The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan spoke about the transformative journey of the armed forces to adapt to the evolving landscape of warfare. The holistic initiatives are not only about adoption of new technologies, but also structural changes such as the theatre commands. The establishment of the theatre commands aims to streamline operations by integrating resources and optimising capabilities.
The Chief of Defence Staff also announced the launching of a future warfare course scheduled to begin next Monday. The innovative course will be ‘rank agnostic’, thereby entailing, officers having different ranks will learn together. The Future Warfare course is focused on India’s distinctive needs. The aim of the exercise is to arm officers with know-how to tackle the challenges of future conflicts.
Rebalancing of forces was undertaken just after the incident. The objective is a comprehensive strategic overhaul that stresses on logistical and operational paradigms as well as psychological readiness. These changes are also now reflected in the higher command courses of the army.
The army also stressed upon the need to improve infrastructure along the northern borders, especially in critically sensitive areas. Army chief Gen Dwivedi stated “The infrastructure along the northern front is something that needs major attention.” He also did add that infrastructure development in the area has become a priority in the last few years.
The army chief declared at the conclave that the organisation is marking 2025 as the ‘Year of Technology’ absorption. This is needed to strengthen the army as it prepares to fight a two-front war. The army is comprehensively looking at its equipment requirement for a conflict in the future. Speaking at India’s premier defence event Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari also warned against new age threats that are different from traditional military and economic risks and the need to be prepared to counter these threats. “These threats are often complex, trans-national and multi-faceted. Coupled with these is the emergence of hybrid warfare, blending traditional military aggression with cyber-attacks, disinformation and economic coercion”, Chaudhari stated.
The IAF chief also advocated the need of self-reliance in defence, stating “In my opinion, self-reliance is not about isolation, but also about strengthening internal capabilities and capacities to face external challenges. It involves building robust domestic industries, investing in innovation, securing critical infrastructure and reducing vulnerabilities to external manipulation.”
The Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi also reiterated the need of new and novel methods, including the use of technology, to navigate the new normal. He also spoke about tackling such threats which are increasingly being used by both state and non-state actors.
Various nominated panellists discussed the future with India’s strategic interest in mind. Building infrastructure, partnerships and closing the technology gap is the focus of all stakeholders involved. The platform gave the stakeholders a common roof where they could discuss different means to strengthen India as it navigates through tumultuous times calmly and resolutely to build its strength.
