New Delhi : 30:12:25:ANB: the Indian Army registered a series of major operational, technological and institutional milestones in 2025, underscoring its focus on deterrence, modernisation, indigenisation and future readiness. From decisive counter-terror operations to deep reforms in force structure, digital transformation and military diplomacy, the year reflected a calibrated shift towards a more agile, technology-enabled and joint-force posture.
Operational Dominance, Firepower and Force Modernisation
A key operational highlight of the year was Operation SINDOOR, launched in May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan Army-backed terrorists. The operation was planned by the Military Operations Branch of the Indian Army and executed under real-time monitoring from the Directorate General of Military Operations, with the Chief of Defence Staff and all three Service Chiefs present.
Nine terrorist camps across the border were destroyed in precise, time-bound strikes—seven by the Indian Army and two by the Indian Air Force—demonstrating escalation control while reinforcing deterrence. Subsequent Pakistani attempts to retaliate through drone attacks on the nights of 7 to 10 May were effectively neutralised by Indian Army air defence units, highlighting the operational maturity of integrated counter-UAS and layered air defence systems. Along the Line of Control, more than a dozen terror launch pads were destroyed using ground-based weapons, disrupting infiltration routes and logistics. On 10 May 2025, a ceasefire understanding was reached after Pakistan’s DGMO approached his Indian counterpart.
In the domain of long-range precision firepower, the Army validated its strike capabilities through a combat missile launch of the BrahMos by Southern Command on 1 December 2025, with participation from Andaman & Nicobar Command. The launch confirmed high-speed flight stability and terminal accuracy under simulated combat conditions. Progress on extended-range BrahMos variants and faster sensor-to-shooter cycles also featured prominently through the year.
Rocket force capabilities were further strengthened with the operationalisation of two additional Pinaka regiments in June 2025. In December, the successful test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket, with a reported range of around 120 km, marked a significant leap in precision deep-fire capability, alongside reported progress towards future longer-range variants.
The year also saw critical aviation inductions. The Army Aviation Corps received its first three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in July 2025, with the remaining three inducted in December, completing a long-pending capability enhancement.
New battlefield organisations moved decisively from concept to fielding. Capability demonstrations in Rajasthan in October 2025 showcased Bhairav Battalions and Ashni Platoons, integrated with newly inducted technologies. Open reporting indicated plans to operationalise 25 Bhairav light commando battalions and raise Ashni drone platoons across infantry units for ISR and precision roles. Parallelly, Shaktibaan Regiments and Divyastra Batteries, equipped with unmanned systems including loiter munitions, were structured to address future conflict challenges.
Technology Integration, Strategic Engagement and Global Partnerships
Capability building remained anchored in the Army’s observance of 2024 and 2025 as Years of Tech Absorption, aimed at transitioning from mere adoption to deep integration of new technologies. Significant acquisition signals during the year included the induction of six Apache helicopters, achievement of 91 per cent indigenisation in ammunition, and large-scale induction of unmanned aerial systems—ranging from RPAs and tethered drones to swarm, logistics and kamikaze drones.
Key Defence Acquisition Council decisions in August and December 2025 reflected a clear emphasis on unmanned systems, counter-UAS capabilities and precision fires, informed by lessons from recent conflicts and operational experience.
Digital transformation gained momentum with the establishment of edge data centres to shorten data-to-decision cycles at the tactical level. Several in-house software solutions, including soldier-centric applications such as Equipment Helpline and Sainik Yatri Mitra, were developed to streamline support systems and enhance operational responsiveness.
Strategic doctrine and readiness were reviewed at the Army Commanders’ Conference held in Jaisalmer in October 2025. Senior leadership deliberations focused on grey-zone warfare, jointness, innovation and Aatmanirbharta, aligning force design with evolving threat landscapes.
On the international front, the Indian Army deepened interoperability and regional partnerships through a robust schedule of bilateral exercises in 2025, including SHAKTI with France, YUDH ABHYAS with the United States, MAITREE with Thailand, AUSTRAHIND with Australia, MITRA SHAKTI with Sri Lanka, AJEYA WARRIOR with the UK, and DESERT CYCLONE-II with the UAE.
Strategic thought leadership was reinforced through the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025, which featured a Young Leaders Forum, a curtain-raiser podcast by General Upendra Dwivedi, and the main dialogue centred on reform-to-transform for a secure and developed India. Complementing this, the Inno-Yoddha 2025–26 initiative recorded a strong response, with 89 innovations submitted and 32 selected for further development, reinforcing bottom-up innovation and indigenisation.
Collectively, these milestones marked 2025 as a year of operational resolve, accelerated modernisation and strategic clarity for the Indian Army, positioning it to effectively address both present and emerging security challenges. ANB
