Defence Minister Calls on Armed Forces to Prepare for Unconventional Threats

The chaotic global order, regional volatility, and changing security dynamics required ongoing evaluation and readiness.

He encouraged commanders to strive towards realizing the Sudarshan Chakra vision expressed by Prime Minister Modi.

India has formulated a plan to develop a technologically advanced, joint, self-sufficient, and strategically nimble military to safeguard national interests in a swiftly evolving global landscape.

A group was established to create a medium-term (five-year) and long-term (10-year) plan for the project.

Why is Modernization Necessary?

Evolution of Warfare: Transition from conventional conflicts to hybrid warfare (cyber, space, information, drones, AI-powered arms).

Challenges to Regional Security: China's military expansion, Pakistan's proxy conflicts, and acts of terrorism.

Technology Gap: Must lessen reliance on imports and enhance local capabilities.

Operational Readiness: To sustain a reliable deterrent and guarantee preparedness for brief, intense conflicts.

Obstacles to Attaining Modernization:

Realignment to Multi-Domain Warfare: Future high-tech multi-domain operations will necessitate diverse skills and competencies to succeed in upcoming conflicts.

The craft of warfare will have to be advanced alongside the science of combat.

Capital Humano y PME (Educación Militar Profesional): Necesidad de oficiales capacitados en pensamiento estratégico, adaptación tecnológica y operaciones conjuntas.

The existing system still favors conventional, rank-oriented career advancement.

Technological Deficiencies: The Army trails in areas such as AI, robotics, drones, cyber warfare, and electronic warfare.

The implementation of modern systems is not accompanied by changes in doctrine, training, and structures.

Civil–Military Coordination Challenges: Insufficient collaboration among the Ministry of Defense, military forces, and industry.

Lack of a fully authorized procurement body hinders decision-making.

Geopolitical Challenges: Simultaneous pressures from China and Pakistan require swift modernization, yet the speed is still sluggish.

There is a necessity for native abilities in the event of sanctions or supply chain interruptions.

Government Programs

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) & Department of Military Affairs (DMA) (2019): It was created to improve collaboration and integration in planning, procurement, and training.

Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: It encourages local design, development & production, emphasizing “Make in India” classifications.

2025 announced as the “Year of Reforms”: Emphasis on improving tri-service cooperation and unity.

Streamlined and faster acquisition processes.

Focus on developing fields: Cybersecurity, Space Exploration, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonic Technology, Robotics.

Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): Effort to reorganize command structure so that Army, Navy, and Air Force in a region function under a single command.

Aspect of the "collaboration" initiative to prevent overlap, enhance reactivity.

Joint Doctrine & Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2025: Unveiled at “Ran Samwad 2025” to define standards, identify capability gaps, and outline technology advancements for a period of approximately 10 years.

Joint doctrines for multi-domain operations (land, sea, air, space, cyber, cognitive) along with specialized joint doctrines (e.g., Special Forces) to enhance interoperability.

Defence Industrial Corridors & Indigenous Production Initiative: Two defence industrial corridors have been set up in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the defence manufacturing framework and enhance domestic defence production.

Joint drills: The Indian Armed Forces carry out tri-service integrated multi-domain drills emphasizing coordinated operations that include the Army, Air Force, and Navy (Exercise Prachand Prahar, Exercise Desert Hunt).

Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): It offers the foundation for real-time coordination, facilitating synchronized actions among various units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Path Forward

The ambition of evolving into a contemporary, flexible, and technology-oriented force is not merely a vision but a necessity in the current landscape, where technology is rapidly dominating combat and combatants.

This change will necessitate not only technological advancements but also a dedication to reconsidering force organization, flexible training and strategies, and resources to evolve into a future-ready force.