In this interview in New Delhi ahead of Army Day 2026, India’s Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi tells Defence Capital editor N. C. Bipindra about the lessons learnt from global conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, the continuing preparations to meet the growing challenges from China and Pakistan, the adoption of advanced technologies to increase firepower and combat potency, apart from his vision for a future-ready soldier and the army. Here are the excerpts:
The Indian Army is rapidly transforming its strategies and technologies, emphasizing drones, logistics, and integrated operations while enhancing counter-terror capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.
On December 30, 2025, India’s Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth INR 4,666 crore for CQB carbines and heavyweight torpedoes, enhancing military capabilities and supporting domestic manufacturing initiatives.
The Defence Acquisition Council of India has approved capital acquisitions worth INR 79,000 crore to enhance military capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasizing self-reliance and modernisation.
India Optel Limited has partnered with France’s Safran Electronics and Defence to manufacture two advanced defence systems in India, enhancing the Make-in-India initiative. The agreement, signed on December 22, 2025, emphasizes domestic production of the SIGMA 30N navigation system and CM3-MR sight, improving India’s defence capabilities and reducing import reliance.
India’s SMPP has partnered with European firm KNDS to introduce KATANA precision-guided artillery ammunition, enhancing its 155mm munitions capabilities. The collaboration, announced at Milipol 2025, aims to address the Indian Army’s need for advanced artillery systems. KATANA features innovative guidance technology and variants for diverse combat scenarios, supporting indigenisation efforts.
Boeing’s delay in delivering three Apache AH-64E helicopters to India reveals geopolitical tensions involving India, Türkiye, and Pakistan. Türkiye’s blocking of airspace for the cargo highlights vulnerabilities in India’s defense logistics, emphasizing the intersection of military acquisitions and international relations amid India’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain strategic autonomy.
On November 13, 2025, India’s Defence Ministry signed a INR 2,096-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for INVAR laser-guided anti-tank missiles. The deal aims to enhance the Army’s armored capabilities, integrating the missiles with T-90 tanks. This move supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and encourages local defense manufacturing.
The Defence Acquisition Council of India approved proposals worth INR 79,000 crore to enhance the military’s capabilities. Key acquisitions include advanced missile systems, electronic intelligence platforms for the Army, amphibious warships, and autonomous strike systems for the Air Force, emphasizing self-reliance in defense production and modernizing forces across all branches.
