Disruptive technologies and innovations that improve the capabilities of military instruments are making today's battlespace more complex and dangerous, Army Chief General Manoj Pande said during a visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. In his historic statement as the first Indian to represent King Charles III at the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Gen. Pande stated that the final triumph will be determined by troops' unflinching commitment, courage, and heroism on the battlefield.
The army commander urged the 185 Officer Cadets of Commissioning Course No. 223 who would graduate from the famous school with the traditional parade to lead by example as they "don the mantle of a military leader" and perfect their capacity to adapt to change in an motivating address.
“While the character of warfare is undergoing a change, the potential of the disruptive technologies, advancements in cyber, space and innovation domains and progression in the capabilities of the instruments of war are making the present-day battlespace more complex and lethal,” he was quoted by PTI in its report.
“The recent and ongoing conflicts have brought to the fore many important lessons at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. The import of these will serve as pointers as you prepare for future wars,” he said.
Despite technological breakthroughs and the changing character of modern combat, the army commander emphasised the importance of the person behind the gun.
Gen. Pande served as the Inspecting Officer for the 201st Sovereign's Parade at the military college in Berkshire, south-east England, as the Sovereign's Representative.
Major General Zac Stenning, the academy's Commandant, escorted the senior general as he inspected the ranks of the Senior Division on parade, made up of those who have completed the 44-week commissioning course, stopping periodically to chat with the male and female cadets standing to attention before him.
As the King's emissary, Gen. Pande, who was joined by his wife Archana, also gave prizes to the best performing cadets on the course.
Senior Under Officer WJ Clark, judged by the Commandant to be the best cadet in the intake, received the Sword of Honour prior to his commission into the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Officer Cadet Grimbaldeston-Cherry received the Queen's Medal for having the highest military, academic, and practical marks in the intake.
Officer Cadet Daniel Chintu of Zambia received the International Sword as the best International Cadet, while Officer Cadet Paul Milbers of Germany received the International Award as the top international cadet in military, academic, and practical scores.
As the King's emissary, Gen. Pande, who was joined by his wife Archana, also gave prizes to the best performing cadets on the course.
Along with those joining the British Army, there were 43 foreign cadets from 28 nations ranging from Ethiopia to Papua New Guinea. They will return to their respective forces with the greatest leadership training possible in order to serve as commissioned officers.
According to Gen. Pande, their participation reflects the "highest standards and worldwide reputation of this prestigious academy."
Meanwhile, the new British cadets would have to wait until Friday at midnight to officially take up their King's Commission, which would be celebrated with friends and family at the Commissioning Ball.
Officer Cadet Clark, the recipient of the Sword of Honour, was the last to march into Old College, closely followed by the Academy Adjutant, Major Andrew Dunlop, riding up the steps and through the doors on his horse Sovereign's Shadow.
Gen. Pande received a ceremonial Guard of Honour earlier this week at Horse Guards Parade in London, when he began a four-day visit to the UK on Thursday.
The Indian Army has described the visit as a watershed moment in the growth of India-UK diplomatic, military, and cultural ties, increasing mutual collaboration and understanding in the fields of defence and security.