Diplomat Correspondent
Devlali : The Biennial Artillery Conference 2025 was conducted at the School of Artillery, Devlali, from 11–12 December 2025 in hybrid mode. The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, presided over the proceedings, which brought together senior leadership to review the operational, modernisation and transformational priorities of the Regiment of Artillery.
The conference featured detailed deliberations on operational lessons and key takeaways from Operation SINDOOR, alongside broader themes such as modernisation, technology infusion and force restructuring within the Arm. Significant attention was accorded to the reorganisation and raising of Shaktibaan Regiments and Divaystra Batteries, initiatives that mark a major step in bolstering future artillery capabilities.
Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery, along with senior officers, presented a comprehensive overview of the Arm’s modernisation roadmap, training initiatives and human resource development. Their insights laid a clear framework for steering the ongoing transformation of the Regiment.
The hybrid conference format enabled participation by officers and Junior Commissioned Officers from 25 outstation locations through video conferencing, ensuring wider engagement and collective assessment of the way forward.
During his visit, the COAS also reviewed cutting-edge training and operational facilities at the Drone Experience Centre, School of Artillery. He was briefed on simulator laboratories, the incubation centre and the drone manoeuvre arena, where trainees undertake mission planning, surveillance and targeting exercises. Demonstrations of drone operations, loiter munition training and mini-RPAS modules highlighted the emphasis on precision, safety and operational realism. The COAS appreciated the high professional standards of the instructors and noted the significant contribution of these capabilities to enhancing preparedness for modern, technology-driven battlefields.
The COAS further visited the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) at Nasik and reviewed its operational readiness.
Before concluding his visit, General Dwivedi interacted with veterans from the Nasik and Devlali military stations, acknowledging their distinguished service and continued association with the Regiment. On the occasion, he presented the Veteran Achievers Award to five veterans in recognition of their outstanding contributions.DD
