View: Optimizing the Force; a Calibrated Balance Between Modernisation, Cost and Resources

Technology is being used globally to ensure that boots-on-ground are used to ‘occupy territory’ preferably without fighting rather than fight and ‘gain territory’. The Indian Armed Forces have been getting technologically advanced weapon and support systems with increased lethality, longer reach and all-weather capability. When coupled with state-of-the-art surveillance and co-ordinated application of firepower, these offer far better results. However, despite these enablers there has been little change in the concept of application of force, especially in the Indian Army – manpower intensive tactical and operational applications continue to remain. Warfare is evolving in its interpretation and the emerging technologies coupled with futuristic security needs merit an in-depth analysis of force structures. While nature of the terrain and weather conditions may require intensive manpower, it is important to find the optimum balance which can lead to a lean and agile force across the spectrum of operations. Read More…