In a significant tactical review, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, assessed the operational readiness of the Indian Army’s Strike One formation. This visit comes amid ongoing tensions along India’s northern frontiers, reinforcing the Army’s resolve to maintain a robust defensive posture against emerging security threats from neighboring adversaries.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma praised the personnel for their high morale, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to protecting national sovereignty. He took the opportunity to evaluate frontline training initiatives and rapid response capabilities, underscoring the importance of adaptability and operational flexibility in today’s increasingly complex security landscape.
A key moment of the visit included a live demonstration of indigenously developed defense systems, featuring a light armored vehicle equipped with advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities. This showcases India’s concerted effort towards achieving defense self-reliance, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Strike One formation, an integral element of the Northern Command, was strategically repositioned in 2021 to strengthen military readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The area currently hosts approximately 500 tanks and over 50,000 troops, serving as the backbone of India’s deterrence strategy against potential aggression from China. This deployment shift reflects India’s renewed emphasis on high-altitude warfare and rapid operational mobility.
In addition, the Army Commander examined the formation’s implementation of hybrid warfare training, which encompasses cyber defense, electronic warfare, and psychological operations. A recent study by the RAND Corporation highlighted a 30% increase in cyber and information warfare training within Indian Army formations, enhancing their preparedness against grey-zone tactics employed by both China and Pakistan.
This visit prominently underscores the Northern Command’s commitment to integrating indigenous technology with advanced military doctrine to ensure combat readiness. With an emphasis on agility, innovation, and resilience, the Indian Army is continually adapting to meet the complex strategic challenges present in the region.