Context:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’. 

More on the news:

• This initiative aims to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.

Key Focus Areas for the ‘Year of Reforms’:

Bolstering Jointness & Integration:

• Focus on strengthening initiatives for joint operations and integration among the armed forces.
• Facilitate the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands.

Focus on New Domains and Emerging Technologies:

• Emphasize the importance of new domains like Cyber and Space.
• Foster development in emerging technologies such as:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Hypersonic technologies
• Robotics
• Develop associated Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to adapt to future warfare needs.

Inter-Service Cooperation & Training:

• Promote a shared understanding of operational requirements.
• Enhance joint operational capabilities through continuous inter-service cooperation and training.

Simplified Acquisition Procedures:

• Streamline acquisition procedures to make them simpler and more time-sensitive.
• Ensure faster and more robust development of military capabilities.

Public-Private Partnerships & Technology Transfer:

• Facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries.
• Promote public-private partnerships by improving the ease of doing business in defence.

Collaboration and Civil-Military Coordination:

• Foster collaboration across various stakeholders within the defence ecosystem.
• Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies.
• Improve civil-military coordination to optimize resource use.

Positioning India as a Defence Exporter:

• Work towards making India a credible exporter of defence products.
• Encourage research and development (R&D) and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Focus on knowledge sharing and resource integration with foreign OEMs.

Veteran Welfare:

• Ensure the welfare of veterans by optimizing existing welfare measures.
• Leverage the expertise of veterans for national defence efforts.

Cultural Pride & Indigenous Capabilities:

• Instil a sense of pride in Indian culture and ideas.
• Build confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous military capabilities.
• Learn from best practices of modern militaries that are suited to India’s specific conditions.