General Awareness

DEFENCE - July 2024

Jul 2024

Jan 08, 2026

Indian Army forms Bhairav, a modern warfare force with drones

The Indian Army has created the Bhairav modern warfare force, comprising a pool of over one lakh drone operatives. Bhairav battalions are designed for high‑speed, offensive drone operations, bridging gaps between Para SF and regular infantry. Around 15 battalions are already raised, with an expansion plan to 25 battalions in the near future. Operatives will conduct real operations to target bases and formations within enemy territory, enhancing reconnaissance and strike capabilities. The initiative reflects a shift toward technology‑driven warfare and increased integration of unmanned systems into India’s defence posture.

Bhairav force formed with drone operatives exceeding 100,000.
Bhairav battalions enable high‑speed, offensive drone ops.
About 15 battalions already raised; plan for 25.
Aims to bridge gap between SF and regular infantry.
Strengthens real‑time drone operations and battlefield reach.

Jan 07, 2026

Tata Advanced Systems gets Pinaka upgrade support order

Tata Advanced Systems announced a supply order to support the Indian Army’s 510 Advanced Base Workshop in the overhaul and upgradation of Pinaka MLRS and Battery Command Posts. The collaboration starts with a pilot overhaul, followed by full-scale work by 510 ABW with Tata providing spares, QA, and technical support. This partnership advances maintenance of in-service systems and strengthens India’s defence industrial base. The initiative, signed in New Delhi, aligns with ongoing modernization programs and aims to enhance system reliability, mission readiness, and operational efficiency for multi-launch rocket systems.

Supply order for overhaul and upgrade of Pinaka MLRS
Pilot phase followed by full-scale work by 510 ABW and Tata
Spares, quality assurance, and technical support provided by Tata
Part of Indian Army modernization and indigenization efforts
Improves maintenance, reliability, and readiness of Pinaka systems

Jan 06, 2026

Indian Army declares 2026 the Year of Networking and Data Centricity

The Indian Army officially declared 2026 as the Year of Networking and Data Centricity, a strategic move announced by the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi. The aim is to modernise operations through enhanced networking, real-time data sharing, and data-driven decision making. The plan outlines integrated digital networks across command levels to increase situational awareness and operational speed. This shift supports future warfare and governance reforms, enabling better command, control, and logistics. The initiative aligns with broader defence modernization efforts and may influence recruitment, training, and procurement paradigms for technology-enabled security.

2026 designated as Year of Networking and Data Centricity.
Announcement by Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi.
Emphasis on digital networks and real-time data sharing.
Goal: improved situational awareness and decision speed.
Integration across all command levels planned.
Related implications for training, recruitment, and procurement.

Jan 04, 2026

Republic Day 2026: Indian Army animal contingent to march on Kartavya Path

The Indian Army will showcase an animal contingent on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade 2026 in New Delhi. For the first time, the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) will field a specially curated display of two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, 10 Indian-breed Army dogs, and six conventional military dogs. The contingent aims to highlight the vital role animals play in military operations across challenging terrain and frontiers. Led by the Bactrian camels, recently inducted for operations in Ladakh's cold deserts, the formation represents a blend of tradition, innovation and self-reliance within the Army's operational ecosystem.

Animal contingent from the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) to participate on Kartavya Path
Composition: 2 Bactrian camels, 4 Zanskar ponies, 4 raptors, 10 Indian-breed Army dogs, 6 conventional dogs
Lead elements: Bactrian camels inducted for Ladakh cold desert operations
Purpose: showcase animals' role in safeguarding frontiers and challenging terrains
Marks first-time appearance of an animal contingent on Kartavya Path during Republic Day

Maharashtra's 1st Woman DGP Rashmi Shukla Retires

Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra's first woman Director General of Police (DGP), retired in January 2026, after completing 37.5 years in the Indian Police Service.
Senior IPS officer Sadanand Date has been appointed the new state Director General of Police (DGP). Hailed as a 26/11 hero, Date earlier served as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and was recently repatriated to the Maharashtra cadre.

Jan 03, 2026

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh takes charge of South Western Air Command

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command in early 2026. The appointment reflects the Indian Air Force's emphasis on operational experience, strategic planning, and leadership at the command level. As AOC-in-C, he will oversee air operations, readiness, and planning in a region facing security and border challenges. Singh previously served in senior leadership roles and brings decades of flying and command experience. He succeeds the outgoing commander, and his tenure is expected to focus on ensuring strong deterrence, rapid response capabilities, and joint exercises with neighbouring forces. The South Western Air Command remains a crucial component of India's air defence posture.

Tejinder Singh appointed AOC-in-C of SWAC.
Emphasis on operational experience and strategic planning.
Oversees air operations and readiness in a key region.
Succeeds the previous commander; tenure focused on deterrence.
Importance of joint exercises with neighbouring forces.

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