This episode of Defence Mantra, with the Army Day in the middle of this week, focuses on how the Indian military is working towards modernisation.
The Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ emphasizing modernisation through integrated theatre commands, adoption of emerging technologies, and streamlined procurement processes.
These modernisation efforts reflect the Indian Army’s commitment to adapting to evolving warfare paradigms by incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies.
The Indian Army has prepared a comprehensive blueprint for the goals it will pursue in 2025 to enhance operational readiness and efficiency, in line with it being declared the “year of reforms” by defence minister Rajnath Singh on January 1, with the force focusing on five key areas:
- Jointness and integration
- Force restructuring
- Modernisation and technology infusion
- Systems and processes
- Human resource management
The Indian Army is actively pursuing modernisation to enhance its combat capabilities, focusing on technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI), and non-kinetic warfare.
Additionally, the Indian Army remains committed to leveraging indigenous innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonic technology, and robotics to strengthen its capabilities and maintain an edge in modern warfare.
The Indian Army’s commitment to incorporating simulators into its training regimen reflects a strategic shift towards modern, efficient, and sustainable military preparedness.
Benefits of Simulator-Based Training include:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Simulator training reduces the need for live ammunition and equipment wear, leading to significant cost savings.
- Environmental Sustainability: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlights that simulators offer a more sustainable training method, minimizing environmental impact compared to traditional training exercises.
- Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: Simulators provide a controlled environment for soldiers to practice complex scenarios, improving safety and allowing for immediate feedback and corrections.
A significant milestone in this journey is the move toward theaterisation, a long-anticipated military reform.
The Indian Ministry of Defence is advancing its modernisation efforts by establishing integrated theatre commands to optimise military resources for future conflicts. These reforms emphasise new strategic domains like cyber and space while streamlining weapons procurement processes. The goal is to transform India’s defence forces into a 21st-century powerhouse capable of executing multi-domain integrated operations.
