how-did-2025-reshape-indian-armed-forces-combat-prowess

2025 was a bittersweet as well as watershed year for the Indian Armed Forces. It was a period defined by both the solemnity of sacrifice and the surge of innovation. From the induction of Apache attack helicopters, technical integration to the quiet revolution of 91 per cent ammunition indigenisation, the year moved at a breathless pace. Yet, May’s ‘Op Sindoor’ remains the definitive highlight, an operation that didn't just showcase military might but a new era of tri-services’ synergy. It was a year of hard lessons and needed upgrades, but above all, it was a 365-day demonstration of the Indian Armed Forces transitioning into a future-ready, tech-driven powerhouse.

 

Some of the major milestones that were achieved this year were highlighted by the Indian Army on Tuesday. It definitely, foremost included Operation Sindoor After Action Review (AAR), new capabilities, technology induction, military diplomacy and indigenisation.

 

The Indian Army called 2025 a year of clear shift towards future-ready warfare, with a focus on precision, technology absorption and jointness.

 

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry of India (MoD), yesterday, gave a green signal for the procurement of long-range rockets, missiles, radar systems, and military platforms worth Rs 79,000 crore for the tri-services (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave a go-ahead to the proposals.

 

This operation would definitely remain part of the historic demonstration when all three forces — Army, Navy and Air Force came together to fight and avenge the deaths of 26 innocent people, who were brutally killed by the ‘Pakistan-sponsored terrorists’ in Pahalgam.

 

As per the official statement, the whole operational planning was carried out by the Military Operations Branch of the Indian Army, while execution was monitored from the Directorate General of Military Operations' Ops Room, with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and all three Service Chiefs present. 

 

During the operation, nine terrorist camps across the border were destroyed. Seven camps were neutralised by the Indian Army, while two were destroyed by the Indian Air Force. The Army said the strikes were precise, calibrated and time-bound, reinforcing deterrence while maintaining escalation control. The Army also detailed how it countered Pakistan's retaliation attempts. On the nights of May 7 to 10, Pakistan attempted to target military and civilian assets using drones. Indian Army Air Defence units successfully neutralised all threats, preventing damage and casualties. The Army said this demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated counter-UAS and layered air defence systems.

 

 

Along the Line of Control, over a dozen terror launch pads were destroyed using ground-based weapons, disrupting infiltration routes and terror logistics. On May 10, the Director General of Military Operations of the Indian Army was approached by his Pakistani counterpart with a request for a ceasefire, following which an understanding was reached to stop firing and military action.

 

On long-range firepower, the Army highlighted the progress it has made with its iconic BrahMos and the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) systems. On December 1, a BrahMos unit of Southern Command, with elements of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, carried out a combat missile launch, validating high-speed flight stability and terminal accuracy under simulated battle conditions. The Army also noted that work is underway for extended-range BrahMos systems.

 

Two additional Pinaka regiments were operationalised on June 24, and this month, the army successfully tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR), with a reported range of about 120 km.

 

In aviation, the Army said it received the first three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters on July 22, with the remaining three delivered in December. With the six Apaches now operational, the unit is likely to further bolster the Army's strike capabilities, a serious threat to adversaries' armoured vehicles, including tanks and IFVs.

 

The Army also announced the rollout of new battlefield structures. In October, a capability demonstration in Rajasthan showcased new structures such as Bhairav Battalions and Ashni Platoons. The Army said plans are underway to operationalise 25 Bhairav light commando battalions, along with Ashni drone platoons across infantry units for Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision effects.

 

Army highlighted that 91 per cent of ammunition used by the force is now indigenised. Over the past year, the Army inducted a wide range of unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), including around 3,000 remotely piloted aircraft, 150 tethered drones, swarm drones, logistics drones for high-altitude areas and kamikaze drones.

 

The Army also underlined progress in digital transformation, pointing out that the setting up of edge data centres and development of several in-house software applications, including the Equipment Helpline and Sainik Yatri Mitra App.

 

 

The Army in its statement also highlighted innovation initiatives such as Inno-Yoddha 2025-26, under which 89 innovations were submitted and 32 selected for further development. This initiative ny the Army is for reinforcing the push for innovation, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and future readiness.

 

The statement also mentioned senior leadership reviews during the Army Commanders' Conference in Jaisalmer in October 2025 focused on grey zone warfare, jointness and innovation. Grey-zone warfare is the usage of indirect or not-so-clear methods, such as cyberattacks, misinformation, economic pressure and proxy groups, to achieve goals without necessitating the need for a full-scale war.

 

The Army also pointed to expanded military diplomacy through major joint exercises with France, the US, Thailand, Australia, Sri Lanka, the UK and the UAE, via which the institution enhanced its interoperability with friendly countries, bolstered combat efficiency in counterterror operations, and strengthened regional partnerships.

 

The defence budget also saw a significant rise this year. There were many firsts also for the Indian Armed Forces this year that not only boosted and strengthened our forces, but also made them more tech-driven. Though the key focus of India remained on ‘indigenisation’ of the technology, so that New Delhi doesn’t get to rely on imported tech/acquisitions but on homegrown manufacturing.

 

Tri-services also conducted several exercises, focusing on synergy, operational readiness and reminicising battlefield like situations.