New Delhi /Chandigarh/Shimla| January 13, 2026:
In a major announcement that signals a big shift in India’s military thinking, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday said the Army is working towards creating a dedicated Rocket Force by integrating rockets and missiles under one unified strike command.
Addressing his annual press conference at Army Headquarters, the Army Chief said modern warfare has changed completely and India must adapt fast.
“Rockets and missiles are no longer separate. Both deliver precision strikes. The future lies in integration. We are seriously working towards a Rocket Force,” he said, adding that Pakistan and China already follow similar models.
Operation Sindoor: A strong message
Gen Dwivedi said the Pehalgam terror attack became a turning point for India’s response to terrorism. Following clear political directions, the Army launched Operation Sindoor on May 7.
The operation lasted for 22 minutes of precision strikes, followed by an 88-hour coordinated campaign till May 10. The Army successfully destroyed 7 out of 9 terror targets.
“This operation punctured Pakistan’s long-standing nuclear rhetoric. Our conventional response was strong enough,” the COAS said.
He warned that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing and any future misadventure will be met with a firm and decisive response.
The Army Chief credited the success to tri-service coordination, full operational freedom from the political leadership and support from intelligence agencies, CAPFs, state governments and central ministries.
Jammu & Kashmir: From terror to tourism
Talking about Jammu and Kashmir, Gen Dwivedi said the situation remains sensitive but firmly under control.
In 2025 alone he said: 31 terrorists were eliminated, 65% were Pakistani nationals, Three Pehlgam attackers neutralised, Local terrorists are now in single digits, Only two new recruitments reported.
On the positive side, development work has picked up, tourism is booming and the recent Shri Baishno Yatra saw over 4 lakh pilgrims, crossing the five-year average.
“The theme of terrorism to tourism is slowly becoming reality,” he said.
North-East and Myanmar impact
In Manipur, security forces have taken neutral and transparent action, resulting in peaceful conduct of the Durand Cup and revival of festivals like Shiroi Lily and Sangai.
The Army, Assam Rifles and MHA have created a strong security grid to prevent any spillover from Myanmar. With Phase-II elections completed in Myanmar, engagement is expected to improve.
Army as first responder in disasters
Gen Dwivedi highlighted the Army’s disaster response role, saying operations were carried out in 10 states and two neighbouring countries, rescuing over 30,000 people.
He recalled the brave rescue of a CRPF jawan from a collapsing building during Punjab floods and praised 14 Raj Rifles for continuing operations in Uttarakhand despite casualties.
Now, border commanders have full authority to act even before formal requests are received.
Five pillars of transformation
The Army Chief outlined five major focus areas:
Force restructuring
- Rudra Brigades
- Bhairav Light Commando Battalions
- Shaktimaan Rocket Regiments (range up to 400 km, future 1000 km)
- Divyastra Artillery Batteries
- Integrated Battle Groups
- Future Transformation Cell
Over 31 major reforms approved in just 14 months.
Modernisation
- Advanced EW systems
- Drone and counter-drone tech
- Emergency procurement powers extended
- Large-scale induction of logistics drones
- 90% ammunition now made in India
Tech & AI push
- Quantum lab at Pune
- AI incubation centre in Bengaluru
- First sovereign military AI system
- 2026-27 declared as Years of Networking & Data
Human resource reforms
- New fitness benchmarks
- Expansion of women in Army
- Entry in Territorial Army
- ₹1 crore accident insurance
- Veteran welfare centres expanded
Jointness
- Theatre commands push
- Integration with BSF & ITBP
- Joint exercises on borders
- Civilian participation in military courses
Drone warfare future
The COAS said each command can now produce 5,000 drones, which can scale up to one lakh if required. Over one lakh trained drone operators are available.
Unified Control Centres will regulate military, civilian and commercial drone movement.
On nuclear threats
“Pakistan never gave any nuclear threat during DGMO talks. Our conventional strikes shattered their bluff,” he clarified.
India’s global role
India continues to be among top UN peacekeeping contributors with over 4,000 troops deployed. The Army also launched the ‘Friends for Life’ portal to stay connected with foreign officers trained in India.
Environment & sports
The Army planted 10 crore saplings, focused on wildlife conservation and its sportspersons won 88 international and 457 national medals.
Final message
Concluding, Gen Dwivedi said:
“By 2026, the Indian Army will think smarter, strike deeper and move faster. We stand strong with the nation.”
He ended with:
“Rashtra ki suraksha hamari sarvochch prathmikta hai. Jai Hind!”
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