SP’s Land Forces wishes the Indian Army a very Happy Independence Day 2025! We thank you for your continued service to the Nation!

In an exclusive interview done by Manish Kumar Jha, Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO, puts indigenous weapon systems at the forefront of India’s defence R&D priorities. He emphasises ongoing upgrades to battlefield and surveillance radars — from short-range groundbased systems for tactical units to long-range sensors capable of tracking ballistic missiles and monitoring space activity — ensuring the Army can detect and respond to threats in real time. On air defence, he details the nextgeneration Akash NG missile system, building on the proven Akash platform, with enhanced range, simultaneous multi-target engagement, and integration into layered Army defences. Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM) are also on the cusp of induction, offering mobile, high-readiness protection for mechanised formations. Kamat outlines coastal and littoral land-based strike options — including shore-launched BrahMos and the highly accurate Guided Pinaka — to counter naval incursions and defend key installations.

Marking a major modernisation milestone, the Indian Army has begun inducting the AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters into its Army Aviation Corps, with three of six units delivered. Procured from the US in a $600 million contract, the Apaches will be stationed in Jodhpur to support armoured formations in highaltitude zones like Ladakh, the North-East, and the Western Desert. Manish Kumar Jha bring you a report on these inductions, and highlights how these formidable ‘Flying Tank’ will bring the Army close-air-support, anti-armour strike, and rapid-reaction capabilities that integrate seamlessly with mechanised ground forces.

In another recent development, Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) reports on Army’s forward-looking plan to embed First Person View (FPV) drone platoons in all infantry battalions to strengthen reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision-strike capacity. Inspired by Ukraine’s drone warfare tactics, these agile units will operate alongside Ghatak Platoons for maximum tactical flexibility. He advocates for a Unified Drone Command, indigenous mass production of FPV and loitering munitions, and advanced counter-drone systems, warning against overreliance on imported electronics.

Under the MoD’s declared ‘Year of Reforms,’ a high-level review of DAP 2020 is underway to streamline procurement and reinforce indigenisation. Manish Kumar Jha reports that the review will align acquisitions with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ objectives, promote MSME participation, and adopt emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and autonomous systems.

In another article, Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) details passive exoskeletons developed by Newndra Innovations and the TASL–DRDO partnership for the Indian Armed Forces, which transfer most of a soldier’s carried load to the ground, easing fatigue in rugged terrain. These systems are under Army trials and could benefit both operational troops and disaster response teams. While recognising their potential, he calls for faster development of powered variants with integrated sensors, drone control links, and battlefield networking to match the pace of global soldieraugmentation technology.

Wishing all discerning readers happy reading!