In a move with far-reaching consequences the Ministry of Defence declared 2025 as the year of reforms to position the Indian armed forces into technologically advanced, combat-ready fighting arms capable of multi-domain integrated operations.
The objective behind the Year of reforms initiative visualised by the Defence Ministry is to simplify the defence acquisition procedures, make them time-sensitive, eliminate inefficiencies, ensure deeper collaboration among key stakeholders, and optimise utilisation of resources.
The plan seeks to strengthen the synergic bond between the three services, facilitate rolling out integrated theatre commands, and transform the Indian Armed forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force. This initiative is being seen as a significant milestone in the country’s defence modernisation journey.
The decision to observe 2025 as the year of reforms and the broad objectives under it was finalised at a high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who hailed the “Year of reforms” as a momentous step in the modernisation journey of the Indian armed forces. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the reforms would lay the foundation for “unprecedented” advancements in defence preparedness and ensure India’s security and sovereignty amid challenges of the 21st century.
Announcing the reforms, Rajnath Singh said that he was “optimistic” that 2025 would be a defining year for the armed forces. “The reforms will strengthen India’s security and sovereignty, helping us tackle the challenges of the 21st century,” he said.
Rajnath Singh, commended the role played by DRDO by equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art technologies/equipment, and bolstering the defence sector through collaboration with the private sector while addressing a gathering of scientists and officials on the 67th Foundation Day of DRDO.
“DRDO can play the role of a catalyst and help in bringing a technological revolution in the country,” Rajnath Singh said, hoping that each lab of DRDO would identify 2-3 critical projects, which should be completed by 2025. “By the next year, we should have 100 such projects completed,” he said.
As the apex research and development body for the Indian Ministry of Defence, DRDO, has historically contributed to the development of indigenous defence technologies and platforms. In 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will play a crucial role in India’s defence sector reforms, helping the country transition into a more self-reliant and export-oriented defence ecosystem. Its role will be even more critical in shaping India’s defence modernisation and export goals in 2025.
Rajnath Singh appreciated the DRDO’s efforts towards increasing the collaboration with the private sector, including providing its technologies and free access to its patents. He urged the organisation to identify more such areas, which can enhance the participation of the private sector, emphasising that a nation can only progress when all stakeholders work together.
The Defence Minister called upon DRDO to explore the possibility of including start-ups in its R&D efforts. This would promote valuable exchange of ideas and provide an opportunity for the Indian defence sector to come out with innovative technologies according to the changing times. He expressed that each lab should organise two open days every month for interaction with the industry.
He called upon DRDO to continue moving ahead in sync with the rapidly-evolving technological ecosystem, and keep coming out with products that are relevant to the changing times. He urged the scientists to keep an eye on the products and processes being adopted by the technologically-advanced countries, and develop niche technologies with the aim to make DRDO one of the strongest R&D organisations in the world.
Key Areas of Reform
The “Year of Reforms” will focus on several key areas, including:
- Establish integrated theatre commands to optimise resource utilisation for future warfare.
- Restructure the armed forces to make them more agile and efficient.
- Leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and hypersonic systems to enhance combat capabilities.
- Streamline the defence procurement processes and promote indigenous manufacturing.
- Promote inter-service cooperation and enhance the welfare of veterans
Integrated Theatre Commands
Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) are a strategic military reorganisation concept to bring together and enhance the operational efficiency and coordination among the armed forces in a specific geographic area of responsibility. The concept focuses on integrating the different branches of the military — the Army, Navy, and Air Force — under a unified command structure for more effective joint operations.
The objective behind the Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) is to eliminate inter-service rivalries, ensure better coordination, streamline decision-making, optimise resource utilization and enable the armed forces to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges and dynamic threats.
By integrating the forces, ITCs facilitate joint operations, ensuring that all branches of the military work together cohesively, rather than operating in silos. This is particularly crucial in modern warfare, where challenges are often multifaceted and require combined arms approaches.
As per the theaterisation plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and all of them will work as a single entity looking after security challenges in a specified geographical territory. At present, the Army, Navy and the Air Force have separate commands.
Each ITC will be headed by a senior officer, such as a General or Admiral, who will oversee all military operations and has the authority to deploy, coordinate and execute the operations of all the armed forces within the theatre.
Technological Advancements
The “Year of Reforms” will also focus on the development of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and hypersonic systems, as well as the promotion of indigenous manufacturing and innovation to enhance combat capabilities.
The objective behind the Year of Reforms initiative visualised by the Defence Ministry is to simplify the defence acquisition procedures, make them time-sensitive, eliminate inefficiencies, ensure deeper collaboration among key stakeholders, and optimise utilisation of resources
Some of the key areas where emerging technologies can make a significant impact on combat capabilities include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist military leaders to make more informed decisions and faster, by analysing vast amounts of data from various sources, including satellites, drones, and reconnaissance units.
- AI can integrate autonomous platforms like drones, unmanned vehicles, and robots for surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics support, and even combat roles with minimal human intervention.
- Cybersecurity measures can protect critical infrastructure, command systems, and communication networks from cyberattacks, while offensive cyber warfare strategies can enable militaries to conduct offensive cyber operations, to disrupt the enemy’s communications, data flow, as well as command and control operations during conflict.
- Quantum computing can vastly improve the speed and power of data processing. It can be used in areas like cryptography, intelligence analysis, and simulations to improve the response times for military operations and enhance strategic decision-making.
- Quantum encryption could also provide much stronger data protection, making it nearly impossible for adversaries to intercept or decrypt sensitive communications.
- Robotics and autonomous vehicles like aerial and ground-based drones can be integrated into military operations for reconnaissance, surveillance, supply delivery, and even combat roles for more precise targeting, reduced risk to human soldiers, and increased operational flexibility.
- Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) can be used for hazardous missions, such as bomb disposal, reconnaissance, and logistics transport.
- 5G technology can revolutionise military communications by enabling faster and more reliable data transfer for real-time command, control, and situational awareness in the battlefield while Internet of Things (IoT), connected devices and sensors can enable smarter systems for troop coordination, asset management, and battlefield awareness.
- Hypersonic weapons – missiles and gliders can potentially alter the balance of power in modern warfare and enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of military forces by traveling at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound.
- Directed energy weapons, such as lasers and microwave systems offer a cost-effective and efficient way to neutralize threats and can be used to target and disable enemy drones, missiles, and aircraft. DEWs are increasingly being used in modern warfare for surveillance, reconnaissance, and even attack purposes.
- Military forces are relying on advanced satellite systems for real-time intelligence, navigation, and secure communication. Anti-satellite weapons can disrupt or destroy enemy satellites to cripple their communication and surveillance capabilities.
- Biotechnology can improve the health and resilience of soldiers by aiding in the development of advanced medical treatments, prosthetics, and potentially enhance the physical and mental capabilities of soldiers in combat situations.
Streamlined Procurement Processes
The Defence Ministry aims to streamline defence procurement processes to ensure swifter acquisition of critical assets. This includes simplifying acquisition procedures and promoting public-private partnerships. Streamlined procurement processes are essential for efficient and effective defence acquisition. Some of the key aspects of streamlined procurement process include:
- Reduced complexity and ambiguity in acquisition procedures to facilitate quicker decision-making.
- Clearly defined, prioritised, and aligned with operational needs.
- Competitive bidding by the vendors to promote innovation, reduce costs, and improve quality.
- Transparent evaluation criteria to ensure fairness and impartiality in the selection process.
- Reduced administrative requirements and paperwork to smoothen and simplify the acquisition process
- Collaborative relationships with industry partners to leverage their expertise and innovation.
- Flexible contracting mechanisms to facilitate rapid prototyping and experimentation.
Benefits
- Faster Acquisition Timelines
- Competitive bidding and transparent evaluation criteria help reduce costs.
- Simplified procedures and flexible contracting mechanisms
- Enhanced Transparency and transparent evaluation criteria to promote accountability and reduce corruption.
- Streamlined procurement processes aligned with operational requirements.
- Encourage innovation and experimentation
The Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) concept seeks to eliminate inter-service rivalries, improve coordination, streamline decision-making, optimise resource utilisation and enable the armed forces to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges and dynamic threats
Export-oriented Approach
The “Year of Reforms” aims to increase India’s presence in the global defence markets and position India as a credible exporter of defence products. This includes building partnerships with foreign original equipment manufacturers and promoting research and development in defence technologies.
India has already been focusing on reducing its dependence on foreign defence imports through the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. In 2025, this could be further boosted by fostering indigenous innovation and production capabilities. India could focus on expanding its defence exports to become a major exporter of defence technology and products, targeting markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and even Western countries.
Significantly India aims to become a major player in the global defence industry by increasing the export and has set a target of exporting $5.2 billion worth of defence equipment and technology by 2025. This is a significant jump from the current levels.
The Ministry of Defence has also set a target to achieve defence exports worth $6.2 billion (₹500 billion approximately) by 2029, which is a significant increase from the $2.63 billion (₹21,083 crore approximately) achieved in FY2023-24.
Several Indian companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bharat Electronics (BEL), and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), are playing a crucial role in achieving this target. These companies are focusing on developing indigenous defence technologies and partnering with foreign companies to enhance their export capabilities.
Conclusion
In sum, 2025 could mark a transformative year for India’s defence sector, combining modern reforms with a focus on exports, technological advancements, and self-sufficiency. This would not only make India more secure but also establish it as a key player in the global defence landscape.
–The writer is a seasoned media professional with over three decades of experience in print, electronic, and web media. He is presently Editor of Taazakhabar News. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
