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Volume 21 No. 6
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MESSAGE It is a matter of honour for me to endorse this MESSAGE for the Special Issue of SP’s Land Forces, that SP Guide Publications is releasing on the occasion of Army Day 2025. Army Day is an occasion to celebrate the dedication, valour and indomitable spirit of the men and women in ‘olive greens’, as also to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. The Indian Army enjoys a distinct stature in the national mind space, and it is through mediums such as these that our citizens gain a deeper understanding of the Army’s unique way of life, challenges, achievements and ongoing pursuits. Today, we have embarked upon a ‘Decade of Transformation’ towards evolving into a future ready force, such that we are able to secure the growth and progress of the nation, towards its envisioned goal of a Viksit Bharat. I am sanguine, that the leaves of this Special Issue shall keep the reader updated on the entire ‘olive green’ canvas. The insightful articles, inspiring narrations and analytical perspectives presented by the Editorial Team, will surely establish an alluring connect with the reader. My compliments and best wishes to SP Guide Publications for undertaking this initiative. ‘Jai Hind’
(Upendra Dwivedi) General Chief of the Army Staff
IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 5 AVNL — Driving Innovation and Modernisation A Leader in a Rapidly Evolving Defence Manufacturing Industry
“We are Currently Pursuing the Decade of Transformation”
PAGE 6 Army Day 2025: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Puts Thrust on Artillery Modernisation, Impending FRCV Takes Off The Army Chief made a concerted announcement for the range of military equipment, especially focusing on its artillery modernisation plan and capability like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery systems. Crucially, the Army also finally moves ahead with its impending FRCV programme. Manish Kumar Jha
In an interview with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Land Forces, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi explains how the Indian Army is aiming to transform into a modern, agile, adaptive, technology enabled and self-reliant future ready force
PAGE 7 2025 – Year of Reforms Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ focusing on simplified procurement, reduced timeframes, theaterisation, and emerging technologies with significant implications for the Indian Army Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)
SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): As COAS of one of the most engaged, busiest and the most professional armies in the world, what are the ‘Thrust Areas’ of Indian Army that you are focusing upon? Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): The vision of the Indian Army is a contribution of my predecessors and, as a concept I wish to carry forward, 50 per cent of what I have
received, lay down 30 per cent new ideas for execution/ implementation and sow 20 per cent new ideas for Gen next. As the Chief of the Army Staff, the mission statement that I have defined for myself is to ensure full spectrum operational preparedness while concurrently transforming the Indian Army into a modern, agile, adaptive, tech enabled and an
Atmanirbhar future-ready force which is capable to deter and win wars in a multidomain environment. It will always remain a relevant and key pillar of National Security Apparatus, aligned towards protecting National Interests and effectively contribute towards Nation Building in synergy with all agencies of the Government and sister services.
6/2024 SP’s LAND FORCES
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