On May 28, 2025, Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Madhya Bharat Area, undertook an important visit to the Army Air Defence Centre located in Gopalpur, Odisha. This visit was part of the Indian Army’s broader efforts to enhance training quality and operational readiness in response to the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.
During his visit, Lt Gen Shekhawat meticulously assessed the various training programs available at the Army Air Defence Centre, which has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1989 as the Air Defence & Guided Missile School. Since it achieved autonomy in 1994 following the separation of the Corps of Army Air Defence from the Regiment of Artillery, the centre has developed into a cutting-edge training hub. Notably, it features the Gopalpur seaward firing range, which covers over 75 kilometers and facilitates live weapon firing and outdoor exercises.
The GOC commended the high training standards maintained at the centre, particularly highlighting the program directed at Agniveers—soldiers recruited under the Agnipath scheme that was introduced in June 2022. This innovative recruitment strategy brings in young individuals for a four-year tenure, aiming to retain only 25% for permanent service. Lt Gen Shekhawat encouraged these soldiers to strive for professional excellence and adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, which necessitates both technical acumen and strategic insight.
Spanning 2,728 acres, the Army Air Defence Centre is equipped with extensive facilities that include the Nalanda Library, AIMA Auditorium, and Sibia Sports Complex, alongside the scenic Samudrika sea beach. These amenities support not only skill development but also the overall well-being of military personnel. The centre, situated within the Central Command’s Area of Responsibility, plays a fundamental role in training and operational preparedness across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Lt Gen Shekhawat’s visit is part of his larger responsibilities as GOC of the Madhya Bharat Area, a critical formation that oversees sectors along India’s western border with Pakistan, as well as the Uttarakhand sector bordering Tibet and Nepal. His previous engagements have included visits to the Jharkhand and Bihar Sub Area in October 2024, reflecting a consistent focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving welfare, and strengthening operational capabilities.
This visit not only highlights the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its air defence capabilities but also signifies a strategic approach towards building a more agile and technologically adept force. As regional tensions continue to rise, this emphasis on training and skill development for Agniveers is seen as an essential pillar of national security.
