NEWS – With technology shaping the course of wars around the world, the Defence Ministry said 2025 would be marked as the year of reforms in which the armed forces will embrace cyber, space and emerging technologies in a big way and steps will be taken to facilitate setting up “integrated theatre commands”.

HIGHLIGHTS

Defence Ministry’s Vision for 2025

• Focus on Technology Adoption:
  • Integration of cyber, space, and emerging technologies.
  • Emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, hypersonics, and robotics.
  • Development of associated tactics and techniques for future wars.
• Integrated Theatre Commands:
  • Steps to establish commands integrating elements of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Bolstering “jointness and integration” among the services.
  • Breaking silos by involving other partners in the defence ecosystem to optimise resources.

Key Initiatives Announced

• Nine-Point Guideline:
  • Issued after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s review meeting.
  • Addresses progress on defence reforms and future projects.
• Acquisition Reform:
  • Simplification of procedures for faster and more robust capability development.
  • Positioning India as a credible defence exporter and partner for global firms.

Technological Advancements and Global Context

• Technological Preparedness:
  • Cyber and space technologies to dominate defence strategies.
  • Use of advanced technologies for multi-domain integrated operations.
• Lessons from Global Conflicts:
  • Wars in Europe and West Asia highlight the role of cutting-edge technology in determining battlefield outcomes.
  • Renewed emphasis on staying technologically ahead of adversaries.

Integration of Commands

• Current Command Structure:
  • 19 operational commands, including 17 service-specific and 2 tri-service commands.
  • Efforts to integrate commands over the last five years.
• Leadership in Reforms:
  • Vision of Gen Bipin Rawat being carried forward by Gen Anil Chauhan.
  • Building consensus among services to support integrated theatre commands.

Naval Advancements: Warships and Submarine Commissioning

• Commissioning Details:
  • Indian Navy to commission three indigenous platforms on January 15:
    • Guided-missile destroyer Surat.
    • Stealth frigate Nilgiri.
    • Submarine Vagsheer.
  • Ceremony at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Technological Features:
  • Latest weapons and sensors, machinery trials, and communication systems.
  • Platforms are fully operational and ready for deployment.
• Gender Inclusion:
  • Warships designed to accommodate women officers and sailors, marking a step toward gender equality in combat roles.

Emphasis on Self-Reliance

• Indigenous Shipbuilding:
  • Platforms designed and constructed entirely at MDL, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence production.
• Significance of the Event:
  • Boost to Indian Navy’s combat potential and maritime strength.
  • Symbol of India’s progress in defence manufacturing and self-sufficiency.