Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla SC**, SM, VSM took over command of 'Fire and Fury Corps' from Lieutenant General Rashim Bali, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM on 01 July 2024.
An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla was commissioned into 11 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in June 1990, which he later commanded. The General Officer had the privilege of commanding a Mountain Brigade on the Line of Control in the Ladakh Sector and an Armoured Division in the Punjab Sector. During his career he has held numerous important staff appointments some of which are Colonel General Staff of an Infantry Division on the Line of Control, Defence Attache at Embassy of India in an important neighbouring country, Brigadier General Staff (Operations) of the Fire and Fury Corps and Brigadier Military Secretary in the Military Secretary's Branch. Prior to assuming command of 'Fire and Fury Corps' he was tenating the appointment of Additional Director General of Military Operations at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army).
In his farewell message, Lieutenant General Rashim Bali conveyed his gratitude and deep appreciation to all ranks of the 'Fire and Fury Corps' for their professionalism and steadfast dedication in service to the nation, despite extreme challenges of glaciated terrain, severe weather and high altitude which sets us apart from any Army in the world.
On taking over, Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla exhorted all ranks of 'Fire and Fury Corps' to continue to discharge their duties with the same zeal and vigour while always being prepared to deal with any threat to national security. He urged them to continue to keep 'Nation First' in all their endeavours.
