Indian Army’s 2025 Makeover: From Drones to BrahMos, A New War Machine Emerges

New Delhi: The Indian Army has described 2025 as a year of major change in its preparation and thinking. In a situation of real war, cross-border tension, and rapidly changing technology, the Army has listed ten major steps which, according to it, will prove to be the foundation for future wars. This is not just a matter of expansion of weapons but also a sign of change in the methods of working.

What did Operation Sindoor change?

After the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor was conducted between 7 and 10 May. Planning was done at Army Headquarters and monitored by the top military leadership. 9 terrorist hideouts were destroyed, out of which seven were targeted by the Army and two by the Air Force. There were retaliatory attempts from Pakistan through drones, which were stopped by the Army Air Defense. Several launch pads along the Line of Control were also destroyed by ground weapons. On May 10, the firing stopped after talks between military officials of both sides on the initiative of Pakistan's DGMO.

How is long-range firepower evolving?

The test firing of BrahMos long-range missiles tested the combined capabilities of the Southern and Andaman Commands. The addition of two new regiments to the Pinaka system and the successful testing of the 120 km range guided rocket strengthened the readiness to engage deep targets. Work is ongoing on indigenous rockets and long-range options.

What changed in the skies?

Important changes were seen in Army Aviation. The first batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters arrived in July, with the rest arriving in December. This capability was long pending and was brought forward to 2025.

How is the battlefield structure being redesigned?

The October capabilities display in the desert saw new formations such as the Bhairava Battalion and Ashani Platoon working together with equipment and drones for the first time. The plan to create 25 Bhairav ​​battalions was expedited, and drone platoons were raised at the infantry level, which would do tasks like surveillance and targeting.

Where is the tech focus now?

There was an emphasis on moving forward from adopting technology to fully assimilating it. About 3,000 remote-piloted aircraft, 150 tethered drones, swarm systems, and kamikaze drones were included. It was revealed that the target of more than 90 percent indigenization in ammunition has been crossed. Data centers were created at the tactical level for strategic decisions, and in-house apps were developed for the needs of the soldiers.

How did diplomacy and strategy fit in?

In 2025, joint exercises were held with many countries, from France, the US, Australia, and the UK to Sri Lanka and the UAE. Chanakya Defense Dialogue gave a new platform to strategic discussions. Senior-level meetings held in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer reviewed gray-zone warfare and joint operations.

What does this add up to?

The army calls all these steps the direction of its change. The message is clear: control, precision strike, indigenous technology, and partnership. She is looking at 2025 as a year that will set the path for the coming decade.