Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Says Indigenous Equipment Is Strategic Need as Indian Army Prepares for Future Wars

General Upendra Dwivedi

Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday said the Indian Army is moving forward as a future-ready force and stressed that indigenous equipment has become a “strategic necessity”.

Speaking to reporters in Jaipur after the Army Day parade, he said the Army now has well-trained soldiers, modern equipment, and multi-domain operational capabilities. He added that technology is being used to make soldiers more effective, not to replace manpower. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

General Dwivedi said there has been a clear shift in the Army’s thinking in recent years. He explained that the force is not only dealing with present challenges but also preparing for future wars by creating new structures, units, and training systems suited to coming needs.

He highlighted the raising of new units such as the Bhairav Battalion and the Shakti Baan Regiment, saying these reflect the Army’s move towards being more agile, responsive, and mission-focused.

The Army Chief said the parade showed a blend of tradition and transformation. He noted that the Nepal Army Band reflected strong ties between the two countries, while new units displayed the Army’s growing strength.

Dwivedi said the Indian Army remains fully prepared for any kind of attack and will continue to adapt with time. He added that the display of ‘Made in India’ equipment at the parade showed that self-reliance is now the foundation of the Army’s transformation.

He stressed that future military equipment must be designed and developed within India. According to him, indigenisation is no longer just a goal but a strategic necessity.

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said it has shown that the duration of wars cannot be predicted, as conflicts may last days or even years.

Dwivedi underlined the importance of research and development, saying long wars can only be fought if equipment is manufactured and repaired within the country. He said the Army is working with Defence Research and Development Organisation and academic institutions to strengthen this area.

He also said credibility plays a key role in information warfare and will remain crucial in future battlefields.

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AFSPA Removal from J&K “Highly Possible”: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi

Upendra Dwivedi

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from terrorism-hit Jammu and Kashmir was “highly possible” but the present situation was not conducive. Without giving a timeframe, General Dwivedi, speaking at the India Today Conclave, said AFSPA could be revoked from the union territory when the Army feels there is adequate proof that the local police could handle the situation.”It is highly possible, but it is the timeframe that we need to look into. We looked at the areas of Doda, Rajouri, Kishtwar, where terrorism woudn’t be coming back. To the extent that bed and breakfast kinds of accommodation would be set up in those areas to attract tourists.

The Mughal Road, which we were also looking at, will be used in a big way,” General Dwivedi told India Today News Director Rahul Kanwal and Managing Editor Gaurav Sawant.”But look at what has happened. Today, we have inducted 15,000 additional troops in those areas to curb the kind of terrorism that has come in… It will take its own time and when we have the AFSPA removed, that will be a decision taken between the local government, and the Union Home and Defence Ministries,” he noted.