparing for that reality.
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Vikram M
While the vision is impressive, execution is key. Hope the indigenisation drive includes robust quality control and timely delivery. We've had delays in past projects. The intent is great, but let's see it on the ground.
K
Kavya N
Taking the parade to Jaipur's public was a masterstroke. It builds such a strong connection between citizens and our jawans. Feeling emotional and secure reading this. Salute to the Indian Army!
M
Michael C
The mention of learning from "global conflicts" and specifically Operation Sindoor shows a pragmatic, lessons-learned approach

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