Latest news with #Agnipath
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Fitter, faster and fiercer: How Indian Army is changing its tactics to counter two-front threats from China and Pakistan
Amid rising regional tensions and rapid changes in military technology, the Indian Army is quietly undergoing one of its most significant shifts in decades, not with loud announcements, but through deliberate structural reforms, strategic exercises, and a visible change in how it prepares for a two- or three-front war. It is moving away from its legacy of manpower-heavy formations toward a leaner, younger, and more technology-enabled force. This transformation is centred on three visible pivots: reducing overall troop size while inducting younger jawans through the Agnipath scheme, modernising surveillance and combat capabilities with drones and AI-backed systems, and restructuring combat units by raising integrated formations like Rudra and Bhairav . Taken together, these reforms reflect a calibrated response to the demands of modern warfare—where speed, real-time intelligence, and joint operations increasingly define battlefield outcomes. Younger soldiers and leaner force through Agnipath The Army's effort to create a younger and faster-moving force is being led by changes in recruitment. Since 2022, all new soldiers have been inducted through the Agnipath scheme as short-term Agniveers . No regular soldier recruitment has taken place since 2020. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Digital Marketing Healthcare Project Management Product Management Others others Cybersecurity Data Analytics Design Thinking Data Science CXO Artificial Intelligence Leadership Management MBA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details As reported by The Print in June last year, this shift has led in a personnel reduction estimated at 1,27,660 to 1,68,660. However, officials see this as part of a deliberate shift to lower the average age of soldiers and build a leaner Army structure. The move aims to reduce non-combat staff and improve the 'tooth-to-tail' ratio, freeing up resources for frontline capabilities and technology upgrades. Also Read: Watch: Indian Army simulates future warfare using AI and drones near China border in Himalayas Live Events The US and China have both undertaken troop reductions in recent decades, offering lessons for India. After the Cold War, the US cut over 600,000 troops through its Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) programme in the 1990s. A 2020 RAND study noted that while this shift enabled counterterrorism focus, it also weakened the US military's position in strategic competition with China and Russia. China took a different approach. It reduced its People's Liberation Army strength from 3 million to 2 million after the 1990s, combining manpower cuts with long-term technological upgrades. Also Read: Fast, furious, and future-ready: Why Indian Army's Rudra Brigade could be a game-changer against China and Pakistan Army modernises drone, AI and air defence capabilities The Indian Army is adapting to new forms of warfare that rely on technology such as drones, artificial intelligence, and precision-guided systems. A key influence has been the success of Indian-made drones during Operation Sindoor , which showcased how unmanned systems can offer tactical advantages in modern battle scenarios. In line with this shift, the Army recently conducted Exercise DIVYA DRISHTI in East Sikkim in July 2025. According to an official Army release, this high-altitude exercise was conducted near the China border to improve surveillance, situational awareness, and rapid response. Troops from the Trishakti Corps used unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ), drones, and AI-integrated systems to simulate battlefield scenarios. These were supported by high-speed, secure data links to connect field units with command centres. The Army said the exercise was designed 'to enhance battlefield transparency and decision-making capabilities in operationally sensitive areas.' During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's drone and missile attacks targeting multiple Indian cities and military sites were neutralised through air defence. India deployed a layered air defence network, including legacy gun systems like L‑70, ZU‑23mm and Shilka, as well as modern systems such as Akash surface‑to‑air missiles, Barak‑8, the S‑400 Triumf, and indigenous counter‑UAS platforms. A defining achievement of the operation was the performance of Akashteer, India's indigenously developed AI-enabled automated air‑defence control and reporting system. Akashteer intercepted and neutralised every incoming Pakistan drone and missile attack with a 100% kill‑rate. In addition to defensive systems, India's offensive drone capabilities were also on display. Indian forces reportedly deployed indigenous loitering munitions and high-endurance drones to strike back at launch sites and logistical hubs in Pakistan. These drones, equipped with real-time targeting and precision-strike payloads, demonstrated India's increasing ability to conduct stand-off attacks without risking personnel. New battle units: Rudra and Bhairav As part of its structural reforms, the Army is also creating new integrated fighting formations. Two such battle units—Rudra and Bhairav—are being raised to strengthen frontline capability. These units represent the Army's pivot towards self-contained, mission-specific formations that combine infantry, artillery, armour, air defence, engineers, and surveillance units under a single operational command. Unlike traditional divisions or brigades that often operate within fixed structures and wider hierarchies, Rudra and Bhairav are expected to be task-oriented formations, with the flexibility to be deployed across sectors depending on the operational requirement. This modular nature allows them to be scaled up or down based on threat perception, enabling rapid concentration of force during both conventional conflicts and grey-zone operations. These battle groups are also expected to be tech-intensive formations, equipped with modern surveillance assets, battlefield management systems, encrypted communications, loitering munitions, and AI-backed decision support tools. Real-time intelligence and multi-domain coordination are likely to be central features of their operational doctrine, in line with the broader shift towards network-centric warfare. The development of Rudra and Bhairav reflects the Indian Army's intent to reduce reaction time and enhance offensive readiness, especially along sensitive borders. Given India's dynamic threat environment, ranging from mountain warfare along the China frontier to counter-insurgency and conventional posturing along the Pakistan border, these formations offer a more agile response mechanism that can operate independently or in joint coordination with Air Force and Navy units under an integrated theatre command framework. While the concept of integrated battle groups (IBGs) has been under consideration since the 2017 Doklam crisis, their actual implementation through these new units marks a significant shift from planning to execution. In time, Rudra and Bhairav may serve as prototypes for a larger reorganisation of Indian Army field formations, signalling not just a change in structure, but in mindset and operational philosophy. The creation of such units marks a shift from traditional static formations to more mobile and mission-specific combat groups. These are designed to respond quickly to emerging threats along India's active borders, particularly with China and Pakistan.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Meerut Agniveer killed in Poonch; joined Army to support family
The quiet village of Pastra, nestled on the edge of Meerut's Jani, is mourning the untimely and heroic death of Lalit Kumar, a 20-year-old Agniveer jawan who was killed in a landmine explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Friday afternoon. Two others were injured in the blast. Lalit Kumar, 20, had joined the Army as an Agniveer jawan a year and half ago (File) Lalit was cremated with military honours on Saturday. Lalit, the son of a daily wage worker, had joined the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme just a year and a half ago, driven by the responsibility of supporting his financially struggling family. Despite being the youngest of four siblings, he had taken it upon himself to educate his brothers and sister, and dreamt of getting them married. Lalit was on his first posting in Poonch when the incident occurred. According to the family, they received a phone call from Lalit's regiment around 2 pm on Friday. They were told that he had been seriously injured in a landmine explosion during a routine patrol. Later, military officials confirmed that Naib Subedar Hariram, Havaldar Gajendra Singh, and Agniveer Lalit Kumar were patrolling near their post when they encountered the deadly landmine. All three were injured, but Lalit later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. According to the family, Lalit had returned to duty only 17 days ago, on July 9, after spending a short 15-day leave with his family. He had left with promises of returning soon on another break to help complete important tasks back home. The family had happily accompanied him to the Meerut railway station. Sister Kajal said Lalit was the first son in the family to secure a government job. After passing his intermediate exams, he had been working toward a B.A. degree. He wanted to complete his education after four years in the Army, Kajal said. Elder brother Nitin added, 'When Lalit said he'd been selected for the Army, the entire household erupted in joy. On the very first night, Lalit phoned every member of the family, and even spoke with his friends in the neighbourhood.' Father Rajpal Singh recalled, 'The very first job application Lalit ever filled out turned out to be the successful one. When my son was selected, it felt as though all our hardships and years of manual labour had finally borne fruit.' In a post on X, White Knight Corps stated: 'General Officer Commanding White Knight Corps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to Agniveer Lalit Kumar, who made the supreme sacrifice, while on an area domination patrol in the general area of Krishna Ghati brigade on 25 July 2025, following a mine blast. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.' By:
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt preparing to give 10% horizontal reservation to Agniveers in govt jobs: Uttarakhand CM
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday said the state government is preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in government jobs after they complete four years of military service. He made the announcement at a programme held here to honour former soldiers and family members of martyrs on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Public Policy Digital Marketing PGDM Finance Technology healthcare Data Science Cybersecurity MCA MBA Management Operations Management Product Management Project Management Design Thinking others CXO Artificial Intelligence Others Degree Leadership Data Analytics Healthcare Data Science Skills you'll gain: Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate Programme in Public Policy Management Starts on Mar 3, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Calcutta Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management Starts on undefined Get Details Dhami said a proposal to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers after they complete four years of service under the Agnipath scheme is being prepared and will soon be brought before the state cabinet for its approval. "We are preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in the police, transport, forest and other government departments. A proposal in this regard will soon be brought for cabinet approval. Agniveers who complete four years of service under the Agnipath scheme will get its benefits," he said. The horizontal reservation is a type of reservation that is provided across all categories, namely the General Category, as well as vertical reservation categories - Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Live Events The Centre introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022 for short-term induction of personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Force with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. The scheme provides for recruiting Agniveers youngsters between the age group of 17-and-a-half and 21 for a block period of four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for another 15 years. Several states and central forces have already taken initiative to provide reservation to Agniveers Dhami said the state government is supportive towards soldiers and their families, and spoke of many steps taken in recent years with their welfare in mind. The state government has increased the ex-gratia amount given to the families of the martyrs from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. The lumpsum and annual amount given to the soldiers decorated with gallantry awards has also been increased, he said. The ex-gratia amount of Param Vir Chakra awardees has now been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, the chief minister said. It has been decided to provide employment training in drone operation to ex-servicemen's wives and daughters as Drone Didis, Dhami said. The government is also providing the facility of free travel to Badrinath Dham to ex-servicemen, wives of soldiers and Veer Naris who have completed the age of 60 years, he said. The construction work of the grand Shaurya Sthal (Military Dham) in Dehradun in memory of the martyrs is in its final stage, he said. This Military Dham contains water from 28 rivers across the state and soil brought from the homes of martyred soldiers, he said. So far, 37 dependents of martyrs have been provided government jobs. Under this scheme, the period for applying for a government job has also been increased from two years to five years. Apart from free travel facility in Uttarakhand Roadways buses to gallantry award winners, serving and former military personnel are also being given a 25 per cent discount in stamp duty on purchase of permanent property worth up to Rs 25 lakh.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Uttarakhand to give 10% horizontal reservation to Agniveers in govt jobs
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday said the state government is preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in government jobs after they complete four years of military service. He made the announcement at a programme held here to honour former soldiers and family members of martyrs on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Dhami said a proposal to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers after they complete four years of service under the Agnipath scheme is being prepared and will soon be brought before the state cabinet for its approval. "We are preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in the police, transport, forest and other government departments. A proposal in this regard will soon be brought for cabinet approval. Agniveers who complete four years of service under the Agnipath scheme will get its benefits," he said. The horizontal reservation is a type of reservation that is provided across all categories, namely the General Category, as well as vertical reservation categories Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The Centre introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022 for short-term induction of personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Force with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. The scheme provides for recruiting Agniveers youngsters between the age group of 17-and-a-half and 21 for a block period of four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for another 15 years. Several states and central forces have already taken initiative to provide reservation to Agniveers Dhami said the state government is supportive towards soldiers and their families, and spoke of many steps taken in recent years with their welfare in mind. The state government has increased the ex-gratia amount given to the families of the martyrs from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. The lumpsum and annual amount given to the soldiers decorated with gallantry awards has also been increased, he said. The ex-gratia amount of Param Vir Chakra awardees has now been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, the chief minister said. It has been decided to provide employment training in drone operation to ex-servicemen's wives and daughters as Drone Didis, Dhami said. The government is also providing the facility of free travel to Badrinath Dham to ex-servicemen, wives of soldiers and Veer Naris who have completed the age of 60 years, he said. The construction work of the grand Shaurya Sthal (Military Dham) in Dehradun in memory of the martyrs is in its final stage, he said. This Military Dham contains water from 28 rivers across the state and soil brought from the homes of martyred soldiers, he said. So far, 37 dependents of martyrs have been provided government jobs. Under this scheme, the period for applying for a government job has also been increased from two years to five years. Apart from free travel facility in Uttarakhand Roadways buses to gallantry award winners, serving and former military personnel are also being given a 25 per cent discount in stamp duty on purchase of permanent property worth up to Rs 25 lakh.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Govt preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in govt jobs: Dhami
Dehradun, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday said the state government is preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in government jobs after they complete four years of military service. Govt preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in govt jobs: Dhami He made the announcement at a programme held here to honour former soldiers and family members of martyrs on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Dhami said a proposal to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers after they complete four years of service under the Agnipath scheme is being prepared and will soon be brought before the state cabinet for its approval. "We are preparing to give 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in the police, transport, forest and other government departments. A proposal in this regard will soon be brought for cabinet approval. Agniveers who complete four years of service under the Agnipath scheme will get its benefits," he said. The horizontal reservation is a type of reservation that is provided across all categories, namely the General Category, as well as vertical reservation categories – Scheduled Tribes , Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes . The Centre introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022 for short-term induction of personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Force with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. The scheme provides for recruiting Agniveers youngsters between the age group of 17-and-a-half and 21 for a block period of four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for another 15 years. Several states and central forces have already taken initiative to provide reservation to Agniveers Dhami said the state government is supportive towards soldiers and their families, and spoke of many steps taken in recent years with their welfare in mind. The state government has increased the ex-gratia amount given to the families of the martyrs from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. The lumpsum and annual amount given to the soldiers decorated with gallantry awards has also been increased, he said. The ex-gratia amount of Param Vir Chakra awardees has now been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore, the chief minister said. It has been decided to provide employment training in drone operation to ex-servicemen's wives and daughters as Drone Didis, Dhami said. The government is also providing the facility of free travel to Badrinath Dham to ex-servicemen, wives of soldiers and Veer Naris who have completed the age of 60 years, he said. The construction work of the grand Shaurya Sthal in Dehradun in memory of the martyrs is in its final stage, he said. This Military Dham contains water from 28 rivers across the state and soil brought from the homes of martyred soldiers, he said. So far, 37 dependents of martyrs have been provided government jobs. Under this scheme, the period for applying for a government job has also been increased from two years to five years. Apart from free travel facility in Uttarakhand Roadways buses to gallantry award winners, serving and former military personnel are also being given a 25 per cent discount in stamp duty on purchase of permanent property worth up to ₹25 lakh. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
