M S Nazki
By M S Nazki
2006 was the year when in a seminar in Baramulla Degree College and I was brought up on the stage for a seminar discussion! The discussion was not of any value, I said, answering Shujaat Bukhari, and added Aaj Ki Nahi Kal Ki Socho! Kal Ka Sahara hum Log Hain (though I was not in uniform)! Kal Sab Badal Jayega! And it has!
-A college going student by the name of Sadaf from Raj Bagh, Srinagar approached me at lunch break and asked, ‘You said tomorrow would be brighter and you dared to ask Bukhari a question and confronted him but it seems it is all darkness around why? My answer was, Caspers do noy haunt always, after a twilight and dark night following it the brighter sun always flares up, lightening the skies and the world in this part of the hemisphere!………..She did say, we are friends! She is married, and has two lovely children……..One is Nikki and the other is Sajid………both of them are doing well and we are family friends!……..!
-The anecdote is relevant to the story!
-“ready and decisive force” in the Indian Army refers to a transformative, technology-driven, and agile restructuring aimed at creating smaller, highly lethal, and rapidly deployable units capable of winning future wars through multi-domain operations.
-Following the 2025 “Year of Reforms” and lessons from “Operation Sindoor,” the Indian Army is transitioning from a manpower-heavy structure to a technology-intensive force focusing on AI, drones, and precision firepower.
-Key Components of the Ready & Decisive Force (Operational 2026)
-Bhairav Commando Battalions: These are a new special strike force, designed to bridge the gap between regular infantry and elite special forces. They are lean, lethal, and optimized for deep reconnaissance, cross-border strikes, and high-mobility operations.
-Rudra All-Arms Brigades: Integrated, self-sufficient battle groups designed for swift deployment and rapid response. They combine combat, artillery, and logistics units for swift tactical gains.
-“Divyastra” Batteries: Specialized artillery units equipped with long-range guns, loitering munitions, and suicide drones, designed to strike targets deep behind enemy lines.
-Drone and AI Integration: Drones and counter-drone systems are now standard equipment at the battalion level, with each unit having a dedicated drone team for real-time surveillance and combat.
-Ekam AI: A fully indigenous, secure AI platform deployed for decision-making support in sensitive environments.
-Swift Response: The capability to deliver swift, precise, and coherent military responses within a compressed timeframe.
-Technology Empowerment: Reducing reliance on large numbers and shifting focus to technological superiority.
-Jointness: Seamless integration of Army, Navy, and Air Force operations (Tri-services) for unified, decisive impact.
-The overall transformation, led by the Chief of Defence Staff and Army leadership, ensures that deterrence turns into a “decisive” victory when challenged, as highlighted during the 2025 reforms.
-The story we got:
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Cdr NC visited Dah Division and reviewed the operational readiness of the formation. Army Commander witnessed a demonstration on enhanced capabilities in a comprehensive operational backdrop, integrating Unmanned Systems, Network Centric Warfare Capabilities & their tactical application. The Army Commander complimented the formation for its high standards of synergized training & continued efforts towards exploitation of New Generation Equipment & Weapons. Interacting with the troops Army Cdr NC emphasised the need for peak operational readiness, rigorous training and #Innovation to remain a Future Ready & Decisive Force.
-About the Dah Division:
-The Dah Division (39 Mountain Division) is a vital infantry formation of the Indian Army under the Northern Command. Headquartered in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, it focuses on high-altitude operational readiness. The division is regularly reviewed for combat preparedness and technological integration along the northern frontiers.
-Formation & Role: Re-raised post-independence, the 39 Mountain Division is designed for high-altitude warfare.
-Location: The formation is based at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
-Command Structure: Operates under the Indian Army’s Northern Command.
-Operational Readiness: The division is frequently inspected by senior leadership to ensure preparedness, including the Northern Command Commander.
-Historical Significance: It celebrates milestones like Vijay Diwas to honor the 1971 war soldiers, indicating its enduring legacy in the Indian Army.
-The History:
-The 39th Infantry Division (India) was formed during World War II, initially as the 1st Burma Division, participating in the 1942 withdrawal from Burma. It was re-designated as a training division in 1943 to train troops in jungle warfare before being disbanded. It was later re-raised after independence and currently operates as 39 Mountain Division, based in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, under XVI Corps.
-WWII Role: Originally the 1st Burma Infantry Division (“Burdiv”), it was renamed 39th Light Indian Division and served as a training unit from 1943 to the end of the war.
-Training Focus: Following the Arakan offensive, it was converted to a training role in 1943 to teach jungle warfare skills.
-Post-Independence: The division was re-raised and currently forms part of the Indian Army’s mountaineering and specialized forces in the Northern Command region.
-A few days back I did talk to Sadaf and it was her birthday! I too was invited but could not go as otherwise I would not have been writing this story! ’You said the right thing once upon a time…….We are having a great time in Kashmir and it is all because of Olive Greens as you call them! Suddenly my door bell rang! Outside my small apartment a Pizza (chicken) boy stood, he gave me three………Sir this is for you and your family he said and it’s from an order from Srinagar! I called back Sadaf and asked, what was the necessity? The answer was with a smile……….Happy days are back again!………!
The 39 Infantry Division (Dah Division) of the Indian Army, based in Himachal Pradesh, is a key formation responsible for national security, primarily involved in counter-insurgency (COIN), counter-infiltration, and high-altitude warfare training. Key operations include Operation Rakshak I & II (Kashmir COIN), Operation Vijay (Kargil War), and Operation Parakram (standoff).
-Key Operations and Deployments
-Counter-Insurgency (Operation Rakshak): Deployed in South Kashmir (1993-1994) and Poonch/Rajouri sectors (1998) to combat terrorism.
-Line of Control (LoC) Duty: Actively involved in counter-infiltration roles along the LoC between 2003 and 2009.
-Operation Vijay & Parakram: The division concentrated troops around Rajouri during the 1999 Kargil War and remained deployed there during the 2001-2002 mobilization.
-Training & Capability Building: The division, often under Western Command, specializes in high-altitude warfare training. It also hosts international exercises, such as Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2019 with Mongolia.
-Withdrawal and Reorganization: In 2013, the division was involved in a re-posturing exercise in Jammu and Kashmir, with elements being withdrawn from counter-insurgency duties to be redeployed for other roles.
-The 39 Mountain Division has historically shifted between offensive roles, counter-terrorism duties, and regional training responsibilities.
-The 39 Infantry Division (Dah Division) of the Indian Army, formed in 1971, is a renowned formation primarily involved in crucial counter-insurgency operations, notably in Jammu & Kashmir (Operation Rakshak) and various exercises. Key personnel associated with its actions or units under its aegis include Capt Ravinder Kaura (VrC) of 39 Medium Regiment.
-Capt Ravinder Kaura (VrC): Commissioned into the 39 Medium Regiment of Artillery, he showed exceptional courage during the 1971 Indo-Pak War in the Battle of Chhamb.
-101 Field Regiment (SP): Part of the formation’s history, awarded the title “Harar Kalan” for exceptional artillery fire during an offensive.
-39 Medium Regiment: Played a crucial role in artillery support on the western front during the 1971 war.
-Operational Highlights:
-1971 Indo-Pak War: Played a significant role, particularly in the Chhamb sector.
-Operation Rakshak (I & II): Involved in intensive counter-insurgency operations in South Kashmir (1993–94) and Poonch/Rajouri (1998).
-The Division is tasked with maintaining security in challenging terrain, fostering brave officers and soldiers, and upholding the Indian Army’s reputation.
-Highlights of Army Commanders visit:
-Integrating unmanned systems (UAVs/UGVs)
-Integrating unmanned systems (UAVs/UGVs) with network-centric warfare (NCW) enables real-time data sharing across all military platforms—land, air, sea, and space—creating shared battlefield awareness. This approach connects sensors to shooters to enhance decision speed, precision, and combat power. It enables self-synchronization, allowing dispersed forces to act as a cohesive unit.
-Key Aspects of this Integration:
-Network-Centric Warfare (NCW): A shift from platform-centric to network-centric, where information superiority is translated into combat power by networking sensors, decision-makers, and shooters.
-Unmanned Systems (ISR & Combat): Drones (UAVs) provide immediate, high-density intel, reducing human risk, while autonomous systems (e.g., Manta drones) enable precision targeting.
-Tactical Application:
-Shared Awareness: All units access the same real-time data (video feeds, thermal images), eliminating the need for massed formations for security.
-Rapid Decision-Making: Shortens the kill chain from detecting a target to engaging it.
-Multi-Domain Ops: Integrates air, ground, and electronic warfare (EW) for improved coordination.
-Self-Synchronization: Forces operate effectively in dispersed locations, enhancing survivability.
-Components of the System:
-Sensor Grid: UAVs, surveillance drones, satellites.
-Information Grid: Secure communication channels, satellites (e.g., GSAT-7).
-Shooter Grid: Artillery, aircraft, and smart weapon systems.
This integration represents a modern approach to warfare, designed for high-velocity environments, and is becoming essential for modern military forces to maintain superiority.
-The final lines:
-New generation equipment and weapons prioritize digitalization, autonomy, precision, and stealth to enhance battlefield superiority, including AI-driven drones, hypersonic missiles, directed-energy weapons (lasers), and enhanced infantry kits like exoskeletons. Key technologies include smart, networked systems aimed at increasing speed, range, and operational efficiency.
-Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW): The U.S. Army is deploying the XM7 rifle and XM250 light machine gun, chambered in 6.8mm, featuring advanced fire-control systems for better accuracy and range than the M4/M249.
-Unmanned and Autonomous Systems: Loitering munitions like the QSL 40, robotic combat vehicles (RCV), and stealthy combat drones (Ghatak UCAV) act as “loyal wingmen” for ground and aerial missions.
-Hypersonic and Precision Weapons: Weapons traveling over Mach 5, such as the Dark Eagle, are being adopted for their ability to bypass current missile defenses.
-Directed Energy Weapons (DEW): Laser-based Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and high-power microwave weapons (100 kW – 300 kW) are being developed to counter drone swarms and aerial threats.
-Modernized Infantry Kits (F-INSAS): Future soldier systems include lightweight protective vests, ballistic helmets with integrated cameras, and holographic sights for improved situational awareness.
-AI & Networked Systems: Future combat vehicles and drones utilize artificial intelligence for autonomous navigation and target engagement, often employing networked data to operate collectively.
-These technologies are actively replacing legacy infantry systems, as evidenced by the delivery of new-gen light machine guns, such as the Prahar in India, to enhance soldier firepower…………….!
Author
The Kashmir Dialogues
