Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Seth said, “In 2025, Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s strength, perseverance and resilience, not only in the conflict with the neighboring country but also on the global stage. I congratulate all the units and formations of the Southern Command that were deployed from the Desert Sector to sensitive areas like the Creek Sector, for their bravery and bravery.

“During Operation Sindoor, Southern Command demonstrated a high degree of operational readiness, joint manpower and inter-agency coordination. All units fulfilled their operational responsibilities through timely mobilization, effective command and control and real-time intelligence sharing. This operation demonstrated that Southern Command units are fully capable of conducting multi-domain operations and can meet any security challenges that arise as a unified force.”

The Army Commander further said, “After Operation Sindoor, the Southern Command has rapidly strengthened its technical capabilities. In 2025, the first batch of Apache attack helicopters were inducted into our command in the Indian Army. And to strengthen the rotary-wing fleet, indigenous Prachand light combat helicopters manufactured by HAL were also inducted into the force. During the same period, more rocket launcher regiments have been commissioned. Pinaka multibarrel.

“Meanwhile, new organizational structures like Rudra Brigade, Bhairav ​​Battalions, Ashni Platoons, Shaktimaan Regiment and Divyastra batteries have also been created.”

Highlighting the focus on drone warfare, Lt Gen Seth said, “Keeping drone warfare in mind, the Indian Army has inducted indigenous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and anti-UAS systems in large numbers under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. These have provided the capability to engage the adversary in different ways and from a long distance.

“For Army Air Defense, many indigenous systems have been inducted, including advanced and shoulder-fired missile systems and Light Man man-portable radars.”

He added that all new generation equipment and technological upgrades had been validated through various military exercises and training drills and put into operation by improving tactics, techniques and procedures.

“In 2025, Southern Command executed tri-service Exercise Trishul with Air Force and Navy. Under this, exercises Akhand Prahar and Marujwala were conducted in Jaisalmer Desert Sector. These exercises validated new organizational structures like Rudra Brigade and Bhairav ​​Battalion,” he said.

The investiture ceremony included an Honor Guard ceremony for the Army Commander. On the occasion, Lt Gen Seth also presented Veteran Achievers Awards to distinguished veterans for their outstanding contributions in various fields. A display showcased cutting-edge weapons, equipment and systems aligned with the Army’s modernization and technology infusion efforts under the “Decade of Transformation” initiative.