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The year 2025 is now drawing to a close. This year has been quite significant for the Indian Army. The Indian Army conducted Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and avenged the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The Indian Army also inducted a large number of weapons into its arsenal. Let’s look at the 10 major achievements of the Indian Army in 2025.
1. Operational Employment and Deterrence: Operation Sindoor (May 2025)
Terrorists supported by the Pakistani Army brutally murdered 26 people in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Following this, Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025. In this operation, nine terrorist camps across the border were destroyed. Seven terrorist camps were destroyed by the Indian Army and two by the Indian Air Force.
Pakistan’s nefarious attempts thwarted
Pakistan attempted to target Indian military and civilian assets using drones. However, the Indian Army’s air defense systems successfully neutralized all threats. Using ground-based weapons, the Indian Army destroyed more than a dozen terrorist launch pads near the Line of Control (LoC). Infiltration routes and terrorist logistics networks were also disrupted. On May 10, 2025, the Director General of Military Operations of the Indian Army was contacted by his Pakistani counterpart with a request for a ceasefire, after which an agreement was reached to cease firing/military action.
2. Long-Range Strike Capability and Precision Strikes
BrahMos (Army)
On December 1, 2025, a BrahMos unit of the Southern Command, along with elements of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, conducted a combat missile launch, strengthening its long-range precision strike capabilities. Development/testing of the extended-range BrahMos is also continuing as India emphasizes long-range reach and a rapid “sensor-to-shooter” cycle.
Pinaka (Rockets)
June 24, 2025: Two additional Pinaka regiments were reported to be operational. Stand-off firepower was strengthened.
December 29, 2025: Successful test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) (120 km range).
Indigenous rocket development accelerated in 2025, including work towards a 300 km-class Pinaka variant for future deep strike options.
3. Aviation and High-Value Inductions: Apache AH-64E
On July 22, 2025, the Indian Army received three AH-64E Apache helicopters. Three more Apache helicopters subsequently joined the fleet.
4. Bhairav Battalion and Ashni Platoon (2025 Roll-out)
- On October 24, 2025, a capability demonstration in Rajasthan showcased newly inducted technological resources, along with new organizations such as the Bhairav Battalion and Ashni Platoon.
- Plans were made in October 2025 to operationalize 25 Bhairav Light Commando Battalions and establish Ashni Drone Platoons in the Army.
- Shaktibaan Regiment and Divyastra Battery
- New structures to address future challenges, including UAVs with loitering munitions.
5. Procurement and Capability Building
The Indian Army observed the past two years as years of technological absorption. The aim was to move from technology adoption to integration, incorporating new technologies.
Key acquisitions indicated in 2025
- Inclusion of Attack Helicopters: Enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities, 06 Apache helicopters have been inducted this year.
- 91% Indigenization of Ammunition: The Indian Army has achieved a high level of indigenization in ammunition. 91% of all ammunition used by the Indian Army is now indigenously produced.
- UAS Systems: In the past year, numerous types of UAS have been inducted into the Army. This includes various types of drones, including approximately 3000 RPAs, approximately 150 tethered drones, swarm drones, logistics drones for high-altitude areas, and kamikaze drones.
- August 5, 2025 (DAC): Acquisition of thermal imager-based driver night sights for BMPs (Army) was approved. MALE RPAs for tri-service surveillance/strike roles were also approved.
- December 29, 2025 (DAC): The Army’s focus is clearly shifting towards unmanned systems, counter-UAS, and precision fire.
6. Technological Competence, Digital Transformation
In 2025, the pace of technological absorption in the Indian Army was accelerated. The aim was to incorporate niche technologies, bring about structural changes to adopt new technologies, and be prepared to fight future wars.
Edge data centers were established. Along with this, a large number of in-house software applications were developed. Some examples include the Equipment Helpline and the Sainik Yatri Mitra app.
7. Army Commanders’ Conference (Jaisalmer) October 2025
In October 2025, the Army Commanders’ Conference was held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The deliberations of the senior Army leadership primarily focused on grey zone warfare, self-reliance and innovation, emerging threats, doctrine, and the design of the armed forces.
8. Military Diplomacy and Joint Exercises
- Shakti Exercise (India-France): June 18 – July 1, 2025 (France).
- Yudh Abhyas (India-USA): September 1-14, 2025 (Alaska).
- Exercise Maitree-XIV (India-Thailand): September 1-14, 2025 (Meghalaya).
- Exercise AustraHind (India-Australia): October 13-26, 2025 (Perth).
- Exercise Mitra Shakti XI (India-Sri Lanka): November 10-23, 2025 (Belagavi).
- Exercise Ajeya Warrior-25 (India-UK): November 17-30, 2025 (Rajasthan).
- Exercise Desert Cyclone-II (India-UAE): December 18-30, 2025 (Abu Dhabi).
9. Defence Dialogue and Strategic Thought Leadership
- Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD) 2025
- Young Leaders Forum (October 31, 2025)
- Curtain Raiser (November 17, 2025): Podcast by General Upendra Dwivedi on key military issues.
- Main Dialogue (Late November 2025), based on the theme of Reform-to-Transform for a Secure and Developed India.
10. Innovation and Indigenization
Inno-Warrior: The 2025-26 edition was held in November-December 2025. A record 89 innovations were showcased. 32 were selected for further development and fielding, strengthening bottom-up innovation and building self-reliant capabilities.
