Monthly Archives: August 2018

Abdul Hamid was among the architects of Asal Uttar victory during the 1965 war

Capt Amarinder Singh

DURING the 1965 India-Pakistan war, 4 Mountain Division was deployed at Khemkaran in Punjab’s Majha region. Among 4 Division’s most distinguished battalions was 4 Grenadiers. Lt Hari Ram Janu, my course-mate at the NDA, was the Forward Company Commander of this battalion’s C Company. He had been in service for two years and three months. His platoon commander, 2nd Lt BK Vaid, had less than a year’s service.

The company was deployed on the Khemkaran-Chima road. A roadblock had been laid. In the afternoon on September 10, 1965, two jeeps followed by a tank were seen coming up the road from Khemkaran. The jeeps came to a stop near the roadblock.

The forward jeep had two stars on it; an officer stood up and shouted to the nearest Grenadiers trench that had three men and a light machine gun (LMG): “Throw down your weapons; you are surrounded!” The Bren gunner stood up in the trench and froze; he was astonished to see a senior officer standing next to the driver. 2nd Lt Vaid ordered the gunner, “Fire, open fire!” The gunner finally opened fire at the officer and the driver. Both collapsed.

The items recovered from the jeep included an officer’s beret, star plates and a swallow-tailed pennant; it was presumed that Maj Gen Naseer Ahmad Khan, GOC of Pakistan’s 1 Armoured Division, had been killed. This was confirmed because the rescue tank commander had shouted for the ‘General’ and there was a wireless intercept to the effect that ‘Bade imam sahib’ had been killed. The three young men in the trench were Naushad, Sulleman and Shafi.

What had transpired was that the GOC, confused about the whereabouts of the Indian forces, had given his jeep to his Artillery Brigade chief Brig Ahsan Rasheed Shami, who volunteered to carry out a reconnaissance. It was he who stood up to challenge the occupants of the trench and was shot.

The Brigadier’s map case and an operational order marked “top secret” was also found. It was the order for Pakistan’s operation to bypass both the 4 Division and 7 Division defences and then capture the Beas brigade, severing the GT road and communications to all 11 Corps formations.

When the Western Army Commander, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh, arrived at the 4 Division HQ on September 11, the Op order and the map were shown to him. I was then instructed to take the documents back to the Command HQ. It wasn’t a pleasant task as the papers were soaked in blood. Along with these were the officers’ identity cards and personal effects. On reaching the Command HQ, I handed them over to the Chief of Staff and they were immediately sent to the Army HQ in New Delhi.

After detailed discussions and a late dinner, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh, left at 2 am to take rest. We were to leave for 11 Corps at 5 am. Around 3 am, I was in my sleep when I heard the telephone ring. I answered it and a voice asked for the Commander. I asked him to identify himself. In response, he shouted, “I’m the Chief. Who else do you think!” I said, “Sorry, Sir. I will get the Commander for you.” I called up but got no response. I told my roommate, Capt Jiti Choudhry of Hodson’s Horse — who had been ADC (aide-de-camp) to Gen Daulat Singh — that I was going to the Commander’s room and that when I rang up, he should put the call through.

Lt Gen Harbakhsh was asleep when I entered his room. I shook him awake, saying, “The Chief is on the line, Sir”. Jiti put the call through. I stood by as the Commander spoke. The Army Chief said: “I have seen the Pak Op order for the dash to the Beas. I suggest you withdraw 11 Corps formations to hold a line on the Beas river.” The Commander responded in the negative: “I’ve just come from 4 Division. The situation has stabilised. The 2nd Armoured Brigade is now under its command and 3 Cavalry is also now with 4 Division.” It was decided that the Commander would postpone his visit to 11 Corps and the Chief would visit him at the Command HQ at Ambala.

At 10 am the next day, the Chief arrived at Ambala. A lengthy discussion took place on various matters, but the contentious issue of the Western Command’s withdrawal to the Beas, thereby giving up a large area of Majha (including Amritsar and Tarn Taran), was not taken up as the situation had changed overnight. Had a pliant Commander been in charge, a large chunk of Punjab would have been lost and the morale of the Army would have hit a new low just three years after the Chinese debacle.

Earlier, on September 8, Pakistan’s 1 Armoured Division confronted the battalion at Bhura Kuhna and Asal Uttar. Around 9 am, an LMG section deployed about 20 yards from the road shouted that two tanks were approaching their position from the direction of Khem Karan and were about 200 yards away. Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid’s RCL (recoilless rifle) detachment was around 30 yards to the right of the Company HQ. Lt Janu called out to him to engage the tanks as soon as he could see them. Hamid got the lead tank with his first shot. The following two tanks were abandoned intact by their crews. At 11 am, following a severe artillery barrage, another tank attack took place. Hamid once again knocked out the lead tank. The following tanks were also abandoned. The troops attacking B Company disengaged and withdrew.

By 11:30 am, a column of 1/9 Gorkhas withdrew from Bhura Kuhna due to an enemy armoured assault. Around noon, enemy tanks entered the 4 Grenadiers’ battalion defences at Chima and opened fire at close range. The RCL platoon commander, despite being wounded, ordered his detachments to engage the enemy tanks. Hamid’s detachment knocked out two of the tanks that made an attempt to overrun their defences. Another attack was also repulsed, with the enemy losing two more tanks in the process. The battalion suffered six casualties. At 3 pm, a squadron of Centurion tanks of 3 Cavalry reached the spot and forced the enemy to withdraw from Bhura Kuhna. At 2:30 pm, a third attack, this time on B Company, took place and two more tanks were shot by the RCL detachment.

At 9 am on September 9, a fleet of four F86s strafed the area. This was followed by tank attacks at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Hamid accounted for two tanks, and Havildar Bir Singh of B Company two more.

On September 10, the most important day of the Asal Uttar battle, enemy artillery started its bombardment of the Grenadiers at 6 am. One tank led the way on the road, followed by one on either side. The tanks were spotted at 200 yards, but Lt Janu ordered Hamid not to engage them till they were closer. Hamid then destroyed the leading tank, the other two being abandoned by its crew.

At 9:30 am, Hamid shot two more tanks, and while he was sighting the third, both he and the enemy fired simultaneously, hitting each other and killing both crews. 4 Grenadiers had shot 15 tanks and held its ground despite being under constant armoured attack. It received the Battle Honour ‘Asal Uttar’ and the Theatre Honour ‘Punjab 1965’. Hamid was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his gallantry during this battle.

On 17 Sep 3 JAT was ordered to recapture Dograi as a part of a fresh 15 Infantry Division offensive. After detailed planning and probing attacks, Dograi would be retaken inch by inch once again in a gruesome battle. 3 JAT was in the Assembly Area by 1.15 AM on 21 Sep. 13 PUNJAB who had attacked MILE 13 enroute could not make much headway. This attack however divided the enemy’s attention from the 3 JAT attack giving them immense tactical advantage. 3 JAT assault began at 2 AM with two companies Charlie and Delta leading. Delta Company found the old village empty and wheeled right to new Dograi. Charlie Company came under intense fire from the canal bank. One platoon of Delta Company, following Charlie Company, charged through to attack the depth positions.

The enemy, a mixed company of 12 Punjab and 18 Baluch were routed. The fight was ferocious; of the seventy three men of Charlie Company who had charged the enemy, only twenty seven were left on their feet. This initial success was followed by house-to-house clearance and bloody mopping up operations. By 4 AM the enemy was gripped by panic and started running away. 3 JAT mounted their light machine guns on rooftops and picked off the fleeing enemy.

Bravo Company following Charlie Company passed through to attack the demolished bridge on Ichhogil Canal. They were met with intense fire …. the leading section was completely wiped out. This did not deter the Company; they soon ejected the enemy platoon guarding the east bank. Alfa Company was tasked to hit the enemy’s tank harbour. They dashed ahead to surprise the enemy while the main attack was building up, two enemy tanks were captured. The regiment regrouped quickly on the objective and prepared for a counterattack by the enemy.

The first of four counter attacks began with an intense barrage of artillery fire at about 4.30 AM. The JATs were waiting and responded fiercely killing the Counterattack Force Commander. The morning brought fresh surprises. Nearly two companies of 16 Punjab (Pak) were found to be still occupying defences in MILE 13 from where they were engaged in a firefight with 13 PUNJAB. 3 JAT was likely to be sandwiched between the counterattacks and these Pak companies holding well prepared defences.

Captain Jagtar Sangha, Squadron Commander of SCINDE HORSE lined up two troops (8 Tanks) abreast the GT Road and charged the defences at MILE 13 with all guns blazing. Two of his tanks were hit with strim grenades but the charge was pressed home. The defenders of 16 Punjab were so unnerved that they broke ranks and ran. Many were taken prisoners including Lt Col GF Golewala, the Commanding Officer (CO). The second counterattack came at 7 AM with intense shelling of Dograi and MILE 13. Swift and accurate retaliation with RCLs and Artillery firing in direct firing role unnerved the attackers and destroyed a number of their tanks.

The Pakistanis remained determined, and counter attacked again at 10 AM. A squadron of Pakistani tanks attempted to outflank 54 Infantry Brigade from the North. RCLs of 1 JAT and 1/3 GORKHA Rifles of 38 Infantry Brigade deployed in the North were grouped to face the assault. An intense Infantry Tank battle ensued, the enemy tanks charged through the defences of one of the forward companies of 1 JAT, passing over their trenches. The brave JATs stood firm. After nearly an hour, the Pakistani withdrew leaving behind six burning hulks. There was also no respite in Dograi, the enemy continued shelling and snipers made movement through the rubble of Dograi for reorganisation and casualty evacuation difficult. By evening 3 JAT was reinforced by a draft from the JAT Regimental Centre and two companies of 13 PUNJAB.

 Nightfall brought ominous signs of a fourth counterattack. Alfa Company however discovered the enemy assembly area and using machine guns launched a spoiling attack against the enemy disintegrating his plans. Morning of 23 Sep revealed 65 bodies of soldiers from 8 Punjab (Pak). By night 22 Sep four counterattacks were beaten back with heavy losses to the enemy. Respite from fighting came with cease-fire in the early hours of 23 Sep. Islamuddin a Pakistani soldier who had once served in 3 JAT came to the west bank of Ichhogil canal on afternoon of 23 Sep and shouted across, “Only my old battalion could have done this!” What better tribute? The exceptional leadership and courage of the CO Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde was acknowledged with the award of a Maha Vir Chakra

. The Battle of Dograi was fought in cold blood with determination and guts. In both battles for Dograi, 3 JAT suffered 5 Officers killed and 9 wounded, involving practically all officers of the battalion; 1 JCO killed and 8 wounded and 82 other ranks killed and 214 wounded. The battalion won three Maha Vir Chakras, four Vir Chakras, seven Sena Medals, 12 Mention-in-Dispatches and 11 Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Cards. The casualty figures and decorations bear witness to the outstanding performance by indomitable 3 JAT in the face of heavy odds. The enemy suffered heavy casualties of 509 killed, 400 wounded while 100 soldiers and officers were taken as Prisoners of War (POW).

9th BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT SPECIAL FORCES.

A very informative and factual account, though a bit long. But a very interesting read nevertheless.

From the wall of Attar Singh Rathee

It’s a known fact in history, that in September of 1965 when Pakistan was on the verge of victory in Kashmir with the Chhamb offensive, a three pronged attack on Jammu Akhnoor and Pathankot to cut off Kashmir from the rest of India; one man stood up… Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh the Western Army Commander.
The towering Khalsa, took upon himself to break the defensive mindset, and went on the offensive… thus, for the second time in history after the Khalsa offensive by the legendary Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa against the Pathans in 19th century; the Indian Army went on the offensive… Lahore was attacked.
Since early days, Harbaksh was destined to always save India out of trouble. 13 Years of combat experience with his parent unit 5 SIKH, fighting the Japanese in WWII, Harbaksh had seen it all from capturing posts, to being ambushed, injured and taken as Prisoner of War. By 1947 Harbaksh a senior Military officer and brilliant battle hardened soldier had just completed Staff College at quetta and was ready to take on the higher echelons of the military. As a full Colonel, he was the Deputy Commander of the famous 161 Infantry Brigade in Uri in 1947. He had volunteered to command a unit in battle but was denied as he was a full Colonel (units were commanded by Lt Cols).
During the offensive by 1 SIKH the CO Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai got Killed in Action, Harbaksh Singh again volunteered and this time removed a star from his shoulders (for the first time in history an officer demoted himself to lead his men in battle). The battered battalion regrouped and fought like lions under Harbaksh to reclaim Farkian Gali and drove out Pakistanis from the valley.
Harbaksh Singh was promoted as Brigadier in 1948. As the Commander of 163 Infantry brigade Harbaksh again conducted daring operations in Tithwal and captured Tithwal. He at the rank of Brigadier, was awarded Veer Chakra, the third highest gallantry award of India.
In September 1965, the Indian Army went on the offensive with Jalandhar based 11 Corps launched all of its infantry divisions (7th Inf Div, 15th Inf Div and 4th Inf Div) launched towards Lahore and Army HQ Reserve 1 Strike Corps with the elite 1 Armoured Division launched further North Towards Sialkot to not only thwart the Pakistani Juggernaut but also to crush Pakistan feeling of supremacy and regain the pride of the Indian Army licking its wounds from 62 China debacle. Bitter battles followed with both sides fighting even for an inch of land. The Indian Armoured Corps came into its own with destruction of Pakistani counterparts despite having inferior Sherman tanks as compared to the modren Patton Tanks of Pakistan. Legends were created on the battle field with units like 17 Poona Horse, 4 Horse, 3 Cavalry writing history in blood and gold.
The infantryman went beyond the call of duty and beyond imagination to fight with tanks, the likes of Abdul Hamid showed the true colour of the sons of the soil. India regained its pride as not only Pakistani offensives were crushed, but Indians were now ready to capture Lahore. Pakistan however launched another offensive this time towards south Punjab in Ferozpore sector. In Hussainiwala, Pakistan cracked up Indian defences and a crisis developed. The Army Chief Gen JN Choudhary ordered 11 Corps, which was in offensive to withdraw and take defensive positions. Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh Western Army Commander refused, defied the Army Chief and instead ordered GOC 11 Corps to attack, thereby saving Punjab and India from a certain defeat.
Meanwhile in Kashmir, during the progress of operations history was in the making. The Operation Gibralter combined with the Pakistani offensive in Jammu, initially had succeeded due to the surprise and speed. It was a precarious situation as Poonch was threatened. The only possible way to recapture territory and save poonch was to go behind the enemy lines and destroy his flanks. Pakistanis knew India would loose Kashmir if the old road to valley from Poonch was lost. Doom prevailed on the horizon of the future of an integrated India. At this time a miracle happened. It is often said that the outlaws create history, same thing happened when Maj Megh Singh of the 3RD BATTALION BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS, a superseded officer who had been denied promotion, volunteered to the Western Army Commander to carry out commando raids behind the enemy lines. A preposterous idea given the time and situation and with no resources at hand. India had no commando units. Nor were there any plans to raise any.
Gen Harbaksh listened patiently, and asked Megh Singh, “Son if you succeed in this, I will put that star on your shoulder with my own hands.” And without the govt’s approval, Harbaksh gave a nod to raise this force. Maj Megh Singh organised a force of volunteer dare devils personally chosen by him, A few Good Men. This force, known as the ‘MEGHDOOT FORCE’ after Megh Singh, the forgotten men not even recognised by the govt of the day, formed the nucleus of the first special forces unit in India. Thus was born the elite 9 PARA COMMANDO or the 9th BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT SPECIAL FORCES.
Maj Megh Singh proved his mettle and carried out not one but three of the most outstanding and daring raids and link ups ever in history of warfare. His raids took Pakistanis completely off the guard as nothing this spectacular was ever expected by them from the Indians. Today Poonch stands with India courtesy Megh Singh. Maj Megh Singh the outlawed man facing court martial charges before the raids, came back home with a bullet in his thigh and was pipped Lt Col by Gen Harbaksh Singh himself and became the first CO of 9 PARA.
By the time ceasefire was declared on 23 Sep 65, the Indian army had not only recovered from the initial losses, but instead captured large chunks of vital Pakistani territory in North Punjab. War as a whole was a stalemate but the Indian army was able to thwart the Pakistani intentions of capturing Kashmir with force, their Operation Gibralter proved to be an utter failure.Truly Harbaksh was the saviour of Kashmir, Punjab and that of the honour of India.
For saving India, Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh was awarded with Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan both the second and the third highest honours in the country. For inconspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy and outstanding leadership under fire Lt Col Megh Singh was awarded with Veer Chakra.
Today the Indian Parachute Regiment and Special Forces are considered amongst the best in the world including the British SAS, US Special Forces, Navy SEALs and Israeli Sayeret Matkal and Flotila 13. Few outlaws, few good men started a tradition of valour and sacrifice. The saga continues till date with Parachute Regiment being the most decorated regiment in the world despite it being only raised in WWII and despite it competing amongst the best of the best who have been there for centuries. The Maroon Berets are truly a different breed, and it all started with one man who said, “Who dares wins”.
This post is dedicated to Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh Padma Vibhushan, VrC, Padma Bhushan GOC-in-C Western Command 1965 and Lt Col Megh Singh Rathore VrC CO 9 PARA CDO BN….. True legends
I hope a war movie is made on these raids on Poonch.
PS:- For all those who are sharing this post.
The idea is to highlight a military personality, I deliberately combined two personalities, to negate the efforts of giving it a religious colour by certain kind of people who might portray Gen Harbaksh’s prowess as something related to his religious believes, which certainly is not the case. This post is not a “Sikh” praise post. It is a post on two brilliant military commanders.
A man’s ability has nothing to do with religion. and this post is equally for Lt Col Megh Singh Rathore and I want it to be that way if anyone shares this post.

Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat stands out as one of the Indian Army’s most decorated officers, earning prestigious awards like the Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal for his bravery in operations and expeditions.

He has summited Mount Everest three times and climbed major peaks across continents, showcasing extraordinary endurance and leadership that motivate adventurers and soldiers alike.

Through his 30-year career, he exemplified dedication, overcoming challenges in high-stakes missions and adventures, inspiring others to pursue excellence with resilience and teamwork.

Early Life and Entry into the Indian Army

Born in Alwar, Rajasthan, in 1970, Brigadier Shekhawat grew up in an environment that emphasized education, discipline, and service. He joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the Army on June 11, 1994, beginning his service with the 17th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry before transitioning to the elite 21 Para (Special Forces). This set the stage for a career defined by gallantry and adventure.

Military Career Highlights

Brigadier Shekhawat steadily rose through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to Brigadier in 2020. Over the years, he participated in critical operations, including counter-insurgency missions in the Northeast, service in Siachen Glacier, and United Nations peacekeeping assignments.

One of his most celebrated actions came in 2008, during an anti-terrorist operation in Manipur, where his leadership and personal courage under fire earned him the Kirti Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards. His service record reflects a rare combination of tactical brilliance, fearlessness, and empathy for his troops.

Adventures Beyond the Battlefield

Parallel to his military service, Brigadier Shekhawat carved a name as a world-class mountaineer.

• Everest Summits: 2001, 2003, and 2005, including a heroic 2001 climb when he overcame illness to complete the expedition.
• Global Peaks: Conquered Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mont Blanc (Europe), Marble Wall Peak (Kazakhstan), and many others.
• Leadership in Expeditions: In 2022, he commanded a 55-member Indian Army team to summit Shahi Kangri, adding to his tally of 14 major peaks worldwide.

These achievements highlight his message that resilience and teamwork are as vital in adventure as they are in battle.

Awards and Decorations

Lasting Legacy

After retiring on August 31, 2024, Brigadier Shekhawat continues to inspire through adventure initiatives and leadership training, including associations with organizations like Skyhigh India. His life story has been featured in books such as Balidan: Stories of India’s Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives, ensuring his experiences serve as a beacon for future generations.

Brigadier Shekhawat’s journey spanning battlefields, glaciers, and the world’s highest mountains remains a testament to courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to service. His legacy motivates Indians to embrace challenges with determination and to serve with honor, both in uniform and beyond.

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Fearless Tales: How 28 Gorkhas under the Param Vir Chakra awardee stood like a wall against China’s might at Pangong Lake in 1962

Raghav Guleria

As the nation bows in reverence to its heroes, one name rises like a mountain peak among the bravest of the brave — Major Dhan Singh Thapa, Param Vir Chakra awardee, whose defiance at Srijap stands as an eternal ode to courage.

Born on April 28, 1928, in Shimla, Major Thapa grew up in the quiet hills of Solan, where his father, Padam Singh Thapa, tilled the land as a farmer. As a child, he often trekked long distances carrying sacks of corn and other produce on his back to his maternal uncle’s home in Shimla. Years later, he would fondly recall these journeys to his children — unbelievable to many, but a glimpse of the resilience and endurance that shaped his spirit from an early age.

His life found companionship in Shukla Rana of Dharamsala, who stood by him as he donned the olive green. Today, at 91, she lives with her daughters and grandchildren, still holding vivid memories of a husband who lived not just for her, but for a nation. His daughter, Madhulika Thapa, immortalised his tale of sacrifice, capture and return in her book The Warrior Gorkha.

In 1962, with China’s storm brewing on the northern borders, destiny called Major Thapa to Pangong Lake. His wife, then expecting, let him go with a promise — that he would return with India’s highest honour. Fate did not disappoint. Their newborn son, named Paramdeep after the medal his father earned, proved to be a symbol of survival and fortune.

Commissioned into the 1st Battalion, 8 Gorkha Rifles, Thapa had always been known for grit. But on the bitter night of October 19–20, 1962, his name was etched into eternity. With just 28 Gorkhas at Srijap Post against a wave of 600 Chinese soldiers, he knew retreat was no option. His command was simple: “Dig fast, dig deep — hold the post.”

The sky lit up with artillery, mortars and incendiary bombs. The earth shook with rockets and tank fire. Yet, the Gorkhas thundered back with their battle cry — “Jai Maha Kali, Ayo Gorkhali!” The defenders fought like warriors from another age, cutting down wave after wave of the enemy. Ammunition dwindled, trenches collapsed, comrades fell — but Thapa and his men did not yield. When bullets ran dry, khukris flashed; when even khukris slipped from hands, they fought bare-handed.

By dawn, Srijap was a smoking ruin. Only three men stood. Major Thapa, refusing surrender, fought till the last breath of strength before being overwhelmed and taken prisoner. For days, his family believed him martyred — until the Chinese released a list of prisoners and his name glowed like a miracle.

For this unmatched gallantry, Major Thapa was conferred the Param Vir Chakra. He returned to service, rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and after retirement, lived quietly, away from the limelight of his own legend. On September 6, 2005, he passed into history — leaving behind a family and a nation that will forever remember him not just as a soldier, but as the soul of courage itself.

Across India today, in statues, memorials and the tales passed down in Army schools, Major Dhan Singh Thapa’s name is spoken not with words alone — but with pride, with reverence and with a lump in the throat

The drill involved insertion of troops and offensive ground actions, highlighting synergy among various combat arms, support arms and services

To validate operational capability in a contemporary, multi-domain battlefield environment, the Army’s South-Western Command conducted a major integrated fire power drill, codenamed Exercise Amogh Fury, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.The high-intensity firepower-cum-exercise showcased the seamless integration of a wide array of firing platforms through coordinated combat manoeuvres.

Demonstrating the Indian Army’s preparedness in a multi-domain operational environment, the drill involved insertion of troops and offensive ground actions, highlighting synergy among various combat arms, support arms and services.“The aim of Amogh Fury was to test the Army’s combat power, coordination and operational readiness in real time battle scenarios,” an Army spokesperson said.

The integrated firing witnessed participation of multiple platforms, including battle tanks, Infantry combat vehicles, attack helicopters, long range vectors of artillery and drones.

Apart from these, modern technologies and equipment, including network centric communication, command and control architecture and real time surveillance and targeting systems were also employed in these exercises for pragmatic training of all ranks.

The exercise placed significant emphasis on the use of contemporary technologies, real-time communication and the creation of a common operating picture, seamlessly shared with all stakeholders. These capabilities were tested and refined to effectively counter emerging threats on the modern battlefield.

Amogh Fury is a testament to the Indian Army’s focus on jointmanship, operational readiness and technological integration in multi-domain warfare scenarios, the spokesperson said.

While the drone commando course is meant for jawans and junior-rank officials, the drone warriors capsule is for the officers, who will plan and supervise such operations during peace and war

he Border Security Force (BSF) has updated its training curriculum and added drone warfare as a mandatory subject for its troops and officers, apart from commissioning an innovation centre to develop indigenous tools for the new-age warfare post-Operation Sindoor.

The premier Officers’ Training Academy of the about 2.70 lakh-strong force based in this Madhya Pradesh town near Gwalior has also created a drone technology lab for the students of Rustamji Institute of Technology (RJIT), the only higher education institute run by a paramilitary force under the Union Home Ministry.

The BSF guards India’s over 6,000-km-long front with Pakistan and Bangladesh, apart from operating the home ministry’s air wing for special missions. During Operation Sindoor, the force countered drone attacks, loitering munitions and launched effective firepower against Pakistani positions along the border.

Eighteen BSF personnel, including two posthumously, were awarded gallantry medals for displaying courage during Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives.

“We have recently revised the training curriculum for the jawans and officers, and drone technology has now been included as a mandatory subject.

“New standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being formalised and a drone school was recently inaugurated as part of this initiative to make the force self-reliant with indigenously developed technology to combat the changing method of warfare across the globe,” said Director of the BSF Academy Shamsher Singh.

Singh, an Additional Director General (ADG) rank IPS officer, said the force had brought its various arms and engineering workshops, centres, RJIT and allied institutions on one platform. The BSF has also signed MoUs with various IITs and government research organisations to prepare a road map for the tactical employment of drone technology in the border force.

The BSF Academy has also created a ‘police technology innovation centre’ with the participation of its own expert officers, industries, startups, academicians and innovators to find solutions to emerging challenges in the internal security domain, including drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“This centre is looking at 48 identified problems. Drones, artificial intelligence, machine learning, surveillance and smart mobility are some of the areas that this indigenous platform is working on,” a second officer said.

A special area that the B.Tech students of RJIT are working on in their lab is improving and bringing about improvisations so that drones can be better used by the BSF for surveillance, defence and tactical combat, said the officer, who did not wish to be named.

The drone school has just trained the first batch of about 45 personnel in drone commando and drone warriors courses and they are back at the border.

The second batch is undergoing training. The aim is to train around 500 personnel annually. The number will be gradually increased, an instructor at the centre said.

He said the drone commando course is meant for the jawans and junior-rank officials while the drone warriors capsule is for the officers, who will plan and supervise such operations during peace and war.

BSF troops are being trained in the theory and practicals of drone flying, anti-drone operations and tactical deployment of technology.

Funds worth about Rs 20 crore have been sanctioned to procure gadgets, equipment and simulators for the new school, officials said.

The force has prepared the tutorials after studying the recent usage of unmanned aerial platforms in combat across the world, like the Ukraine-Russia war, apart from the ones used by countries like the US, China, Turkiye and Pakistan.

Coordination with the drone assets of the defence forces and that of the BSF during active war scenarios is also a plan in the works, the second officer quoted above said.

Tribune News Service

The Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team today enthralled the audience with a series of breathtaking stunts, multiple formations, flying at speeds ranging from 150 kmph to 650 kmph, during an air show at the Maharaja Agrasen Airport Complex in Hisar.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who watched the show, said the IAF’s strength had been significantly enhanced with the induction of modern fighter aircraft such as the Rafale. He expressed pride in the valour and strength displayed by the IAF during Operation Sindoor.

The Chief Minister said that the air show conveyed a strong message of discipline, teamwork and unwavering patriotism. “Each feat of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team reflected the spirit of their motto, “Sadaiv Sarvottam” (Always Excellence),” he said.Highlighting the state government’s welfare initiatives for the families of freedom fighters and martyrs, he said the pension for freedom fighters and their widows had been increased to Rs 40,000 per month, while the ex-gratia amount for families of war martyrs had been enhanced to Rs 1 crore. In addition, the Haryana Government has decided to provide 10 percent reservation to Agniveers in jobs.

Informing that this was the first time such an air show was organized in Haryana, the DC Anish Yadav said the objective was to inspire the youth to dream of joining the Indian Air Force and becoming pilots. The Defence officers also paid tribute to Hisar’s martyr, Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi, who laid down his life in 2019.

A large number of people from Hisar and surrounding districts, along with officers and soldiers from the Army Cantonment, their families, and students from Army Public School and the NCC, witnessed the show.

US President Donald Trump has repeated his claim that he solved the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year with trade and asserted that he should get the Nobel Peace Prize for “ending seven wars”.

Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim over 40 times that he “helped settle” the tensions between the two countries.

Meanwhile, India has consistently denied any third-party intervention.

“On the world stage, we are once again doing things that we are just respected at a level that we have never been respected before. We are forging peace agreements and stopping wars. So we stopped wars between India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia,” Trump said at the American Cornerstone Institute Founder’s Dinner on Saturday.

He went on to say, “Think of India and Pakistan. And you know how I stopped that — with trade. They want to trade. And I have great respect for both leaders. But when you take a look at all of these wars that we’ve stopped — India-Pakistan; Thailand-Cambodia; Armenia-Azerbaijan; Kosovo-Serbia; Israel-Iran; Egypt-Ethiopia; and Rwanda and the Congo. We stopped all of them. And 60 per cent of them were stopped because of trade,” the US President claimed.

He added “like with India, I said, ‘look, we’re not going to do any trade if you’re going to fight and they have nuclear weapons. They stopped.”

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

India has been consistently maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations.