Indian Army’s comprehensive modernisation plan to enhance operational effectiveness in 2024
Mohammad Asif Khan
The Indian Army is currently undergoing significant reforms and changes to modernise and enhance its capabilities. This multi-pronged program aims to enhance the army's operational preparedness, optimise its structure, and leverage modern technologies. This ambitious plan, outlined by General Manoj Pande, seeks to address evolving security threats and challenges through five key pillars.
Modernisation and Technology Infusion
In 2024, the Indian Army is also looking at indigenous development as a significant area of focus, with initiatives like the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and collaborations with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for defence innovation projects. The Indian Army is observing 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption.’ The focus here is on acquiring indigenous weapons and systems, upgrading communication infrastructure, and integrating cutting-edge technologies like drones and artificial intelligence (AI). General Pande highlighted the necessity of ‘capability type repair programmes’ and collaboration with academic institutions to accelerate technological adoption. This modernisation drive aims to equip the army with the tools needed to effectively counter modern threats.
General Pande highlighted the Indian Army’s recent advancements in technology, including the induction of improved vehicles, drones and counter-drone systems. He emphasised the adoption of a new operational approach for managing these technologies across infantry, artillery and armoured battalion levels. While dismissing the notion of forming a dedicated force for technology handling, one of the key areas of focus is the modernisation of the army’s tank fleet. In 2024, the Indian Army announced a project worth INR 57,000 crore to replace 1,800 ageing Russian T-72 tanks with advanced AI battle machines. This project aims to produce 1,770 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) starting in 2030. These FRCVs will feature advanced technologies like AI, drone integration and active protection systems. The decision to upgrade the tank fleet was made in response to reports on tank vulnerabilities. Senior officers attribute the heavy losses of Russian tanks in Ukraine to poor tactics, highlighting the need for combined arms operations. The new FRCVs are being planned with enhanced survivability, especially against aerial threats, and connectivity.
In addition to the FRCVs, the army plans to induct the first batch of 118 indigenous Arjun Mark-1A tanks. These tanks come equipped with various upgrades to boost firepower, mobility, endurance and protection.
The Indian Army is actively enhancing its capabilities in cyberspace through training initiatives and technological advancements. Project SAMBHAV, short for Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version, which introduces a secure mobile ecosystem powered by advanced 5G technology, plays a significant role in this endeavour.
Project SAMBHAV is an initiative by the Indian Army to create a secure mobile ecosystem powered by advanced 5G technology. The system ensures high data security through multi-layered encryption and is network-agnostic, allowing it to operate seamlessly across different networks.
This encryption strategy significantly enhances the protection of sensitive information and prevents unauthorised access. The project is being implemented in two phases, with the first phase aiming to configure 2,500 SAMBHAV sets by 15 January 2024, and the second phase aiming to complete the configuration of the remaining sets by 13 May 2024.
Furthermore, the army chief shared details on acquisitions, including approvals for 37 projects totalling INR 74,000 crore and 86 contracts worth INR 12,000 crore with private Indian companies. Of particular importance is the impending induction of 350 light tanks, identified as a necessity following the Galwan face-off with China in May 2020, with the issuance of the Request for Proposal (RFP) expected soon.
Additionally, New Delhi is shifting away from its traditional reliance on Russia for defence imports, following Russia’s challenges in meeting its own weapons requirements due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Instead, India is strengthening its collaboration with the United States, a key partner in the Quad alliance, alongside Australia and Japan.
Improving Systems, Processes and Functions
Streamlining procedures, automating tasks and leveraging digital solutions are at the heart of this pillar. General Pande has emphasised the need for ‘automating, digitising and networking’ to improve operational and administrative efficiency. Additionally, outsourcing non-core activities is envisaged to free up resources for critical functions.
Several initiatives have been taken by the Indian Army to boost this pillar. One of the key projects is the modernisation of defence capabilities. These projects are focused on enhancing capabilities such as longer-range weapons, multi-purpose drones, night-fighting capabilities, disruptive technologies and early warning and detection systems.
General Pande mentioned the establishment of Command Cyber Operations Support Wings (CCOSWs) to bolster cyber capabilities. The CCOSWs are organised into four verticals: Computer Emergency Response Team; Cyber Security Section; Security Operations Control; and Test and Evaluation Section.
The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) handles emergency cybersecurity response. When critical incidents occur, such as cyberattacks or breaches, the CERT team assesses the situation and takes necessary actions. Their expertise lies in identifying and neutralising threats, ensuring system integrity, and restoring normalcy.
The Cyber Security Section focuses on auditing computers and networks. They systematically evaluate the security posture of various systems. Tasks include vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and ensuring compliance with security policies.
The Security Operations Control vertical is responsible for monitoring and analysing networks. It keeps a vigilant eye on network traffic, detect anomalies, and respond promptly to any security incidents. Its goal is to maintain a secure and resilient network environment.
Lastly, the Test & Evaluation Section tests new applications and software. Before deploying any technology, they rigorously assess its functionality, security, and suitability. Their work ensures that only robust and reliable solutions are integrated into the operational environment.
The migration towards network centricity and increased reliance on modern communication systems make the CCOSWs important. The CCOSWs help the Indian Army counter their adversaries in the grey zone and cyber warfare. They are instrumental in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of critical information.
To augment the forces’ capabilities by absorption of niche technologies and equipment, it was decided to nominate Lead Directorates and Test Bed Formations. These formations will evolve optimal employment philosophies and scaling to facilitate better exploitation pan army.
The decision to nominate Lead Directorates and Test Bed Formations for the absorption of niche technologies and equipment was taken during the latest edition of the Army Commanders Conference (ACC) which was organised for the first time in a hybrid model from 17-21 April 2023.
Simulator training is also to be given a significant push through the procurement of 435 simulators at an estimated cost of INR 791 crores. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance and synergise the use of simulators across the Indian Army, the Indian Navy the Indian Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard.
The use of simulators is recognised for its benefits in terms of cost reduction, safety, training in near-realistic settings by replicating variable combat scenarios, quicker training and conserving critical operational equipment from wear and tear. The policy document titled Framework for Simulators in Armed Forces emphasises indigenous design and development as well as outsourcing of operation and maintenance of simulators to Indian companies.
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