Achievements are easy to take for granted. But certainly they do not come up to your lap so easily. It is more so in the case of Armed forces – because the enemy is always stronger and better prepared than you might have thought.
The Commanders' conference in Kolkata saw among other things the release of the “Joint Military Space Doctrine”.
This marked a milestone in institutionalising Space as a key element.
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I traveled to north east of India recently and met a few jawans and officers. It was all informal and personal level interactions.
At one point I asked a group of soldiers --
"Drone sey aap ke life mein kya changes ayen (What all changes came in the life of uniformed solider due to these drones) ?"
The response was unique. "It has changed the soldiers' Mind... In about a decade time; you will find the forces will be able to retain young and old officers and other ranks more and more”.
“Fauzi .... fauz nahi chhorega ....,” he asserted.
Soldiers are 'half-saint' ... very sentimental but strong, assertive and ruthless while guarding the nation.
Another person added: “Naya pan aa raha hae (Various kinds of new things are coming in)".
I tend to agree because the 'level of job satisfaction' in the military is high these days due to multiple factors. One reason is Atmanirbhar Bharat -- the exciting push given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
But around Sept 15th, PM Modi landed in Kolkata and addressed armed forces Commanders Conference. By Sept 17th (2025) - we could get some important information and decisions.
The Commanders' conference also saw the release of the “Joint Military Space Doctrine”, marking a milestone in institutionalising space as a key element of India’s national security strategy.
Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), said, "On the final day of the Combined Commanders' Conference (CCC) 2025, decision by all the Chiefs and Commanders for merging of education branches of three services to form single Tri-Services Education Corps was announced."
"The decision on formation of three Joint Military Stations was also announced".
These were part of much talked about Defence reforms.
The education branches of the forces have generally been entrusted with the responsibility of enhancing the educational standard of the troops, and its cadre is posted at subareas (garrisons), headquarters, training centres, units, establishments, sainik schools, military schools, colleges, and selection centres.
The military stations are dedicated geographical areas housing equipment and personnel, and their families, where they live and train. India's war-fighting machinery and organisations are being reorganised to meet the needs of technology-led modern warfare.
This year’s conference, themed “Year of Reforms-Transforming for the Future”, began with a demonstration by the joint operations command centre, followed by a live air defence drill showcasing advanced air surveillance, missile defence and counter-drone capabilities.
Some one says - "The army is able to make Drones and also repair ... the multi tasking thing is giving us a lot of excitement. The demands are on rise as various security installations in east and north east have understood the utility of Drones".
I was told before my journey commenced in Delhi about anti-Drones. I was also briefed a bit about "modernization" process of Indian forces and how these are supported by
-- Focused approached for Indigenous development
-- Policy initiatives - the Drone Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
- and Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Swarm drone technology into tactical operations.
One source had alerted me about Rudra Brigades and Drone batteries. One co-passenger with me was from aviation industry. He is himself an ex-serviceman and his daughter joined Indian Navy a few years back. As we chatted in certain details about ensuing elections in Bihar and states such as Assam and West Bengal -- he threw up his one-liner :
"When we talk of Indian army today .... and also of two other wings; we should speak about something called 'Sequel' to the success. We have reached that stage.
I am not merely talking about Operation Sindoor. Drone has made the army -Uudta Fauz."
Even in the remote corner of Arunachal Pradeeh in a firing range (otherwise a peaceful centre from the their point of view ) -- the soldiers are eyeing the cutting-edge indigenous defense technologies under realistic battlefield conditions.
"Gun training chahiye ... drone driving bhi chahiye" -- one soldier remarked in a jovial mood in Nagaland.
His superiors quickly understood the spirit behind.
They may not have ready answers. But one young officer recalls his girl friend's 'good morning' message -- "You cannot stop an IDEA whose time has come".
Now as an officer, he too realises his colleague is a very good shooter but he has an idea. Now that faceless young patriot also wants to become a dependable drone flyer. The 'idea' has germinated well.
Survivor and a Fighting Force:
The Govt is going ahead with its plans of Structural Overhaul:
Hence, Plans are underway to establish ITCs, unifying the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command structure to enhance operational efficiency and address specific regional security challenges.
• Rudra Brigades: New all-arms brigade concepts that consolidate infantry, armor, artillery, drones, and logistics into one formation for greater operational efficiency.
• Bhairav Light Commando Battalions: Specialized units equipped with advanced sensors and weapons for shock actions, designed to be rapidly deployable.
• Joint Military Stations: Establishment of joint military stations to improve coordination among the three services.
A major focus on incorporating technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, drones, and hypersonics into military operations. Expansion of capabilities in cyber and space domains, including enhanced satellite surveillance and electronic warfare.
Finally, it should be noted that Defence reforms are a dynamic and ongoing process. Defence reforms have their own sets of challenges and constraints to deal with.
India in the past decade since 2014 under PM Modi has made headway in the area of defence reforms certainly. Only time can tell whether the reforms have succeeded.
But strategic experts say Operation Sindoor shows things are track. We need further research and quicker results.
Ends
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