Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Evaluates Advanced Air Defence Brigade with Hypersonic Capabilities in Pune
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, who holds the ranks of PVSM and AVSM, and serves as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, paid a visit to the First to Strike Air Defence Brigade. The purpose of his visit was to conduct a thorough review of the brigade's readiness, technological advancements, and evolving operational capabilities. This visit highlighted India's advancing air defense capabilities and underscored the strategic importance of the brigade in ensuring national security.
During his review, Lt Gen Seth received a detailed briefing on the brigade’s modern training programs, collaborative operational drills, and the integration of advanced systems. The brigade showcased its recent enhancements, including hypersonic missile defense capabilities. This is a significant achievement that follows India’s successful test of a long-range hypersonic missile in November 2024, positioning India among a select group of nations capable of countering emerging aerial threats.
The General also reviewed the brigade’s equipment modernization efforts under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, commending the shift towards domestically developed systems. He highlighted a 30% growth in defense research and development investment since 2020, emphasizing India's dedication to technological self-sufficiency and resilience amid changing warfare dynamics.
Lt Gen Seth recognized the brigade’s outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor, praising the troops for their commitment and innovative spirit. He encouraged the unit to continue progressing in alignment with the Indian Army's wider transformation objectives, which aim to establish a modern, responsive, and technologically advanced force by 2047 as part of the Viksit Bharat vision.
The visit served to reaffirm the Air Defence Brigade’s vital role in India's military preparedness, demonstrating its capability to respond to both combat scenarios and disaster situations with agility and precision.
