Lt Gen Harbinder Singh Vandra Reviews Operational Readiness of Elite Units

Chief of Staff of the Sapta Shakti Command visits “StrikeHawks” and “ThunderStrikers” to assess training, morale, and combat preparedness.

Lt Gen Harbinder Singh Vandra, Chief of Staff of the Sapta Shakti Command, conducted a detailed review of the operational readiness of the elite “StrikeHawks” and “ThunderStrikers” units on Wednesday, underscoring the Army’s focus on agility, adaptability, and future readiness in a shifting security landscape.

During his visit to the strategically significant region, Lt Gen Vandra interacted directly with troops, inspected training protocols, and evaluated human resource development measures. He personally met personnel across all ranks, a gesture aimed at strengthening morale and reinforcing dedication to duty. The review also examined advancements in operational tactics and the adoption of new technologies, reflecting the Army’s broader emphasis on indigenous innovation through partnerships with more than 1,700 industries and 200 academic institutions.

The assessment aligns with the defence establishment’s current thrust on self-reliance, including emergency procurements limited to domestically produced equipment. The Army Design Bureau has played a key role in these efforts, supporting over 30 startups working in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Officials noted that such leadership engagement and technological integration are vital to enhancing combat readiness along sensitive frontiers like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC). Lt Gen Vandra’s acknowledgment of the units’ commitment is seen as a strong indicator of the Army’s preparedness to meet future operational challenges.