Context:
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’.
More on the news:
- This initiative aims to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.
Key Focus Areas for the ‘Year of Reforms’:
Bolstering Jointness & Integration:
- Focus on strengthening initiatives for joint operations and integration among the armed forces.
- Facilitate the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands.
Focus on New Domains and Emerging Technologies:
- Emphasize the importance of new domains like Cyber and Space.
- Foster development in emerging technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Hypersonic technologies
- Robotics
- Develop associated Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to adapt to future warfare needs.
Inter-Service Cooperation & Training:
- Promote a shared understanding of operational requirements.
- Enhance joint operational capabilities through continuous inter-service cooperation and training.
Simplified Acquisition Procedures:
- Streamline acquisition procedures to make them simpler and more time-sensitive.
- Ensure faster and more robust development of military capabilities.
Public-Private Partnerships & Technology Transfer:
- Facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries.
- Promote public-private partnerships by improving the ease of doing business in defence.
Collaboration and Civil-Military Coordination:
- Foster collaboration across various stakeholders within the defence ecosystem.
- Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies.
- Improve civil-military coordination to optimize resource use.
Positioning India as a Defence Exporter:
- Work towards making India a credible exporter of defence products.
- Encourage research and development (R&D) and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
- Focus on knowledge sharing and resource integration with foreign OEMs.
Veteran Welfare:
- Ensure the welfare of veterans by optimizing existing welfare measures.
- Leverage the expertise of veterans for national defence efforts.
Cultural Pride & Indigenous Capabilities:
- Instil a sense of pride in Indian culture and ideas.
- Build confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous military capabilities.
- Learn from best practices of modern militaries that are suited to India’s specific conditions.