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This issue of SP’s Land Forces coincides with the Army Day which falls on January 15 and is celebrated as on this day Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa (then a Lt General) took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General F.R. Bucher on January 15, 1949. As the Army Chief says, in his message, Army Day is an occasion to celebrate the dedication, valour and indomitable spirit of the men and women in ‘olive greens’, as also to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
The lead story of this issue is a comprehensive and exclusive interview with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff covering his perception of National Security and his vision and direction for Army modernisation to ensure full spectrum operational preparedness while concurrently transforming the Indian Army into a modern, Atmanirbhar futureready force which is capable to deter and win wars in a multidomain environment. As the Army Chief says in the interview, the Indian Army will always remain a relevant and key pillar of National Security Apparatus, aligned towards protecting National Interests and effectively contribute towards Nation Building in synergy with all agencies of the Government and sister services.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi held the customary annual press conference on the eve of the Army Day 2025 where he answered a barrage of questions with updates on the ongoing Army modernisation programmes. A lot of impetus has been put on Artillery modernisation with orders for ATAGS, K9 Vajra, Pinaka and the likes. The Armoured is also being upgraded with the Army Chief confirming the procurement of the Zorawar light tank and the DAC clearance for the Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV). There is a lot more that the Army Chief mentioned which is detailed in the press conference report by Manish Kumar Jha.
With the Ministry of Defence declaring Year 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, all eyes are now set on 2025 and the new initiatives it will bring. Indian Army, by the virtue of being the largest service, will be most affected by these reforms and the sincerity and speed with which they are implemented. In his article, Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) analyses that the geopolitical environment and the threat perception around India has undergone a drastic change in the past one year. Therefore, these reforms have come at the most appropriate time and that we should make the most of them to ensure National Security.
SP Guide Publications will have a significant presence at the upcoming Aero India 2025 show in Bengaluru, India from February 10 to 14, 2025. In case you are making it to the show, we look forward to meeting you all at Hall K, Stall No. KS3.2.
Wishing all discerning readers happy reading!