Indian Army Showcases Enhanced Technological Capabilities in Brigade Operational Review
The Indian Army demonstrated its commitment to technological advancement and battlefield innovation during a comprehensive review headed by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, Army Commander of the Western Command. The review focused on assessing the operational readiness of the Black Arrow Brigade and the Fleur De Lis Brigade, both of which are recognized for their strategic prowess and combat excellence.
This exercise highlighted the Army’s recent technological strides, including state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles featuring high-resolution optics and electronic warfare systems. Additionally, demonstrations showcased advanced surveillance equipment and secure communication systems that have become essential to Indian military operations.
Lt Gen Katiyar commended the brigades for their operational acumen and effective incorporation of modern technologies, aligning with the Army’s wider modernization agenda. These efforts support the Indian Army’s "Year of Technology Absorption," declared in 2024 by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, focusing on integrating innovations into combat operations and strategic decision-making.
A significant aspect of the review was the emphasis on enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. As regional security threats, particularly along the northern borders, continue to rise, the Army is fast-tracking the deployment of secure communication devices and automated battlefield systems. Plans are underway to distribute 35,000 encrypted handsets to units by the end of 2025, aimed at boosting situational awareness and tactical coordination.
Troops also presented digitized operational strategies, enhancements in artillery units, and advances in electronic warfare, underscoring the Army’s shift to network-centric warfare. Lt Gen Katiyar interacted with personnel during the event, stressing the importance of maintaining combat readiness alongside the welfare and morale of the troops.
This review builds on earlier assessments by the Kharga Corps in May 2025, which acknowledged the beneficial impact of new technologies on battlefield efficiency. Global trends in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, as highlighted by a RAND Corporation study, continue to shape India's defense policies, with the Army leading this strategic transformation.
The review concluded with a reaffirmation of the Army’s dedication to dynamic preparedness, encapsulated in the motto "Taiyari Abhi Jaari Hai" (Preparation is Still On), reflecting its commitment to remain agile and future-ready amid a progressively evolving security landscape.
