Modern Warfare Structures and Directions

The rapid infusion of technology into warfare is not only enhancing the performance of arms and equipment but also stimulating the consequent changes in induction, tactics and deployments.

- MAYANK SINGH @ NEW DELHI

think tanks, academics, research institutes and specialists for their recommendation, direction and guidance to empower FAOG".

The FAOG will club ideas from the services and build synergy. Ultimately, it is expected to assist with reorientation, re-orbatting (reorganising and redeploying existing military units) and re-equipping the forces. The FAOG has a clear responsibility with accountability, the sources said.

The HQ IDS was raised on October 1, 2001 to provide an institutional framework for managing defence at the highest level. Its purpose is to integrate the three Services and other relevant elements in the quest for credible and comprehensive national power. Other structural changes are in process.

Force restructuring is an essential and ongoing initiative to effectively align organisational structures with emerging threats and technological advancements. The Eighth Report (18th Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Defence, cites an army officer as saying, "The Indian Army has successfully implemented significant reorganisations within its Cyber, Electronic Warfare and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Units. Furthermore, the Indian Army will establish new combat units and headquarters that prioritise emerging technologies including manned and unmanned teams. We are also committed to meeting the evolving requirements of theaterisation and greater integration with the other two Services. Force structuring aims to keep pace with the requirements of contemporary and future battlefields. Rebalancing is now looking at review of structures and command and control, beside training orientation of the Indian Army schools of instruction. It will further look at implementation of new structures and capability building to conduct multi-domain operations that are mandated due to emerging interdependencies."

Structural transformation: Work in progress