Highlights 10 pivotal milestones
Jammu, Dec 30: As year 2025 draws to a close, the Indian Army has highlighted ten pivotal milestones including decisive ‘Operation Sindoor’, a calibrated military response after April’s Pahalgam attack that reinforced deterrence and reshaped security dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the year was also marked by decisive action in response to cross-border terrorism, significant capability enhancements, and a strong push towards indigenisation and innovation which has solidified its position as a future-ready force.
‘Operation Sindoor’
‘Operation Sindoor,’ launched by the Indian Armed Forces in May 2025, stands as one of the most significant military responses to terrorism in recent decades. Executed with precision and restraint, the operation targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border, directly addressing the brutal Pahalgam attack that shook the nation and highlighted the persistent threat of Pakistan-backed terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, 2025, terrorists carried out a horrific attack in the scenic Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam in Anantnag district. At least three to five armed terrorists targeted tourists killing 26 of them.
The attack marked a grim escalation, aiming to disrupt tourism, incite fear, and challenge security gains in the region post the abrogation of Article 370. The incident drew widespread international condemnation and intensified calls for accountability, setting the stage for India’s calibrated response.
Planning and Execution
Initiated on the night of May 7-8, 2025, Operation Sindoor was a joint endeavour emphasising precision strikes on terrorist facilities while avoiding escalation into full-scale conflict.
Command and Oversight:
Operational planning was handled by the Indian Army’s Military Operations Branch, with real-time monitoring from the Directorate General of Military Operations. Senior leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, oversaw the execution.
Targets Neutralised:
Nine terrorist camps linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed. Seven were hit by Army precision artillery and munitions, while the Indian Air Force eliminated the remaining two. Additional strikes along the Line of Control dismantled over a dozen launch pads, disrupting infiltration networks.
ESCALATION CONTROL
India maintained that no Pakistani military or civilian sites were targeted, focusing solely on terror infrastructure. Strikes were time-bound and calibrated to reinforce deterrence without broader provocation. Pakistan responded with drone and missile attempts on May 7-10, targeting Indian assets. These were largely foiled by integrated air defence systems, including the S-400 and indigenous Akashteer, showcasing advanced counter-UAS capabilities.
By May 10, Pakistan’s DGMO requested a ceasefire, leading to an agreement halting military actions. The Operation Sindoor delivered a severe setback to cross-border terrorism, significantly degrading terror logistics and reducing infiltration attempts throughout 2025. Security forces reported fewer incidents, enhanced operational dominance, and a decline in active launch pads.
Security Gains:
The operation bolstered counter-insurgency efforts, allowing greater focus on development and normalcy. Follow-up actions, including joint operations like Operation Mahadev, neutralised key perpetrators linked to Pahalgam. The year’s achievements have had a profound impact on security in Jammu and Kashmir while strengthening overall deterrence along India’s borders.
CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENTS
The Army this year also focused on technology up gradations which significantly bolstered its stand-off strike capabilities. On December 1, a BrahMos unit under Southern Command, in coordination with Andaman & Nicobar Command elements, conducted a successful combat missile launch that validated high-speed manoeuvrability and terminal precision. Parallel development of extended-range BrahMos variants progressed steadily.
In rocket artillery, two additional Pinaka regiments became operational in June, enhancing rapid fire concentration. A major breakthrough came on December 29 with the successful test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket achieving approximately 120 km range, paving the way for future variants targeting up to 300 km.
Strengthening Army Aviation, long-awaited induction of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters reached completion this year. The first three platforms arrived in July, followed by the final three in December, providing the Army Aviation Corps with advanced all-weather precision strike and anti-armour capabilities.
The new organisational concepts transitioned from planning to field deployment. A high-profile capability demonstration in Rajasthan in October showcased the integrated operations of Bhairav Battalions (specialised light commando units) and Ashni Platoons equipped for drone-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. Accelerated plans aim to raise 25 Bhairav Battalions, alongside specialised Shaktibaan Regiments and Divyastra Batteries incorporating unmanned systems and loiter munitions.
Building on the declaration of 2024-2025 as the “Years of Tech Absorption,” the Army achieved 91 per cent indigenisation of ammunition in service. Major inductions included a wide array of unmanned aerial systems – around 3,000 remotely piloted aircraft, 150 tethered drones, swarm systems, high-altitude logistics drones, and kamikaze variants.
Defence Acquisition Council approvals in August and December prioritised thermal imager-based night sights for BMP vehicles, medium-altitude long-endurance RPAs for tri-service roles, counter-drone technologies, and enhanced precision munitions.
STRATEGIC DISCOURSE THROUGH CHANAKYA DEFENCE DIALOGUE
The Army’s flagship strategic forum featured a Young Leaders Forum on October 31, a curtain-raiser podcast by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on November 17, and the main dialogue in late November centred on the theme of reform-to-transform for national security and development.
FOSTERING INNOVATION FROM WITHIN
The Inno-Yoddha initiative for 2025-26 received a record 89 submissions, with 32 innovations selected for further development and potential fielding, underscoring the Army’s commitment to grassroots ideas and Atmanirbhar Bharat.As 2025 concludes, the Indian Army stands taller – operationally assertive, technologically advanced, and strategically aligned – ready to meet emerging challenges while contributing decisively to India’s security and prosperity. (KNO)
