Vice Chief of Army Staff Evaluates Shatrujeet Brigade's Operational and Modernisation Efforts
New Delhi, May 25, 2026 — Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, paid a visit to the prestigious Shatrujeet Brigade to evaluate its operational readiness and capability advancements. This visit highlighted the Indian Army's ongoing commitment to bolstering rapid deployment forces, specialized airborne operations, and combat readiness through infrastructure development.
During his visit, Lieutenant General Seth received a briefing on the brigade's operational status, training levels, and efforts to strengthen its ability to undertake high-risk airborne missions. The Shatrujeet Brigade, renowned for its airborne expertise, serves as one of the Indian Army's primary rapid reaction units, trained for deep insertion, quick mobilization, and mission-driven operations in diverse terrains and environments.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth assumed his role as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on April 1, 2026, following significant command positions in the Southern and South Western Commands. His visit to the Shatrujeet Brigade coincides with the Indian Army's intensified focus on modernization, technology integration, infrastructure advancement, and operational agility across its formations.
As part of the review, the Vice Chief assessed the brigade's specialized airborne platforms and deep insertion capabilities through tactical demonstrations. These demonstrations showcased the unit's ability to swiftly deploy troops and equipment, sustain airborne missions, and execute intricate tasks demanding speed, accuracy, and coordination.
The visit also included a comprehensive evaluation of ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness. Key projects inspected included the Containerised Shooting Range and the Operational Readiness Hangar, both expected to boost training efficiency, weapon handling, combat preparedness, and rapid readiness capabilities.
The Containerised Shooting Range is a modern, modular solution for marksmanship and tactical firing practice, providing troops with a controlled and efficient training environment. These facilities aim to enhance firing standards, minimize reliance on traditional ranges, and support regular weapon proficiency for personnel in specialized roles.
The Operational Readiness Hangar is designed to strengthen the brigade's equipment readiness and response capabilities. For a formation tasked with airborne and deep insertion missions, the timely availability of platforms, stores, mission equipment, and support infrastructure is crucial. This development aligns with the Army's broader focus on ensuring frontline and specialized units are ready for rapid deployment.
Lieutenant General Seth also engaged with officers and troops of the formation, commending their professionalism, combat focus, and commitment to mission preparedness. He praised the brigade's modernization efforts and emphasized the need to uphold high standards of training, discipline, and operational efficiency.
The Vice Chief urged all personnel to strive for enhanced combat readiness and mission effectiveness, stressing the importance of being adaptable, technologically equipped, and prepared for emerging security challenges. His message reinforced the Army's objective to create agile, modern, and responsive formations capable of operating in complex and dynamic battle environments.
The operational focus of the Shatrujeet Brigade on rapid response and airborne capabilities makes it a vital component of the Army's capacity to project force and swiftly address contingencies. Its commitment to specialized training, airborne platforms, deep insertion techniques, and mission-focused readiness positions it as a central element in India's evolving operational strategy.
The visit underscores the Indian Army's ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities through modern training infrastructure, improved logistics, advanced platforms, and realistic tactical exercises. In recent months, senior Army commanders have emphasized the need for preparedness, technological adaptation, and quicker response capabilities across formations. Lt Gen Seth has also highlighted the Army's transformation towards embracing emerging technologies, self-reliance, and future-ready warfare capabilities.
By reviewing operational demonstrations and infrastructure projects, the Vice Chief's visit provided a comprehensive assessment of the brigade's combat readiness and future preparedness. The emphasis on airborne platforms, deep insertion capabilities, and training infrastructure reflects a concerted effort to ensure the Shatrujeet Brigade is fully prepared for its specialized operational responsibilities.
The visit concluded with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth expressing confidence in the formation's professionalism and readiness. He commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to continue upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army while remaining prepared for any mission assigned to them.
