In a recent demonstration of the Indian Army’s commitment to high operational readiness, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the Army Commander of the Western Command, undertook a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of the Airawat Division. This visit underscores the strategic focus of the Indian military on maintaining a well-prepared and capable force.
Lt. Gen. Katiyar, who has an extensive background in military leadership including previous roles as Director General of Military Operations and General Officer Commanding of the I Corps, interacted with personnel at all levels within the Airawat Division. This division, also known as the 1 Armoured Division, is headquartered in Patiala and is often referred to by its nickname “Black Elephant.” The division is historically significant, having played a crucial role in various operations, including the notable 1948 operation in Hyderabad.
During his visit, Lt. Gen. Katiyar praised the soldiers for their high level of professionalism, operational readiness, and steadfast dedication to national security. His direct engagement with the troops enhances leadership visibility and affirms the importance of understanding the capabilities and challenges faced by the forces.
The Indian Army, which allocates a substantial portion of India’s defence budget—amounting to 50%—is in the midst of a gradual shift towards indigenizing its defence capabilities. While this transition has been recognized as slow due to lengthy procurement cycles, the Army has made significant progress in incorporating domestic technologies. Recent advancements include the integration of drones and the use of advanced combat simulators aimed at improving operational effectiveness.
Lt. Gen. Katiyar’s review reinforces the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to building a “Strong and Capable” force that is “Forever Ready for Operations.” This philosophy is evident in the social media outreach of the Western Command, which emphasizes these objectives through the hashtags #StrongAndCapable, #ForeverReadyForOperations, and #KhargaCorps. The focus on preparedness and technological advancement continues to position the Indian Army as a formidable force in the region.
