Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, recently conducted a thorough review of the Whiteknight Air Defence Brigade to assess its readiness against evolving security threats along India’s northern borders. The visit is particularly timely, given the current heightened state of alert due to recent cross-border drone incursions and the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.
During the review, Lt Gen Sharma praised the brigade for its effective and timely involvement in Operation Sindoor, which strategically targeted terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control. This operation highlighted the successful integration of India’s air defence capabilities with its intelligence networks, showcasing the critical role played by sophisticated platforms like the S-400 Triumf and Akash surface-to-air missile systems in deterring aerial threats and neutralizing hostile drones.
The Whiteknight Corps, established in Nagrota in 1972, has been pivotal in executing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism missions in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Sharma’s visit encompassed a comprehensive range of activities, including direct assessments of the latest air defence technologies, electronic warfare systems, and operational readiness drills. Previously serving as the Director General of Information Warfare, he engaged in discussions with troops and unit commanders about enhancing psychological operations and cyber capabilities within the air defence framework.
The operational review revealed the brigade’s high levels of alertness and adaptability, as well as its impressive technological capabilities. The layered defence strategy, bolstered by mobile radar units and interceptor batteries, along with real-time coordination between command structures, was especially applauded for its deterrent effects in conflict-prone areas.
In addition to evaluating military preparedness, Lt Gen Sharma also connected with local veterans and their families as part of the Indian Army’s ongoing initiatives under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. The Whiteknight formation continues to play a crucial role not only in border security but also in engaging with veterans in this strategically significant region.
Lt Gen Sharma’s visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to modernizing its operational posture in northern India. His focus on multi-domain integration—covering kinetic defense capabilities to information warfare—signals a strategic shift in India’s approach to countering hybrid threats. With its substantial track record and renewed strategic focus, the Whiteknight Air Defence Brigade stands as a vital component of India’s defensive strategy.
