Sagar, Madhya Pradesh | The Indian Army’s Combat Leadership Course concluded successfully on February 7 at the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy, Dhana, near Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, reinforcing the Army’s push towards preparing junior leaders for modern, technology-driven battlefields.
The intensive training programme brought together NCOs from across the Indian Army and placed strong emphasis on counter-drone warfare, adaptive leadership, and decision-making in complex operational environments. The course was designed to address emerging threats and evolving combat scenarios shaped by rapid technological advancements.
Emphasis on Future Warfare
During the closing ceremony, Brigadier Lalit Sharma, SC, SM, Commandant of the NCO Academy, addressed the course participants, highlighting the Army’s vision for the ongoing “Decade of Transformation.” He spoke about the impact of regional instability and stressed the importance of agile leadership, innovation, and situational awareness in contemporary conflicts.
Brigadier Sharma, a highly decorated officer, underlined that modern warfare increasingly demands leaders who can operate effectively amid electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and fast-changing tactical situations.
Outstanding Performance Recognised
Naik Abhishek Dev of the RAJPUT Regiment was adjudged the overall best student of the course for his consistent performance and leadership qualities. His recognition reflects the rigorous standards maintained throughout the programme and the Army’s focus on merit-based leadership development.
Backbone of Battlefield Leadership
The NCO Academy, Dhana, operating under the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), plays a crucial role in shaping junior leaders who form the backbone of the Indian Army’s command structure. The academy conducts structured training programmes that integrate traditional soldiering skills with modern warfare concepts, including counter-UAS operations and battlefield management.
Previous editions of the course have trained hundreds of NCOs, and the current programme continued that legacy by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and operational adaptability.
Preparing for Technology-Driven Conflicts
A key highlight of the course was its focus on counter-drone strategies, reflecting the growing use of unmanned aerial systems in surveillance, targeting, and asymmetric warfare. Participants underwent scenario-based training aimed at improving responses to drone-enabled threats in both conventional and sub-conventional operations.
The successful completion of the Combat Leadership Course marks another step in the Indian Army’s efforts to build a future-ready, agile force, with well-trained NCOs playing a decisive role in maintaining combat readiness amid evolving regional and technological challenges.
