Major General APS Chahal Assesses Agnibaaz Division's Modernization and Operational Excellence
The Agnibaaz Division, a key component of the Southern Command of the Indian Army, is gaining recognition for its proactive modernization initiatives and outstanding operational achievements. Recently, Major General APS Chahal, SM, who commands the division, conducted an in-depth evaluation of the elite Ghatak Strikers Brigade. He commended their performance during Operation Sindoor, a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted in March 2022 alongside the Maharashtra Police in Lullanagar, Pune. This exercise aimed to bolster inter-agency coordination and enhance rapid-response strategies, thereby boosting regional security preparedness.
In alignment with the Army’s forward-thinking strategy, Major General Chahal inaugurated an Online Exam Centre to facilitate digital learning for prospective recruits. Additionally, a new 10-meter Air Rifle Shooting Range was introduced, underlining the division’s focus on precision training and combat readiness. These developments are in line with the Indian Army’s "Decade of Transformation" initiative, which aims to modernize 70% of its equipment by 2030, as detailed in a study by the RAND Corporation.
To commemorate the Kargil War, the division launched the Kargil Vijay Diwas 25 Bike Expedition, a 4,000-kilometer journey from Dhanushkodi to Dras. This expedition marks the 25th anniversary of the 1999 conflict and honors the 527 soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Historical accounts, such as those published by The Hindu, underscore the significance of these tributes in maintaining national memory and acknowledging the human costs of war.
The recent initiatives by the Agnibaaz Division are indicative of the Indian Army’s broader objectives of technological integration, soldier welfare, and strategic self-reliance. As India progresses towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, units like Agnibaaz exemplify professionalism, innovation, and readiness for future challenges.
