Western Command Seminar at Chandimandir Highlights Army’s Shift to Networked Precision Fires
The Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), hosted the 4th Gen SF Rodrigues Memorial Seminar 2026 at Western Command, Chandimandir, with a clear focus on how artillery is being reshaped by networked precision fires and emerging battlefield technologies.
Held under the theme “Asymmetric Capability through Networked Precision Fires by Artillery”, the seminar brought together senior military leaders, veterans, academics, defence industry representatives and subject-matter experts to examine how the character of warfare is changing and what that means for artillery in future operations.
The event featured professional deliberations, expert presentations and a display of contemporary technologies and innovative solutions. Much of the discussion centred on lessons drawn from recent conflicts, along with the capabilities now shaping artillery employment and the wider conduct of Multi-Domain Operations.
A major thread running through the seminar was the idea of asymmetric capability through networked precision fires. Participants looked at how improvements in sensors, communications, automation and precision weapon systems are changing the way artillery can be used on increasingly complex battlefields.
Speakers discussed global trends in asymmetric warfare, long-range engagements, automation, decision superiority and networked precision fires. The conversations also highlighted the growing convergence of artillery with Unmanned Aerial Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, surveillance assets and precision munitions.
The seminar placed particular emphasis on the need to connect sensors, shooters and decision-makers into a single integrated network. The aim of such connectivity is to ensure information moves quickly across the battlespace, enabling commanders and weapon systems to react with greater speed and accuracy.
That convergence is also changing the traditional role of artillery itself. Rather than operating as an isolated firepower arm, artillery is now being increasingly integrated with surveillance, intelligence, unmanned systems and digital networks to generate effects across multiple domains.
Long-range engagements formed another important part of the discussions. As militaries adapt to technologically enabled battlefields, the ability to detect targets at greater distances, process information rapidly and deliver precision effects is becoming more relevant to operational success.
Artificial Intelligence and automation were identified as key elements of future artillery capability. Their integration with surveillance and decision-making systems can help process battlefield information more quickly and improve the ability to respond to rapidly changing operational situations.
Electronic Warfare and UAS were discussed in the same context, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of modern military operations. The integration of these capabilities can allow formations to combine sensing, targeting, communications and precision fires within a wider operational network.
In his concluding address, Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, AVSM, SM**, Army Commander, Western Command, spoke about the ongoing transformation of artillery through greater ranges, precision, Artificial Intelligence, automation, persistent surveillance and networking.
He stressed the need for continued evolution in doctrines, technologies, organisations and training if the force is to retain a decisive combat edge across the full depth of the battlefield.
That call for doctrinal and organisational adaptation reflected a broader point repeatedly raised during the seminar: as new technologies alter the speed and complexity of operations, military formations must adjust their structures, training and methods of employment to make effective use of emerging capabilities.
The seminar also served as a forum for interaction between the Armed Forces, veterans, academia and the defence industry. Such engagement allows operational needs and technological developments to be examined alongside lessons from recent conflicts and contemporary military experience.
For the Regiment of Artillery, the Chandimandir discussions provided an opportunity to assess how precision, range, networking and technology can shape future firepower. The focus was not limited to individual weapon systems, but extended to the larger network linking surveillance assets, decision-makers and firing units.
The Indian Army’s wider emphasis on technology absorption, innovation and capability development was also reflected in the seminar’s discussions. The objective, as presented at the event, is to build a more connected and agile force capable of operating in an increasingly complex battlespace.
By bringing together operational experience and emerging technological perspectives, the 4th Gen SF Rodrigues Memorial Seminar 2026 framed artillery’s evolution as a shift from traditional fire support towards increasingly networked, precise and information-enabled battlefield effects.
The deliberations at Western Command highlighted a central requirement for future operations: the ability to see farther, process information faster and employ precision fires effectively across the depth of the battlefield.
