India Declared 2025 as the “Year of Defense Reforms”

Syllabus: GS3/ defence

In Context

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the “Year of Defense Reforms,” signifying a commitment to modernizing and strengthening its armed forces. 

Need for Modernization of Defence

• A strong and modern military is essential to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and strategic interests. 
• It ensures readiness to address multi-domain conflicts, including cyber, space, and traditional warfare.

Key Features

• Operationaling Integrated Theatre Commands: It will enhance tri-services synergy by integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified commands.
  • Each command will address specific geographical challenges using shared resources.
  • Optimizes resource utilization and ensures joint operations across domains.
• Technological Advancements: Emphasis on cybersecurity, space operations, and emerging technologies like:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Machine Learning (ML)
  • Hypersonic systems
  • Robotics
  • Focus on multi-domain integrated operations.
• Streamlined Procurement: Simplification of acquisition processes for faster capability development.
  • Promotion of indigenous manufacturing and global competitiveness.
  • Collaboration and Integration: Breaking silos across defense stakeholders.
  • Encouraging public-private partnerships and technology transfers.
  • Collaboration between defense and civil industries.
• Export-Oriented Approach: Positioning India as a credible exporter of defense products.
  • Building partnerships with foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
• Research & Development (R&D): Strengthening R&D for innovation in defense technologies.
  • Establishing partnerships to foster indigenous solutions.

Impacts

• The reforms will ensure India’s sovereignty and security, providing a robust defense infrastructure to counter evolving threats.
• Promotes India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant defense power with export capabilities, contributing to economic growth.
• Strengthens India’s global defense partnerships and enhances its position as a leader in cutting-edge military technologies.

Recent Defence Reforms Taken

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): Established in 2020 to promote jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Agnipath Scheme: Short-term recruitment of soldiers for 4 years to modernize and reduce pension costs.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Focus on indigenization with a negative import list and defense industrial corridors.
• Simplified Procurement: Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 to speed up and simplify purchases.
• Defence Exports: Target of $5 billion by 2025; examples include BrahMos missile exports.
• Space and Cyber Agencies: Establishment of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) and Cyber Agency (DCA).
• Defence R&D: Promotion of startups and MSMEs through iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence).

Source: PIB