Army Day 2026: Tech can’t replace soldiers, Russia-Ukraine war shows conflicts may last years, says General Dwivedi

Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi today said that Indian Army is fully prepared to face all forms of warfare. Addressing a press conference on Indian Army Day 2026, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi said the Army is adapting for future conflicts, and continues to place the soldier at the centre of its operational philosophy, while integrating technology and indigenisation to enhance combat capability.

CoAS General Upendra Dwivedi extended greetings on the Army Day to soldiers, veterans, officials and civilians associated with Army Day and paid tribute to personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He said the large public turnout reflected the deep bond between the Army and the people, adding that public support boosts the morale of soldiers.

Army ready for future wars, reforms and indigenisation underway

Drawing lessons from recent conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and Operation Sindoor, the Army chief said the duration of modern conflicts is unpredictable, lasting either years or days. He underlined that while technology improves efficiency, it cannot replace the soldier.


The Army will be observing the next two years (2026-27) as 'Years of Networking and Data Centricity', with the aim of improving connectivity, information flow and coordination, said General Dwivedi.

Highlighting the need of modern tech-heavy armies, General Dwivedi said that smaller battalions and newer organisational structures adapt faster, which led to the introduction of the Bhairav Battalion to bridge the gap between Ghatak units and Special Forces infantry. He added that for advanced systems such as Divyastra and Shaktivaahan drones, which hover over battlefields and carry out precision strikes, the Army requires super-specialist personnel and new organisational frameworks, and that such reforms will continue across all departments and services.

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The Army chief emphasised that without strong research and development, the country cannot sustain a long war or achieve self-sufficiency in defence platforms, adding that research is therefore crucial and that the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation and academia, is deliberating on the way forward. He also added that credibility is essential in information warfare.

Army chief said that indigenisation is a strategic necessity rather than just a goal, with emphasis on dual-use resources that benefit both military and civilian sectors. He said technology is meant to enhance the soldier’s capabilities, not replace them, and described the Army Day parade as a reflection of both tradition and change.

Army showcases it modern warfare equipment at Army Day parade

The Army Day celebrations were held in public in Jaipur for the first time, outside the cantonment area, with the parade featuring mechanical units, infantry formations, paratroopers and other modern capabilities of the Army.

The parade also showcased the newly raised Bhairav Battalion, introduced as part of the Army’s recent restructuring based on operational lessons drawn from global conflicts, including Operation Sindoor.

The Army highlighted its technical capabilities with robot dogs and all-terrain vehicles leading the BrahMos missile, India’s indigenously developed long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic missile.

Emphasising its artificial intelligence and drone capabilities, the Army displayed the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS).

Air defence systems on display included the indigenous Akashteer system with medium-range surface-to-air missiles, which demonstrated their effectiveness in a high-threat environment during Operation Sindoor by neutralising a range of Turkish- and Chinese-origin drone systems operated by Pakistan.

Shaurya Sandhya event

General Dwivedi said that the Shaurya Sandhya event will be held later in the day that would showcase the Army’s valour during Operation Sindoor, which has set a new normal and reflects a mature and responsible military. He added that the Army’s thinking has shifted in recent years towards preparing not only for present challenges but also for future wars, with self-reliance forming the foundation of this approach, as reflected in the display of Made-in-India weaponry during the parade.

General Dwivedi said the Army’s message to both adversaries and citizens is that it is ready for all types of threats and warfare. He stated that the force is prepared for future wars and will continue to evolve with time. He also appealed to citizens to support soldiers by taking care of the families of personnel deployed at the borders.