In a strategic demonstration of military readiness, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the newly appointed Commander of the Northern Army, conducted a significant visit to the frontline formations of the Fire & Fury Corps stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Ladakh. This visit arrives in the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives and has been linked to Pakistan-sponsored militants.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma evaluated the operational preparedness of troops deployed in one of the region’s most challenging environments. He personally engaged with soldiers to assess the security situation along the LoC, commending their determination and resilience in maintaining a robust defensive position under challenging circumstances.
Importantly, the Army Commander emphasized the increasing reliance of the Fire & Fury Corps on cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence-driven surveillance systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These advancements have become essential tools for monitoring potential cross-border threats. He remarked on the successful integration of such technologies, underscoring that modernization is fundamental to India’s strategic advantage in the region.
Lt Gen Sharma also pointed out the necessity for sustained vigilance along both the western and eastern borders, acknowledging the evolving threats posed by neighboring countries, notably Pakistan and China. The Fire & Fury Corps, which operates under the leadership of Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla and is headquartered in Leh, serves as the frontline defense for India in Ladakh—an area of crucial strategic significance.
This visit reflects the Indian Army’s wider commitment to modernization and capability enhancement, particularly in light of the 2020 clash in Galwan Valley that exposed vulnerabilities in surveillance and intelligence capabilities. A report by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) indicated that over 140 AI-based surveillance systems have been established along the LoC and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to mitigate infiltration and hostile activities.
Through this engagement with frontline troops and the review of military deployments, Lt Gen Sharma not only assessed operational readiness but also reinforced the Indian Army’s dedication to the principle of “Nation First.” His visit served both as a morale-boosting event for the soldiers and as a clear signal to adversaries regarding India’s steadfast commitment to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity in a volatile security landscape.
