Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar Assesses Spear Corps Operational Preparedness and Modernization Initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh
Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, who leads the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, conducted an in-depth assessment of operational readiness at forward positions in Arunachal Pradesh. The review highlighted the importance of deploying advanced combat enablers and leveraging state-of-the-art technology, with a significant focus on drone systems to enhance reconnaissance in high-altitude areas.
Bringing over 30 years of experience, particularly in counter-insurgency operations, Lt Gen Pendharkar has emphasized modernization and adaptability since taking charge in August 2024. His review concentrated on the integration of specialized equipment and the operational effectiveness of units stationed along the strategically sensitive India-China border.
A study published in the Journal of Defense Technology indicates that the integration of drones can enhance battlefield reconnaissance by up to 40%, underscoring their importance in current military strategies. During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar also evaluated troop preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
In addition to his operational review, the General Officer Commanding honored fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at a local war memorial, an act that significantly boosts troop morale in high-stress deployments. Research from the Journal of Conflict Resolution in 2020 found that such commemorations can improve morale by 15-20%, particularly in remote regions like the northeast.
In a related announcement, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu revealed that the state has become India’s largest carbon sink, with 79% of its area covered by forests and a carbon stock exceeding 1,021 million tonnes. This dual focus on environmental conservation and national security underscores the significance of integrated development in the border region.
The Spear Corps, the largest operational formation in the Indian Army, plays a vital role in safeguarding the northeastern frontier. Under the leadership of Lt Gen Pendharkar, the Corps continues to balance traditional defense measures with responses to emerging challenges, including ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
