Lt Gen Pratik Sharma Assesses Readiness of Strike One Formation Amid Northern Tensions
During a critical strategic visit, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, who serves as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, assessed the operational readiness of the Indian Army’s Strike One formation. This evaluation comes amid ongoing tensions along India’s northern borders, highlighting the Army’s dedication to maintaining a robust defense against emerging security threats from neighboring countries.
Lt Gen Sharma praised the personnel of the formation for their high morale, professionalism, and commitment to protecting national sovereignty. He examined frontline training programs and rapid response measures, emphasizing the necessity for adaptability and operational flexibility in today’s increasingly complicated security landscape.
A significant aspect of the visit was witnessing a live demonstration of domestically developed defense technologies, which included a light armored vehicle featuring advanced surveillance and targeting systems. This equipment signifies India’s drive towards defense self-sufficiency as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Strike One plays a vital role in the Northern Command and was strategically repositioned in 2021 to bolster military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The area currently accommodates approximately 500 tanks and over 50,000 troops, serving as a key component of India’s deterrence strategy against possible Chinese incursions. This repositioning reflects India’s renewed focus on high-altitude warfare and rapid mobility capabilities.
The Army Commander also evaluated the formation’s progress in embracing hybrid warfare training, which encompasses cyber defense, electronic warfare, and psychological operations. According to a RAND Corporation study, there has been a 30% increase in cyber and information warfare training across Indian Army units, enhancing readiness against grey-zone tactics used by China and Pakistan.
This visit highlights the Northern Command’s commitment to integrating indigenous technology with advanced military strategies to maintain combat readiness. Focusing on agility, innovation, and resilience, the Indian Army continues to adapt to the region's intricate strategic challenges.
