India Urged to Excel in Modern Warfare Tactics
India's defense panel pushes warfare innovation
A parliamentary panel on defense has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to achieve excellence in hybrid and modern warfare tactics, citing a "paradigm shift" in contemporary warfare strategies. The Standing Committee on Defence, in its report tabled in Lok Sabha on Thursday, emphasized the growing role of non-conventional methods like cyber warfare, non-kinetic warfare, and cognitive warfare in global conflicts.
The report, addressing the Ministry of Defence's Demands for Grants for 2024-25, covers the General Defence Budget, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indian Coast Guard, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), welfare of ex-servicemen, and defense pensions. The panel expressed confidence that with the right blend of strategy, morale, and infrastructure, India can match the capabilities of advanced nations in modern warfare.
The committee highlighted delays in DPSU deliveries, notably the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) M1A, attributing setbacks to reliance on imported components. It urged DPSUs to intensify efforts to ensure timely supply of advanced hardware, platforms, and weapon systems to equip the armed forces for unforeseen challenges. The panel also recommended fast-tracking procurement processes, noting that emergency procurements were sanctioned four times in 2020. The Ministry of Defence is reportedly developing a mechanism for expedited acquisitions, which the committee wants finalized promptly.
Also Read: Pralay Missiles Ace Consecutive Tests with Pinpoint Accuracy
On security, the panel addressed a recent incident involving a Porbandar resident arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive Indian Coast Guard information. It called for stronger measures to prevent such breaches, including enhanced vetting of contractual staff. The Coast Guard described the incident as isolated but assured robust background checks.
The committee also praised the BRO’s infrastructure expertise and suggested creating an online portal to share knowledge with state government agencies, fostering better coordination.
Modernization efforts are underway, with the Ministry of Defence emphasizing synergy among Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Services, DRDO, and the Department of Defence Production to bolster self-reliance. The panel noted the establishment of a Future Warfare Fund and a proposed Future Analysis Group to study emerging technologies, recommending adequate R&D funding.
The report aligns with broader military reforms, including the push for Integrated Theatre Commands to enhance jointness among the army, navy, and air force. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi recently stated that India’s forces are preparing for fifth-generation conflicts driven by non-contact warfare and psychological dominance.
