Inspiration Station

Introduction

The Department of Defence plus Strategic Studies (DODASS) deals with the education of military systems plus national security. The course is crafted to understand the strategies plus defence management among the civilians of a country. The course is for the students who are willing to serve our nation in various defence forms. It covers the study of Geopolitics, Military Geography, Defence Economics, Nuclear policies etc. It also includes domestic plus strategic challenges our national defence plus security interests.

The course aims to promote the development of military education plus national security among the students. Ample job opportunities are available at Indian army, Air Force, Education corps, defence journalism, Civil services plus Public Service Commission.

Aim
This course offers broad information on national security plus functioning of international relations plus various techniques adopted by nation – states in resolving their issues relating to peace plus security. The course focuses on relating such techniques to India’s security plus that of understanding past approaches to India’s national security under different regimes. The course inculcates plus imparts information on defence/ strategic affairs thereby inculcating intellectual aptitude required for young minds who want to take defence/security as a career. Finally it aims to create a pool of trained planners, analysts, strategists plus thinkers who are specialists in this field plus also motivates young men plus women to take up armed forces as their career.

Vision
To constantly plus consistently strive to change young people both internally in values, habit, plus morals as well as externally in attitude, behavior, thus grooming them for a prospective career in armed/ allied services.
To create Student-centric approach in teaching plus learning thereby ensuring confidence plus an ability to pursue a career in defence/security field. To work towards academic plus Industrial collaborations in terms of research plus placements for the Students in security related organization/industry.
Mission
To provide access to quality higher education in the field of defense & strategic studies plus to promote competence to address challenges in a fast changing world.
To encourage Students to choose their career in Uniformed Services like Army ,Navy, Air Force, Para Military Forces, Intelligence Services (IB), State Police Departments, Security Officers in Multinational Companies, Strategic Analysts , Security Advisors etc.
What’s Taught
Strategic Study of India, Political Science, Fundamentals of War plus Peace, Human Rights, Criminology, National Security, International Relations, Economics, Art of warfare, World Military History, Environmental Science, Defence Economics, Defence Management, International Law, Journalism, Reading plus Writing

Strengths of the Department of Defence & Strategic Studies
The campus where the course is conducted is located in the heart of the Chennai city.
The faculty are all well trained in the subject with both good academic qualification plus experience.
The facilities provided for teaching are of high standards with moderen teaching tools as part of the curriculum.
There are many other courses like which the department will introduce in addition to regular degree course in order to fully equip the student to face the outside world.
The department will conduct periodical seminars, conferences, lectures on various subjects relating to defence plus security inviting experts, govt. officials plus foreign dignitaries plus also arrange for field visit for students to various defence installations.
Advisor: Major Madhan Kumar

Additional Courses Offered (Add On Programs)
These programs are value addition to the main course of B.A. DEFENCE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES, few such programs are
Diploma in Security Management
Certificate course in Behavioral Psychology
Foreign language certificate course in(Spanish, German, French, Russian etc)
Career Opportunities
Jobs as analysts at think tanks, corporate firms that specialize in international relations plus policy research, defence establishments, Army, Navy, coast guard, security officers at private companies.
Will equip students to face combined defence examination, join armed forces as officers, civil services

History and introduction
The genesis of the Territorial Army in India can be traced back to the first war of Independence in 1857, when a Volunteer Force was raised. In 1917 Indian Defence Force Act was enacted. Under the Indian Defence Force Act all the universities were asked to provide contingents to the Defence Force. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose joined the Calcutta University Corps of Indian Defence Force in 1918. Training with the University Corps helped him later in leading the Indian National Army in the struggle for freedom. Pt Jawharlal Nehru was part of the Allahabad University Corps. As a matter of interest Mahatma Gandhi also joined the South Africa Volunteer Force in 1898 and 1905 and was a Sergeant Maj with the Indian Ambulance Corps during the Boer war and Zulu rebellion.

The Indian Defence Force consisted of two branches, viz the European Branch consisting of the Old Volunteer Force under the designation of `Auxiliary Force’ and the Indian Branch which later on become part of the Indian Territorial Force. The Territorial Force was constituted for pelayanan within the limits of Indian Frontiers.

Sir Charles Monroe, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces, in India introduced a bill in the Indian Legislative Council on 27th Aug 1920 to constitute an Indian Territorial Force which was duly passed. In the `Statement of the Objects and Reasons’ he stated that Indian Defence Force, 1917 was but an experimental measure and on akun of the paucity of trained personnel and owing to the heavy demands from the Regular Force. The Indian Territorial Force was aimed at forming a second line of defence to the Regular Army.

After Independence the Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948. The Territorial Army was formally inaugurated by the first Indian Governor General Shri C Rajagopalachari on 09 October 1949. This day is celebrated as the TA Day every year, to make the countrymen conscious of existence of the ‘Citizen’s Army’ the first Territorial Army week was celebrated from 08-15 Nov 1952.

The Territorial Army in its current form came into being when the Territorial Army Act was enacted on Aug 18, 1948. The Territorial Army initially had various types of units such as Armed Regt (TA), Infantry Battalion (TA), Air Defence (TA),Med Regt (TA), Engineers Field Park Coy (TA), Signal Regiment (TA), EME Workshop (TA), Coast Battery (TA), ASC GT Coy (TA), ASC Compo Platoon (TA), AMC Field Ambulance (TA). By 1972 these units have either been disbanded or converted to Regular Army except Inf Bn (TA).

Presently the Territorial Army has a strength of approx. fifty thousand personnel comprising of 65 Departmental TA units such as Railway, IOC, ONGC, and Non Departmental TA units of Infantry Battalion (TA) including Home & Hearth Battalions, Ecological Battalion (TA) affiliated to various Infantry Regiments and Engineer Regiment (TA) for maintenance of Line of Control Fencing. Now, one Composite Eco Task Force for National Mission for Clean Ganga is under raising at Allahabad. The Eco Task Force is dedicated to development, preservation and maintenance of ecological balance and afforestation in difficult areas.

The TA units were actively involved in 1962, 1965 and 1971 operations. The “Terriers” have also taken part in OP PAWAN in Sri Lanka, OP RAKSHAK in Punjab and J&K, OP RHINO and OP BAJRANG in the North East in a most active manner. Departmental units came to the aid of the Civil Authorities during Industrial unrest and natural calamities, most famous being the earthquake in Latur(Maharashtra), Uttarkashi in Garhwal Himalaya and the Supper Cyclone in Odisha. The Ecological units have arrested man made environmental degradation by planting approx six crore and 65 lakh trees over 66,000 Hectares of land in Mussoorie Hills & Pithoragarh (UK), Shimla (HP), Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) Bhatti Mines (Delhi), Charduar, Kokrajhar (Assam) and Samba (J&K).

The Territorial Army is a part of Regular Army and its present role is to relieve the Regular Army from static duties and assist Civil Administration in dealing with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services in situations where life of the communities is affected or the security of the Country is threatened and to provide units for Regular Army as and when required.

Men of the TA have taken part in various adventure activities, famous one being scaling of Mt Tengchen Khang (6010 mtr) in West Sikkim by Jt-Indo-British TA Mountaineering Expedition in May 1998.

The officers and men of the Territorial Army have been decorated for their gallantry and distinguished services. So far they have earned 01 Kirti Chakra, 05 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 05 Vir Chakra, 05 Shourya Chakra, 01 Yudh Seva Medal, 74 Sena Medal, 28 Vishist Seva Medal, 17 Mention-in-Dispatches and 266 Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Cards.

Many Industrialists, politicians and eminent personalities have been members of the TA. The force also has had the honour of appointing 11 officers over the years as Hony ADC to the President of India.

EVOLUTION OF TA IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT

1857. Raised as “Volunteers” and were recruited only from the Europeans & Anglo-Indians.
      October 1920. The Indian Territorial Force Bill was passed resulting in the reorganization of the Territorial Army into two separate wings, namely, the Auxiliary Force & the Indian Territorial Force. While the former was meant only for the Europeans and Anglo-Indians, the latter for the Indians.
      18 August 1948. Territorial Army Act was enacted by the Constituent Assembly resulting in the constitution of the present Territorial Army. Started functioning through re-designation and re-organisation of 11 Indian Territorial Force Inf units.
      09 Oct 1949. Territorial Army’s first camp was formally inaugurated by Shri C Rajagpalachari, the first Indian Governor General of India . Therefore, 09 Oct is celebrated as TA Day every year. Post Independence, apart from Infantry units, TA consisted of Arty (TA), AD (TA), AMC (TA), Armored (TA), Engineer (TA), Sig (TA) and some were disbanded or converted to Reg Army.
      1951-1968- Fourteen Inf TA units were raised and 51 Lt Armd Regt was re-designated as 122 Inf Bn (TA) MADRAS.
      19 Oct 1968-. Six GH (TA) were raised and later disbanded on 13 Feb 2014.
      1977-. Approx 16 units of AD Regt (TA) along with their AD wksps were converted to Regular Army.
      1982.- First Inf Bn (TA) Eco (127 Inf Bn (TA) Eco GARH RIF) was raised at Dehradun with a dual aim of resettlement of ESM and maint of ecology of Shivalik Rgs. Thereafter, eight ETF’s were raised in various trns, out of which one (131 TA) was disbanded.
      11 Dec 1990-. 777 Sig Regt (TA) was raised and later the unit was disbanded.
      In 1994- the Territorial Army Day Parade was designated as Prime Minister’s Territorial Army Day Parade
      May 1999-. Ministry of Railways disbanded three Rly Engr Regt (TA) (Out of existing 11 Rly Engr Regts and two bridge constr Coys) which were Rly paid.
      2001-. Rly Engr Regt (TA) and Bridge Construction Coys paid by MoD were converted into Inf Bns (TA) i.e 150 to 155 Inf Bns (TA).
      2004-2005-. Eleven Home & Hearth ( H&H) (TA) units were raised for J&K (08) and NE (03).
      2015- . Three Engr Regt (TA) were raised for repairs of LC fence in 15 & 16 Corps Zone.
      2017-. Territorial Army expanded its footprint with raising of 172 Inf Bn (TA) MADRAS at A &N Islands and 136 Inf Bn (TA) Eco MAHAR for drought hit region of Marathwada, in Maharashtra.
      2018-. 37 CETF Bn (TA) 39 GR is being raised for NMCG. The unit is likely to be operational by middle of 2018.
      Presently the Territorial Army has a strength of approx fifty thousand personnel comprising 65 Departmental and Non Departmental units, having footprint through the length and breadth of the country.

2024 witnessed some path-breaking achievements & breakthroughs as Ministry of Defence (MoD), marched ahead with renewed vigour to make India a strong, secure, self-reliant & prosperous nation, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Shri Rajnath Singh assumed the office of Raksha Mantri for the second consecutive term in June this year and under his leadership, the Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to work in the priority areas to realise the vision of self-reliance in Defence. Some of the major highlights of 2024 include:

India-China border consensus

India and China achieved a broad consensus to restore the ground situation in certain areas along the LAC. Both countries have been holding talks at diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC. As a result, a broad consensus was developed on the basis of equal and mutual security. Raksha Mantri, during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on October 24, 2024, described the consensus as proof that continuous dialogue brings solutions.

Aatmanirbharta in Defence

Positive Indigenisation List: To boost Aatmanirbharta in defence & minimise imports by DPSUs, Department of Defence Production in July, notified the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting of 346 items. These include strategically-important Line Replacement Units/Systems/ Sub-systems/Assemblies/Sub-assemblies/Spares & Components and raw materials. Earlier, four PILs comprising 4,666 items were notified by the DDP for DPSUs, of which 2,972 items, having import substitution value worth Rs 3,400 crore, have already been indigenised. These five lists for DPSUs are in addition to the five PILs of 509 items notified by the Department of Military Affairs. These lists include highly-complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunition.
Record Defence Production: MoD achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, on the back of successful implementation of the policies and initiatives of the Government. The defence production went up to a record-high figure of Rs 1,26,887 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.7% over the defence production of the previous financial year. The value of defence production in FY 2022-23 was Rs 1,08,684 crore. Of the keseluruhan value of production in 2023-24, about 79.2% has been contributed by DPSUs/other PSUs and 20.8% by the private sector. The knowledge shows that in terms of absolute value, both DPSUs/PSUs and private sector have recorded a steady growth in defence production. MoD has set a obyek to achieve Rs three lakh crore defence production by 2029.
Record Defence Exports: Defence exports touched a record Rs 21,083 crore (approx. US$ 2.63 Billion) in the FY2023-24, a growth of 32.5% over the previous fiscal when the figure was Rs 15,920 crore. The figures indicated that the exports grew by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14. The defence industry, including the private sector and DPSUs, have made tremendous efforts in achieving the highest-ever exports. The private sector and DPSUs contributed about 60% and 40% respectively. Raksha Mantri has exuded confidence that the obyek to export defence equipment worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029 will be met.
C-295 TATA Aircraft Complex: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Mr Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C-295 transport aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat in October 2024. In September 2021, MoD had signed a Rs 21,935-crore contract with Airbus Defence and Space SA, Spain for supply of 56 aircraft – 16 to be brought in fly away condition from Spain and 40 to be built in India by TASL. Of the 16 aircraft, six have already been inducted into IAF at 11 Sqn based at Vadodara. The last would be delivered by August 2025. The first Made-in-India C-295 is expected to be rolled out of the Final Assembly Line facility at Vadodara by September 2026 and the remaining by August 2031.
Indian Light Tank: Indian Light Tank (ILT) ‘Zorawar’ has achieved a major milestone by firing a number of rounds at different ranges at an altitude of more than 4200m (High Altitude Location) with consistently accurate results. This was subsequent to the Phase I trial in desert environment in September 2024. This light tank has been defined, designed and developed by Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, the Chennai-based laboratory of DRDO for the Indian Army. It is manufactured by the Industry Partner Larsen & Toubro Precision Engineering & Systems.
During the field trials conducted in the desert terrain, the Light Tank demonstrated exceptional performance, efficiently meeting all the intended objectives. In the initial phase, the tank’s firing performance was rigorously evaluated and it achieved the required accuracy on designated targets.

Major Inductions/Commissioning

INS Arighaat: The second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024 at Visakhapatnam in the presence of Raksha Mantri. The construction of INS Arighaat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research & development, utilisation of special materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship. It has the distinction of having the indigenous systems and equipment which were conceptualised, designed, manufactured & integrated by the Indian scientists, industry and Naval personnel. The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on this submarine make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor Arihant.
INS Tushil: INS Tushil (F 70), the latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on December 09, 2024. It is an upgraded Krivak III class frigates of the Project 1135.6 of which, six are already in layanan – three Talwar class ships, built at Baltiysky shipyard, St. Petersburg, and three follow-on Teg class ships, built at Yantar shipyard, Kaliningrad. INS Tushil, the seventh in the series, is the first of the two upgraded additional follow-on ships, the contract for which was signed in October 2016 between JSC Rosoboronexport, Indian Navy and the Government of India. Armed with a range of advanced weapons, it is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions – air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic.
LCH Prachand: Induction of all Light Combat Helicopters LSP was completed in February 2024. IAF personnel were vigorously trained on the system and the LCH successfully participated in Ex Gagan Shakti in April 2024.
Major Acquisitions

To provide substantial boost to the Indian defence industry and reduce foreign spending significantly, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Defence Procurement Board (DPB), during 2024 (upto November), accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 40 Capital Acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 4,22,129.55 crore. Out of these, AoNs for Rs 3,97,584.34 Crore (i.e. 94.19 %) have been accorded to be procured from indigenous sources. These include:

DAC, in September 2024, accorded AoN for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore. These include procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles, Air Defence Fire Control Radars, Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol & Offshore Patrol Vessels.
DAC, in February 2024, accorded approval for AoN for various capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 84,560 crore. The proposals include new generation anti-tank mines, Air Defence Tactical Control Radar, Heavy Weight Torpedoes, Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance & Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Flight Refueller Aircraft & Software Defined Radios.
In July 2024, DAC approved capital acquisition proposals including procurement of Advanced Land Navigation System for Armoured Fighting Vehicles of the Indian Army and 22 Interceptor Boats with latest state-of-art system for the Indian Coast Guard.
DAC, in December 2024, accorded AoN for five capital acquisition proposals amounting to over Rs. 21,772 crore. These include procurement of Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts, Fast Interceptor Craft, Electronic Warfare Suite, Next Generation Radar Warning Receiver, Advanced Light Helicopters for surveillance in coastal areas.
Major contracts

MoD inked a contract with the US Government for Tri-Service procurement of 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in October 2024. Another contract was signed with General Atomics Global India Pvt Ltd for Performance Based Logistics for these RPAS through Depot Level Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul in India.

Operations

Operational Preparedness: The Indian Army (IA) maintained a high state of operational preparedness to ensure stability & dominance along all the frontiers including Line of Actual Control (LAC) & Line of Control (LC). Relentless counter terrorist operations were also carried out while constantly reviewing emerging & future threats to National security. Infrastructure development in border areas being one of the key imperatives of operational preparedness was given impetus in consonance with the ‘Viksit Bharat Vision’ of the Government.
Situation at LAC: Overall situation along the LAC is stable but sensitive. Post prolonged negotiations at Diplomatic and Military levels, on 21 October 2024, broad consensus has been achieved to restore ground situation based on principles of Equal and Mutual Security. Consensus achieved includes disengagement and relocation of troops from the friction areas of Depsang and Demchok followed by joint verification. Currently, blocking positions have been removed by both sides and joint verification has been completed. Patrolling activity has commenced to traditional patrolling areas in Depsang and Demchok.
LC & Counter Terrorist Operations: Situation along the LC remains peaceful post the Director General Military Operations (DGsMO) Understandings of February 2021. However, Indian Army is monitoring the situation closely and remains prepared to respond to any escalation along the LC. Since the abrogation of Article 370, the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) continues to witness steadfast improvement despite intermittent spikes in violence.
Infrastructure

Infrastructure Development: Development of essential infrastructure from operational perspective is being carried out in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Adoption of latest construction techniques is being ensured for timely completion and enhanced quality infrastructure. Concerted efforts are being made by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) & other construction agencies for construction of road infrastructure in border areas. The perspective plan of BRO has been finalised till year 2028, wherein, 470 roads of approximately 27,000 kms will be contructed. The perspective plan of other agencies roads is being synchronised with the plans of BRO.
Operational Works: The construction efforts are focused on development of defence related infrastructure including force preservation assets, operational logistics infrastructure, billeting of troops, establishment of forward connectivity, anti-infiltration system and development of aviation related infrastructure.
Connectivity in Sikkim was severely affected due to Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in October 2023. Further, flash floods in May 2024 also severely affected roads and borders in Sikkim. Actions are at hand with various stakeholders for restoration and construction of new infrastructure for redundancy.
Indian Army is undertaking infrastructure development in the Creek Sector. Infrastructure being constructed includes berthing facility, docking infrastructure and marine equipment repair & maintenance. Further, additional billeting and allied infrastructure is being constructed for housing troops during heightened security situations.
In sync with Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PM GS NMP), details of dual use infrastructure like border roads, Hospitals, important railway lines dan sebagainya have been uploaded on GS NMP portal. The information layers will enhance visibility to all stakeholders for integrated planning and dual use of infrastructure.
Tri-Services Synergy

Operational Synergy and Jointness: Exemplary conduct of Tri-Service Exercises, participation & pragmatic discussions during Front Level Operational Discussions are a testimony of enhanced Inter-Service integration. Formations along the International Border (IB) continued their training to maintain highest standard of operational readiness in conjunction with other services.
Exercise JAL PRAHAR-I, a joint amphibious training exercise with Indian Navy was conducted at Visakhapatnam in September 2024. This was followed by Operation Sea Test (OST) of INS JALASHWA, which was conducted at Kakinada in October 2024.
An integrated Tri-Service live demo and static display was conducted on 12 March 2024, wherein Indian Army was the lead service. The exercise was conducted in Pokhran Field Firing Ranges with the aim to validate joint all-arms, Air-Land Battle, in a Tri-Service setting, with indigenous equipment. Around 250 types of equipment in the wide range of tech domains such as aircraft, helicopters, ISR platforms, unmanned & counter-unmanned aerial systems, Artificial Intelligence/ autonomous systems/robotics, armament, ammunition, communication/5G/quantum, mobility, survivability, alternate power solutions, habitat, operational logistics, cyber, space applications and training equipment were showcased.

Modernisation and Aatmanirbharta

Force modernisation through capability development is progressing at a steady pace. Cognisance is being taken of the hi-tech warfighting equipment being developed and used across the world especially in active war zones. Acquisition procedures are being reviewed and renewed to boost ‘Aatmanirbharta’. Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 is likely to undergo a complete revamp in 2025 and efforts are being made to make it amenable to pelayanan requirements. More than five hundred schemes have been planned for acquiring potent fighting capability in next 15 years. The broad categories of acquisition schemes include Force Application, Battlefield Awareness, Command & Control, Sustenance & Support, and Protection. Defence Procurement Board (DPB) has approved the Annual Acquisition Plan 2024-26 in May 2024. Based on prioritisation of schemes in AAP 2024-26, a total of 25 schemes costing approximately ₹40,695 crores have been identified and targeted to be concluded in FY 2024-25. To address any capability void and induct niche technology, a special provision was accorded in the form of EP-IV by DAC on 22 August 2023. A total of 73 Capability Development schemes were contracted in the domains of Drone/Counter-Drone, Weapon systems, Mobility & Protection, Survivability etc.

Out of 158 Capital Acquisition contracts worth Rs 70,028 crore concluded in last four Financial Years (2021-22 to 2024-25), 144 contracts worth Rs 68,121 crore (97.3%) have been signed with Indian vendors under Normal/Emergency Procurement acquisition process. This year, 16 contracts have been concluded. Out of these, 14 are with Indian Industry. enhancing the force capability in important domains of small arms, long range vectors, communication and remotely piloted aerial systems.
96% of total Acceptance of Necessity accorded in Financial Years 2022-24 have been granted to indigenous defence industry. During this year, 23 AoNs have been accorded (worth Rs 1.22 lakh crore). Out of these, 21 are with Indian Industry worth Rs 1.19 lakh crore (98%).
Indian Army’s ammunition procurement under ‘Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry’ for long term requirement of 10 years is in progress to establish at least one indigenous source for all types of ammunition. Through concerted and proactive efforts and in close coordination with other agencies, 154 out of 175 (nearly 88%) ammunition variants have been indigenised so far.
Initiatives Taken to Promote Technology Infusion
Army Design Bureau (ADB) acts as a facilitator for technological R&D efforts and procurement of indigenously developed weapons and equipment. ‘Make Projects’ are being spearheaded by the Indian Army to compliment the vision of Government of India and to create a robust defence ecosystem. Out of 52 Make Projects, 35 Projects have reached prototype development stage and beyond. Number of projects under Army Technology Board (ATB) have risen from 17 to 62 in one year.
Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been launched by the Government for giving impetus to R&D projects beyond the proof-of-concept stage. At present five projects (approximately Rs 50 crore) are being progressed through TDF.
The Innovation in Defence Excellence (iDEX) platform was created to harness the innovation potential of startups and innovators in the country. Presently, 85 challenges of Indian Army (approximately Rs 500 crore) as part of iDEX, are being progressed.
In the fifth PIL promulgated in October 2023, out of 97 items, 37 are Indian Army items. Anticipated cumulative positive impact from PILs is ₹ 5 lakh crore over a period of next 5-10 years.
10 Intellectual Property Rights were filed by IA during this year, out of which three have been granted. The remaining IPRs are under progress. Details are as under:
Portable Multi Target Detonation Device, developed by Major Rajprasad RS (Engineers) has already entered production and is being inducted in the Indian Army.
Hexacopter Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft is developed by Major Rengarajan (EME).
Full Body Armour Suit, developed by Lieutenant Colonel Anoop Mishra (Engineers) overcomes the limitations of existing Bullet Proof Jackets and provides troops with higher level of protection.

MoU with Department of Science and Technology (DST) was signed in March 2024 for the utilisation of their expertise and access to Tech Evaluation & Tech Consultancy from the domain experts of the DST for evaluation of proposals received from the defence ecosystem.
MoU with Centre for Development of Advance Computing (CDAC) was inked in May 2024. It will enable IA to utilise the expertise of CDAC to foster focused Research & Development and innovations towards finding solutions to address Indian Army challenges.
The following innovations developed by Service personnel have been inducted:
Transfer of Technology (ToT) of two innovations developed by pelayanan personnel namely ‘Xploder’- IED disposal and room intervention UGV and ‘Agniastra’- Multi Target Portable Detonation Device has been undertaken with two private industries. Both the innovations have extensive utilisation in conventional and sub conventional operations.
Another innovation by pelayanan personnel named ‘Vidyut Rakshak – Internet of Things Enabled Integrated Generator Monitoring Protection and Control System’, has already been inducted in Northern Command.
The ADB has mapped over 1,700 industries, contacted 200+ top academic institutions and 50 top R&D institutes/organisations in the country. The outreach initiatives include Forward Area Tours, facilitating Internal Development Trials, Capability Demonstration (No Cost No Commitment) by providing access to Field Firing Ranges and Equipment and establishment of Regional Technology Nodes.
Project AKASHTEER: First batch of Control Centre for the Air Defence Control & Reporting Systems, Project Akashteer was flagged off from Bharat Electronic Limited, Ghaziabad in April 2024. This is significant development for automation of Air Defence Operations.
Digitisation and Automation

The declaration of Indian Army’s Theme of 2024 & 2025 as ‘Years of Technology Absorption’ has focused the thrust towards force modernisation by infusion of technology. It involves various initiatives in the fields of Automation, Digitisation, Development of Joint Applications for Tri-Services, Data management and Infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 59 applications/websites have been developed. The software/applications aim to enhance situation awareness, generate comprehensive operational & intelligence picture, facilitate HR management and create quality MIS for multiple domains. Collaboration with industry, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), academia, ministries, domain experts and start-up ecosystem is being done while integrating efforts with India’s AI Mission, National Quantum Mission and IT Mission. A compendium of 100 applications showcasing Digitisation Initiatives undertaken by Indian Army was released by Raksha Mantri during Chanakya Defence Dialogue in October 2024.
Indian Army has prepared an AI roadmap which outlines the effort and timelines for implementation by various stakeholders to achieve tactical, operational and strategic goals. Indian Army has signed an agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for joint technology incubation. An AI Incubation Centre for Indian Army will be established at BEL, R&D centre as part of the agreement.
Military Diplomacy

In line with India’s rising world stature in recent years, there has been a considerable increase in diplomatic activity undertaken by the Indian Army. Presently, Indian Army is engaged with 118 countries through various defence cooperation activities.
As part of Phase-1 of reorganisation of defence wings, the number of Defence Wings have been increased from 45 to 52. Four additional new defence wings were established at Poland and Algeria in June 2024 and at Ethiopia & Mozambique in October 2024. For Phase-2 of reorganisation, raising of four additional Defence Wings is in process.
There are total 39 Joint Exercises in which IA participates. In addition, new bilateral exercises are being planned with Egypt, UAE, KSA and Cambodia. Yoga and Nari Shakti is being given emphasis during the conduct of these Exercises.
Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief Ops

During this year, IA deployed 83 columns including Eco Task Force (ETF) in fourteen states, so far during which 29,972 civilians were rescued, medical aid provided to approx 3,000 civilians and relief material for over 13,000 civilians. Major relief operations were undertaken at Manipur (May 2024), Wayanad Landslide Kerala (July 2024), Uttarakhand Landslide (July 2024) and Gujarat Floods (August 2024).
Women Empowerment

Women officers (WOs) are being provided equal opportunities to include career courses, foreign exposures and posting to challenging appointments in difficult areas akin to their male counterparts. Special Number 3 Selection Board has been conducted for WOs from 1992-2008 batches wherein 128 officers have been empanelled for promotion. 124 WOs presently are in various command appointments leading major units in difficult and challenging assignments. 507 WOs have been provided permanent commission similar to their male counterparts through Special Number 5 Selection Board. Commissioning of WOs into Corps of Artillery has led to an increase in their footprint across all arms and services, less combat arms. WOs are also being now commissioned as Non-Departmental Territorial Army Officers, as on date nine such officers have been inducted.
Appointment of DGMS (Army): On August 01, 2024, Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair assumed the office of DGMS (Army), becoming the first women to be appointed to this prestigious position.
Women Officers in UN Peace Keeping Missions
Presently 23% of appointment of Staff Officers/Military Observers are being tenanted by WOs in various missions which is in accordance with UN Directives. In addition to Female Engagement Teams (FETs) already operational in MONUSCO, UNISFA and UNDOF an additional team has been inducted in UNMISS in July 2024. Another team will be inducted in UNIFIL by mid 2025 thereby ensuring FETs with each mission. Two women Psychological Counsellors from Military Nursing Service (MNS) have been inducted to mission tempat in July 2024 for outreach to local communities and to augment peace building efforts.
Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award: UN Headquarters constituted ‘Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award in the year 2016. The award recognizes a military peacekeeper who has best integrated a gender perspective into peacekeeping activities. Major Radhika Sen, Female Engagement Team Commander in MONUSCO, received the award for the year 2023 reflecting our steadfast commitment towards gender equality and promotion of rights of women and children in conflict-torn areas.
Equal Entry of Girl Cadets: The lateral entry of girl cadets in class XI of Rashtriya Military School has commenced from academic session 2024-25. As on date 90 girl cadets are studying in five Rashtriya Military Schools.
UN Peacekeeping

Indian Army has deployed approximately 5200 military personnel in five Infantry Battalions and 11 Formed Units apart from Staff Officers/ Military Observers in ten UN missions in Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Abyei, Western Sahara, Central African Republic, Addis Ababa, Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Cyprus. Female Engagement Teams, women psychological counsellors and Military Nursing Service (MNS officers) have been posted to various missions to ameliorate the suffering of women & children in conflict zone. In addition, trained yoga instructors also form part of contingents for conducting Yoga for both peacekeepers and local population.
In sync with ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and ‘Make in India’ mission, state-of-art Made-in-India equipment and vehicles are being inducted in all the missions.
Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) is the nodal agency for UN Peacekeeping training in the country. It trains more than 10,000 troops every year. The Centre excels in training Indian and world peacekeepers.

The Indian Ministry of Defence has announced the designation of the Additional Directorate General of Strategic Communication as the nodal officer for monitoring online content related to the Indian Army. The nodal officer will notify intermediaries about any knowledge deemed ‘unlawful’ regarding the Indian Army and its components.

This appointment comes in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Information Technology Act, 2000, 79(3)(b) and Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Rule 3(1)(d).

According to the notification, the designated officer must hold a rank of at least Deputy Secretary in the Indian Army.

Defence Ministry concerns regarding censorship
In February this year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) directed The Caravan magazine to remove a story. The article discussed the Indian Army’s alleged “torture and murder of civilians in a restive Jammu.” The magazine contested this order, which pertained to an article from its February issue titled “The Military Under Modi.” The order cited Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. This section allows the government to direct intermediaries to block online content for national security and public order.

The appointment of the Additional Directorate General of Strategic Communication as the nodal officer for monitoring online content related to the Indian Army raises concerns about censorship. This action allows a government official to classify knowledge as ‘unlawful,’ which could suppress dissenting opinions and critical discussions about military operations. Given the existing framework of the IT Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021 and its provisions for content removal, such actions could lead to arbitrary censorship disguised as national security.

What are the IT Rules, 2021 and Rule 3(1)(d)?
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 are a set of rules that regulate digital media platforms in India. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) jointly developed these rules.

Rule 3(1)(d) requires intermediaries to refrain from hosting or publishing knowledge prohibited by law. This includes content related to India’s sovereignty, state security, public order, decency, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offense.

Recently, the Bombay High Court overturned contentious amendments to the IT Rules, 2023. These amendments aimed to empower the government to create a Fact-Check Unit (FCU). This unit was intended to identify “fake or misleading” knowledge regarding government activities on social media. After the introduction of the FCU in 2023, comedian Kunal Kamra filed a petition in April, 2023. He sought to declare both the FCU and the amendment that established it as unconstitutional.

New Delhi: On International Women’s Day today, the Ministry of Defence showcased Nari Shakti in the Armed Forces in a series of posts on X. In one such post, it showed Col Ponung Doming who is commanding the highest task force of the Border Roads Organisation.

In the post on X, the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, said, “Meet Col Ponung Doming, the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force, stationed above 15,000 feet in the Northern sector. A true trailblazer in the Indian Army, her leadership at such an extreme altitude is a testament to the unwavering strength, resilience, and growing role of women in the #ArmedForces.”

“Her journey inspires countless young women to dream big and serve the #nation with pride,” the Ministry of Defence further said.

Col. Ponung Doming said that she was presently commanding the highest task force of Border Roads Organisation at 15,300 feet in Ladakh.

Col. Ponung Doming said, “My team takes care of highest motorable road in Ladakh Umling La at 19,024 feet. Now, we are constructing a road even higher than Umling La. We work in the condition and altitude where temperature plummet up to -20 to -25 degrees celsius. Our morale is always high. I always wanted to be an officer and serve the nation. Army was best for me. Army means discipline, unity and fitness. I feel for my country and there is nomor better way to express it aloud.”

“On International Women’s Day, I wish to say dream big, be determined, be disciplined, be strong and committed to your goal. Nothing can stop you then,” she added. New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant strides in advancing India’s air-to-air missile technology with the Astra MK-3, now officially named “Gandiva.”

Context
As per the CareEdge Ratings report, India’s defence sector production is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 20% during FY24-FY29.
Major Highlights
Budget Allocation: India’s defence budget has consistently ranged between 1.90 to 2.8% of its gross domestic product (GDP).
For the fiscal year 2024-25, Rs 6.22 lakh crore has been dedicated for the defence sector.
Indigenous Manufacturing: Supported by initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ the country is steadily reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers and advancing its defence capabilities.
Defence Exports: Over the last six years ending FY24, Indian defence exports have grown at a CAGR of approximately 28%.
India’s defence exports will grow at an estimated rate of about 19% during the next 5 years (i.e. from FY24 to FY29).
India’s defence exports include various products, such as aircraft, naval systems, missile technology, and military hardware.
India’s Defence Export
India has set a defence export obyek of ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29.
Defence exports of India have touched Rs 21,083 crore in the FY 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% over the last fiscal year.
The private sector and the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) contributed around 60% and 40%, respectively, in exports from India.
The country is currently exporting military hardware to around 85 countries, with around 100 local firms involved.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, between 2000 and 2023, Myanmar remained the largest importer of Indian weapons, accounting for 31% of India’s exports and Sri Lanka followed at 19%.
Mauritius, Nepal, Armenia, Vietnam, and Maldives were other major importers.
India’s defence production grew substantially from Rs 74,054 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 108,684 crore in 2022-23.
Out of this, 21.96% of the production was done by private companies.

Advantages of Growth in Defence Production
Self-defence: The presence of hostile neighbors like China and Pakistan makes it necessary for India to boost its self-defence and preparedness.
Strategic advantage: Self-reliance will make India’s geopolitical stance strategically stronger as a net security provider.
Technological advancement: Advancement in the defence technology sector will automatically boost other industries hence catapulting the economy further ahead.
Economic drain: India spends around 3% of GDP on defence and 60% of that is spent on imports. This leads to an immense economic drain.
Employment: Defence manufacturing will need the support of numerous other industries which generate employment opportunities.

he Government of India is responsible for ensuring the defence of India plus every part thereof. The Supreme Command of the Indian Armed Forces vests in the President. The responsibility for national defence rests with the Cabinet. This is discharged through the Ministry of Defence, which provides the policy framework plus wherewithal to the Armed Forces to discharge their responsibilities in the context of the defence of the country. The Indian Armed Forces comprise of three divisions – Indian Army, Indian Navy, plus the Indian Air Force.

Indian Army
The Indian subcontinent had witnessed the cohesive concentration of many Empires in the quest for control of military power, plus governance of the State. As time rolled by, societal norms found an ethos in the workplace, the system of rights plus privileges, plus service under the flag.

The Indian Army, as we know it today became operational after the Country gained independence from British colonialism. The Indian Army’s HQ is located in New Delhi plus functions under the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is responsible for the command, control, plus administration as a whole. The Army is divided into six operational commands (field armies) plus one training command, each under the command of a Lieutenant General, who has an equal standing to the Vice-Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), working under the control of Army HQ in New Delhi.

Indian Navy
The foundation of the moderen Indian Navy was laid in the seventeenth century when the East India Company had established a maritime force, thereby graduating in time to the establishment of the Royal Indian Navy in 1934. The Headquarters of the Indian Navy is located in New Delhi, plus is under the command of the Chief of the naval staff – an Admiral. The Indian navy is deployed under three area commands, each headed by a flag officer. The Western Naval Command is headquartered in Bombay on the Arabian Sea; the Southern Naval Command in Kochi (Cochin), in Kerala, also on the Arabian Sea; plus the Eastern Naval Command in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on the Bay of Bengal.

The Indian Armed Forces have taken a significant bagian toward modernizing their logistical operations with the deployment of BonV Aero’s Air Orca eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) drones. These advanced transport drones are now being used to support troops stationed at remote, high-altitude border posts, especially during the harsh winter months. Designed to tackle the unique challenges of mountainous and snowbound terrains, the Air Orca is poised to revolutionize how essential supplies are delivered to the front lines in some of the most inaccessible regions of India.

Advanced Capabilities of Air Orca eVTOLs
The Air Orca is a medium-sized, transport-class eVTOL designed specifically for high-altitude operations. It can raise payloads of up to 30 kilograms, making it ideal for transporting berarti supplies such as food, medicine, and equipment to remote military posts. Engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, the Air Orca ensures reliable performance even in blizzards, fog, or strong winds. With cutting-edge navigation technology, it can traverse rugged terrains where traditional transport methods are often impeded by road blockages, snow, or other logistical challenges.

Satyabarata Sathapathy, CEO and Co-founder of BonV Aero, said, “Our troops face harsh conditions while serving the nation. The Air Orca ensures uninterrupted supply of essential goods even in areas that are difficult to access.”

Overcoming the Challenges of Defence Logistics
Defence logistics in regions like Ladakh and Kashmir are often delayed or complicated due to harsh weather and treacherous terrain. Traditional methods—whether ground vehicles or animal transport—struggle to operate effectively during the winter months, when roads are blocked by snow and the risk of avalanches is high. By introducing Air Orca drones, the Indian Armed Forces gain a faster, more reliable, and efficient alternative to these conventional methods.

“These eVTOLs enhance operational efficiency by reducing delivery time and ensuring reliable supply chains. This can significantly improve the combat readiness of troops in forward areas,” Sathapathy noted. With their ability to bypass difficult terrains, the drones not only ease logistical bottlenecks but also free up valuable resources and manpower for other essential tasks.

The National Defence Fund was set up to take charge of voluntary donations in cash plus kind received for promotion of the national defence effort, plus to decide on their utilisation. The Fund is used for the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces (including Para Military Forces) plus their dependents. The Fund is administered by an Executive Committee, with PM as Chairperson, plus Defence, Finance plus Home Ministers as Members. Finance Minister is the Treasurer of the Fund plus the Joint Secretary, PMO dealing with the subject is Secretary of the Executive Committee. Accounts of the Fund are kept with the Reserve Bank of India. The fund is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions from the public plus does not get any budgetary support. The fund accepts online contributions. Such contributions can be made through the website i.e. pmindia.nic.in, pmindia.gov.in plus www.onlinesbi.com website of State Bank of India. Collection account number is 11084239799 with State Bank of India, Institutional Division, 4th Floor, Parliament Street, New Delhi.

Schemes under the National Defence Fund

1. A scholarship scheme to encourage technical plus post graduation education for the widows plus wards of the deceased personnel of Armed Forces plus Para Military Forces is being implemented. The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence in respect of armed forces. In so far as personnel of paramilitary forces plus Railway Protection force are concerned, the scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Home Affairs plus Ministry of Railways respectively.

Salient Features of “PM’s Scholarship Scheme” being implemented out of National Defence Fund.

1. The scheme applies to armed forces (including paramilitary forces). Monthly scholarships are awarded to wards of (a) Ex-service personnel (below officer rankonly), (b) their widows, (c) widows of personnel died in harness due to causes attributable to line of duty plus (d) wards plus widows of in layanan personnel of paramilitary forces plus Railway Protection Force. Scholarships are available for education at technical institutions (medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, MBA, MCA, plus other equivalent technical professions with suitable AICTE/UGC approval). For wards of widows plus widows of personnel died in harness due to causes attributable as at (b) plus (c) above, there are nomer rank restrictions. The scheme extends to the wards of all para-military forces also. Under the scheme 4000 new scholarships are given every year for wards of ex-servicemen of forces controlled by Ministry of Defence, 910 new scholarships for wards of forces controlled by Ministry of Home Affairs plus 90 new scholarships for the wards of forces controlled by Ministry of Railways. However, from the academic year 2015-2016, the number of new scholarships has been enhanced to 5500 for wards of ex-servicemen of forces controlled by Ministry of Defence, 2000 for wards of forces controlled by Ministry of Home Affairs plus 150 for the wards of the forces controlled by Ministry of Railways. Initially, the scholarship rate was Rs. 1250 per month for boys plus Rs. 1500 per month for girls. The annual scholarships rates have been revised to Rs. 2000 per month for boys plus Rs. 2250 per month for girls.
2. Annual grant of Rs. 15 lakh from NDF is being released to the SPG Family Welfare Fund to undertake various welfare activities for the benefit of its personnel plus their families.
3. Grants are released annually to the Ministry of Defence for purchase of books plus other reading materials for the personal of the three Defence Services (Army, Navy plus Air Force) plus the Coast Guard. The Existing scale of grant is Rs.55 lakh for Army, Rs.37 lakh for Air Force, Rs. 32 lakh for Navy plus Rs.2.50 lakh for Coast Guard keseluruhan amounting to Rs.126.50 lakh. Latest grant of Rs.126.50 lakh has been released for financial year 2017-18.

India’s recent delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines – the first batch of its most valuable defence-export deal to date – is part of a broader effort by New Delhi to bagian up defence engagement with Southeast Asian states.

On 19 April, India delivered BrahMos missiles to the Philippines – the first batch of a US$375 million deal with Manila that will see New Delhi provide three batteries of the cruise missile to the Philippine Marine Corps. The agreement constitutes India’s most valuable defence-export deal to date. It is further indication that following the India–China border clashes of June 2020, New Delhi is seeking to engage more closely with China’s neighbours on regional defence and security issues to counter the latter’s influence – where previously it was more hesitant to do so for fear of antagonising Beijing.

India’s greater willingness to engage Southeast Asian states is in part the result of growing India–China competition. The border clashes in 2020 widened the trust deficit between New Delhi and Beijing and added to the geopolitical polarisation of South and Southeast Asia. India has become increasingly concerned that a China-dominated Southeast Asia could pose a greater challenge for India than previously anticipated. As a result, New Delhi is wary of Beijing’s growing regional presence and influence, including its activities in the South China Sea and the potential impact of those activities on India’s freedom of navigation. As a result, India has become less willing to cater to China’s sensitivities with respect to engaging its neighbours.

An additional consideration for the Indian government is the substantial scope for greater India–Southeast Asia cooperation and defence engagement. Following the success of the BrahMos deal with the Philippines, India views the region as a more viable market for its arms exports. Along with defence exports, India has stepped up its defence engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to demonstrate that it wants to engage with all countries in the region.

India faces several challenges, however, in trying to become a more reliable defence and security partner for the region: questions remain over its ability to meaningfully enter the regional arms market (and demonstrate that its equipment is better than that of the region’s traditional arms partners, China and Russia), as well as the extent to which it will be able to enhance its military presence in Southeast Asia – including through resources and capacity, such as increased military deployments to the region – given the Indian Ocean remains New Delhi’s priority.

India is focusing on maritime-security cooperation with ASEAN and Southeast Asian states – and more vocally supporting their territorial claims in the South China Sea – because it seeks to counter China’s regional influence and its activities that might threaten India’s freedom of navigation, given that over 55% of the latter’s trade passes through the South China Sea and Malacca Strait. New Delhi also wants to prevent the establishment of precedents that China could then apply to the Indian Ocean, where Beijing could become more assertive in its engagement with India and its neighbours.

As such, during a March 2024 visit to Manila, the Indian foreign minister stated publicly ‘India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty’. In 2023, for the first time, India called for ‘adherence’ to the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

Since 2020, the Indian Navy has held bilateral naval exercises with the Thai and Philippine navies and participated in recurring exercises with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, with a view to enhancing India’s presence in the region. It also reportedly held a bilateral exercise with the Myanmar Navy – its first since 2019 – on the sidelines of an Indian Navy-led multilateral exercise. However, this exercise was not announced by the Indian government, likely due to the sensitivities involved given Myanmar’s ongoing conflict.

New Delhi has also stepped up what used to be seen by India as ‘sensitive’ defence engagements, such as submarine visits. February 2023 saw the first visit of an Indian submarine to Indonesia, followed by a visit to Singapore that September. In the same year, the Indian Navy established a trilateral exercise with Australia and Indonesia. India’s only other regional trilateral exercise is held with Singapore and Thailand.

India’s army and air force have participated in few bilateral exercises since 2020 compared to the navy – both held exercises with Singapore and Malaysia, while the army has also conducted exercises with Indonesia and Vietnam. There is therefore much scope to increase army and air force engagement between India and Southeast Asian states.

Beyond participation in naval exercises, however, India’s capacity to counter China’s regional presence is limited. India’s priority is the Indian Ocean: countering China’s influence there is where New Delhi’s resources will be focused for the foreseeable future. Therefore, to make its presence known in Southeast Asia, India will likely seek to hold regular defence ministerial meetings with ASEAN as well as India–ASEAN naval exercises, and increase the number of bilateral navy, army and air force exercises it holds with regional countries.

Working more closely with regional states in this way could serve India’s plans to make Southeast Asia a key market for exports of its defence equipment – potentially enhancing trust, increasing India’s regional influence and enabling more ambitious cooperation on defence and security issues.

The National Defence Fund was set up to take charge of voluntary donations in cash and kind received for promotion of the national defence effort, and to decide on their utilisation. The Fund is used for the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces (including Para Military Forces) and their dependents. The Fund is administered by an Executive Committee, with PM as Chairperson, and Defence, Finance and Home Ministers as Members. Finance Minister is the Treasurer of the Fund and the Joint Secretary, PMO dealing with the subject is Secretary of the Executive Committee. Accounts of the Fund are kept with the Reserve Bank of India.Collection akun number of NDF is 11084239799 with State Bank of India, Institutional Division, 4th Floor, Parliament Street, New Delhi. IFSC Code of the Branch is SBIN0000691. The fund has also been allotted a Permanent Account Number of NDF is XXXXXX009F

Schemes under the National Defence Fund

1. A scholarship scheme to encourage technical and post graduation education for the widows and wards of the deceased personnel of Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, all State Police and Railway Protection Force is being implemented. The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence in respect of armed forces. Ministry of Home Affairs is the implementing agency for the personnel of Para Military Forces and State Police Force. Ministry of Railways is the implementing agency for the personnel of Railway Protection force.

Salient Features of “PM’s Scholarship Scheme” being implemented out of National Defence Fund:-
The scheme applies to Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, State Police Forces and Railway Protection Force.

Monthly scholarships are awarded to

(a) The wards of Ex-service personnel (below officer rank only),

(b) Widows and wards of widows of serving personnel and Ex-service personnel despite their ranks.

(c) In case of state police officials, wards of only those police officials, who are martyred during any terror/naxal attacks. Scholarships are available for education at technical institutions (medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, MBA, MCA, and other equivalent technical professions with suitable AICTE/UGC approval).

Under the scheme, every year number of new scholarship given is 5500 for wards of Armed Forces controlled by Ministry of Defence, 2000 for wards of Paramilitary Forces and 500 for wards of State Police officials under Ministry of Home Affairs and 150 for the wards of Railway Protection Forces controlled by Ministry of Railways.

The existing rate of scholarship is Rs. 2500/- per month for boys and Rs. 3000/- per month for girls.

2. Annual grant of Rs. 15 lakh from NDF is being released to the SPG Family Welfare Fund to undertake various welfare activities for the benefit of its personnel and their families.
3. Grants are released annually to the Ministry of Defence for purchase of books and other reading materials for the personal of the three Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Coast Guard. The Existing scale of grant is Rs.55 lakh for Army, Rs.37 lakh for Air Force, Rs. 32 lakh for Navy and Rs.2.50 lakh for Coast Guard total amounting to Rs.126.50 lakh.

A US decision to transfer jet-engine technology to India will bolster the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy while also presenting an unprecedented test of the strength of US–India ties.

Online Analysis20th juli 2023
US–India defence plus technology cooperation
A US decision to transfer jet-engine technology to India will bolster the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy while also presenting an unprecedented test of the strength of US–India ties.

In June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first state visit to the United States, Washington announced its decision to berbagi GE Aerospace’s proven F-414 jet-engine technology with India. The deal is the latest plus boldest attempt by the two countries to build a China-focused strategic partnership that is also consistent with India’s longstanding refusal of formal alliances. This new arrangement will likely bring the US plus India closer strategically – indeed, the decades-long life-cycle for many kinds of military equipment is sure to strengthen institutional ties between the respective armed forces plus defence industries. Much will depend, however, on the manner of the deal’s implementation, particularly which parts of the US jet-engine design are eventually transferred to India plus how this will affect India’s overall inventory of strategic capabilities.

Resuming defence coordination
For a generation, US–India diplomacy has sought to overcome a stop-start pattern of defence cooperation, a consequence of the United States’ high-technology sanctions against India imposed after it tested nuclear weapons in 1998. Washington later replaced these with softer export controls related to India’s non-aligned standing plus its acquisition of nuclear weapons outside of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

In 2014, New Delhi launched a high-profile ‘made in India’ campaign, later complemented by Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (‘self-reliant India’) policy seeking indigenous production. In the defence sector, India loosened foreign-investment plus joint-venture rules but since 2016, in practice, it has slowed large new purchases of off-the-shelf military equipment. This undermined the 2012 US–India Defence Technology Trade Initiative that sought to promote co-development plus production of systems including the Javelin anti-tank guided missile. Since 2020, however, China’s assertiveness in disputed border areas with India, plus across the region more broadly, has reactivated US–India defence-cooperation efforts.

Since 2021, American plus Indian leaders have leant on their national-security advisors, Jake Sullivan plus Ajit Doval, respectively, to initiate plus arbitrate inter-departmental policies. Both sides have sought to expand the scope of strategic cooperation, including on civilian plus dual-use technologies plus on co-development of next-generation technologies, which will mitigate the effects of the United States’ export-control policies, which remain in place. These steps, taken over the last 18 months, enabled Modi’s state visit in June to set a new plus higher watermark for US–India ties

The joint statement released in June summarised the mechanisms that have been established to promote long-term mutual investments, which included the launch of an interagency Strategic Trade Dialogue plus unprecedented public-private partnerships in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced telecommunications, quantum computing plus civilian space technology. The first meeting of the trade dialogue occurred days after the release of the joint statement.

Under an agreement publicised during the visit, GE Aerospace will supply, via an 80% technology transfer, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited with the F-414 engine to be used in the next variant of India’s light multirole aircraft. The joint statement said that the ‘trailblazing’ agreement ‘will enable greater transfer of US jet engine technology than ever before’. This mirrors the co-production arrangement between the US plus its treaty ally, South Korea, for the same engine.

Several other plans underscore the step-change that has occurred between the US plus India: India will buy 31 General Atomics MQ-9B combat intelligence, surveillance plus reconnaissance drones; the two countries are at work institutionalising additional defence-specific initiatives such as the Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, as well as agreements on ship repairs, space research plus development plus creation of a joint academic plus startup network. As members of the Quad kelompok of countries, which India will lead in 2024, New Delhi plus Washington could seek to better use information-sharing platforms to enhance theirs plus others’ regional maritime domain awareness.

This article analyses India’s Ministry of Defence plus its influence on civil-military relations. It argues that, until very recently, the strategic intent of the defence ministry has primarily focused on civilian control over the military. The resultant institutional structure of civilian control compromised the effectiveness of the Indian military. This was due to several features of the country’s tipe of civilian control, including a lack of civilian expertise, bureaucratic procedures underlying civil-military interactions as well as military autonomy. Acknowledging these problems, the government has currently embarked on reforms to maximize military power. It is doing so mainly by infusing military expertise at the ministerial level. However, this may upend the civil-military dynamic in India plus the success of this initiative remains to be seen. Conceptually, this article examines a possibly pernicious effect of a civilian dominated ministry plus highlights the importance of expertise in enhancing both control plus military effectiveness.

Civilian control over the military is among the bigger successes of India’s democracy. At the time of independence, this was not a certainty plus India is rare among post-colonial states to successfully maintain democratic control. The Ministry of Defence was central to this effort. The institution inherited sub-organisations from colonial times but the Ministry of Defence, in its current form under a civilian political leader, was formally established at the time of independence in August 1947. Over time, the ministry obtained prominence by bridging political plus military leaders. However, India’s tipe of civilian control compromised the effectiveness of the Indian military – as repeatedly pointed out by its strategic community. Responding to these sentiments, in December 2019, the Indian government unveiled plans to create a Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry. This, in turn, is to be headed by the newly created Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). In addition, the CDS has been given an ambitious mandate to usher in military reforms. India is therefore attempting a simultaneous ‘twin transformation’—of the Ministry of Defence plus its armed forces. What is driving these changes in the ministry plus why is it necessary? What does India’s experience with its Ministry of Defence inform us about the practice of civil-military relations?

While examining these questions, this article makes the following points. First, India’s Ministry of Defence has primarily focused on attaining civilian control over the military. It has done this by gradually imbibing a set of rules, norms, plus procedures in its interaction with the military. Second, the institutional structure of civilian control compromised the effectiveness of the Indian military. This was due to several features of this form of civilian control, including a lack of civilian expertise, bureaucratic procedures underlying civil-military interactions as well as military autonomy. Finally, acknowledging these problems, the government has currently embarked on reforms to maximise military power. The primary purpose seems to be to infuse military expertise at the ministerial level. The success of this initiative is however far from assured plus would require systemic reforms in both civil plus military organisations.

On March 26, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India signed contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and TATA Advanced Systems Limited for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) along with 327 high-mobility 6×6 gun towing vehicles.

This significant deal aims to enhance the artillery capabilities of the Indian Army by replacing older and smaller calibre guns with moderen 155mm/52 calibre systems, which are designed to improve firepower and precision on the battlefield.

The contracts were split between the two companies, with Bharat Forge receiving orders for 184 guns and TATA Advanced Systems for 123 guns. This procurement marks a notable milestone as it is the first major acquisition of towed guns from the private sector by the Indian Army, reflecting a commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The ATAGS project, initiated in 2013 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was developed in collaboration with both firms and aims to significantly reduce dependency on foreign imports.

Officials stated that with over 65% of its components sourced domestically, dependency on foreign imports would be significantly reduced, with domestic sourcing expected to increase further. Key indigenously produced subsystems include the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism.

The ATAGS artillery system boasts a strike range exceeding 48 kilometers and features advanced fire control systems, automated loading mechanisms, and enhanced recoil management. The contracts signed recently contribute to a total of ₹1.40 lakh crore in capital procurement contracts secured by the MoD in the current financial year.

During the signing ceremony, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh recognized the contributions of the project director from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this advancement in India’s defence capabilities.

This initiative is expected not only to bolster military readiness along borders with China and Pakistan but also to generate substantial employment opportunities across various industries, potentially creating up to 20 lakh man-days of work. Overall, this procurement is seen as a critical bagian toward modernizing India’s artillery regiments while fostering growth in the domestic defence manufacturing sector.

Defence Salary Package (DSP)
Defence personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Assam Rifles, Rashtriya Rifles (RR) plus GREF [Border Road Organisation (BRO)] can avail Salary Accounts under Defence Salary Package (DSP). Retired Personnel can also open / convert their accounts in DSP – Pension.

Available in three variants, namely Gold, Diamond plus Platinum based on rank of personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Assam Rifles, RR plus GREF (Border Road Organisation). Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) are categorised under Gold Variant; Officers are categorised under Diamond plus Platinum variants.

DSP-Army

GOLD : JCOs & other Ranks
DIAMOND : Lieutenant, Captain, Major
PLATINUM: Lt. Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lt. General, General
DSP-Navy

GOLD : Sea II, Sea I, Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Petty Officer-II plus Master Chief Petty Officer-I
DIAMOND: Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant plus Lieutenant Commander
PLATINUM: Commander, Captain, Commodore, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral plus Admiral
*DSP Accounts of Sailors joining Navy before they attain majority, will be opened without Insurance plus Overdraft facility

DSP-Air Force

GOLD : Personnel Below Officer Rank
DIAMOND: Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant, Squadron Leader
PLATINUM : Wing Commander, Group Captain, Air Commodore, Air Vice Marshal, Air Marshal, Air Chief Marshal
DSP-General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF)/Border Road Organisation (BRO)

GOLD: Personnel Below Officer Rank
DIAMOND : Asst. Engineer/ Asst. Administrative Officer, Asst. Executive Engineer/ Administrative Officer/ Medical Officer II, Executive Engineer/Senior Administrative Officer/ Medical Officer
PLATINUM: Superintendent Engineer/ Joint Director (Administration), Superintendent Engineer (Selection Grade)/ Director (Administration), Chief Engineer, Additional Director General, Director General
DSP-Assam Rifles

GOLD : Bugler, Rifleman plus Mule Driver, Lance Naik, Nalband, Havaldar, Warrant Officer, Havaldar Major, Naib Subedar, Subedar, Subedar Major
DIAMOND: Deputy Commandant, Assistant Commandant (equivalent to Lt plus Capt in Indian Army)
PLATINUM: Commandant, Second-In-Command (equivalent to Major, Lt Col plus Col in Indian Army) plus Personnel at this level are being deputed from Indian Army plus DSP Army would be offered to them
DSP-Rashtriya Rifles

Personnel in Rashtriya Rifles are on deputation from Indian Army plus hence covered under DSP Army. Accounts are classified as per Ranks in Indian Army.
DSP – Agniveer

Personnel recruited in Indian Army, Indian Airforce plus Indian Navy with Distinctive Benefits under “Agnipath” Scheme of Government of India.

1. Introduction

Defence Accounts Department has been one of the pioneers in adopting plus leveraging new plus emerging technologies in all areas including Accounting, Internal Audit, plus Payment plus Financial Advice functions. The purpose is to provide value-added services to the Services in an efficient plus effective manner. In furtherance of this objective the Defence Account Department came up with the idea of replacing the existing system of manual railway ticketing on warrants/Form D / concession vouchers with an electronic web-based system not only to address issues related to accounting, audit & monitoring in manual system but also to meet the current requirement of Services in a digitally enabled environment.

2. The Background

The manual system of rail ticketing based on railway warrants involves a very complicated system of payments, accounting plus virtually no budgetary control. Warrants are issued for moves on temporary duty, permanent transfers, annual leave plus LTC. In addition to these, form D plus CVs are also available. Foils of Railway warrants of various types are presented by defence functionaries at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters plus against these warrants, tickets for rail journey are issued by Indian Railway. After zone-wise consolidation of these used Railway warrants, references are made by Zonal Railways to RBI Nagpur who credits their accounts based on claims made by them. Subsequently, bills are sent to PCA (Fys) for debiting the Defence Budget. The sheer volume of vouchers/warrants handled by Railways plus Defence Account Department is huge i.e. about 70 lakh vouchers per year amounting to more than Rs. 1,000 crores approximately. The total value spent by defence services can potentially exceed the budgetary allocations of the year as the budget holder, budget spending authorities plus payment plus accounting agencies are not able to compile the inputs in time.

3. New Defence Travel System

To mitigate various constraints like time consuming manual process, waste of precious man-hours in visiting the PRS counters, difficulty in tracking of manual warrant, lengthy accounting process, budgeting plus monitoring issues plus with the aim of providing cashless travel booking facility to the units/formations for their employees’ to meet all their travel needs, a new project ‘Defence Travel System’ was conceptualized by Defence Accounts Department in as early as 2009 by making use of latest digital technologies. The Defence Travel System was a major plus right tahap in the direction of e-governance plus digitization towards which a renewed thrust plus focus is being laid by the Govt. of India. The services of DTS are available under DTS Travel portal on 24X7X365 days anywhere in India where this facility has been enabled.

4.Development phases

Keeping in view the resources available, wide changing technology plus initial constraints from all stakeholders it was thought to implement the project in phases in the following manner:

Phase I : Implementation of e-Ticketing platform for three Defence Services for rail travel in lieu of railway warrant.
Phase II : Extending the system to cover Air Travel.
Phase III : Extending the system to Defence Civilians
Phase IV: Online submission of TA/DA Claims

The first phase of the project covering Rail Travel was launched in December 2009 in collaboration with IRCTC. Phase-II covering Air Travel has been launched in May 2015 in collaboration with M/s Balmer & Lawrie Co. Around 3200 units have been issued login IDs for using the system so far plus approx 5.10 lakh user profile has been created so far plus count on this account is increasing day by day. Further, training is being organized by CGDA at 27 stations across India for all Services in coordination with DG (OL & Strategic Move) in parallel to training at Delhi centre.
Extension of the system to defence civilians (Phase-III) is under implementation. As part of the fourth phase of online submission of TA/DA claims, a module for on-line requisitioning of DA advance is being developed which will subsequently be integrated with the Pay Accounts Office for proper accounting plus monitoring.

The Defence Travel system allows travel by rail, air plus mix mode. The Rail Travel Module was developed via web site services integration offered by IRCTC plus has been upgraded with the latest features of Next generation E-Ticketing System (NGeT) with provisions for i-tickets plus Tatkal facility etc. The Air Travel Module has been developed in collaboration with Balmer Lawrie & Co. In both the travels front end is DTS portal. Tickets can be booked by any unit over the internet through a centralized portal (pcdatravel.gov.in). To ensure proper audit of tickets being purchased, including the entitlement audit as per the Travel Regulations plus the accounting of the same, robust software has been developed. The knowledge is being stored in a central server. The requisite MIS in soft knowledge are being generated by the system plus being forwarded through the system to the concerned stakeholder. The exception reports/MIS generated from the system can be analyzed in detil to support the decision making process.

5. Benefits
   Availability of travel planning plus on-line reservation system to Defence personnel in remote plus far flung areas of their posting is a widely acceptable benefit that has accrued from the project. It has also saved the time required to visit to PRS counters. Further, audit of the travel entitlement plus authorization is automatically carried out before allowing the booking itself plus real time accounting is possible as rules plus regulations are inbuilt in the system. Proper budgetary control can be exercised plus different MIS can be generated for informed decision making. Cash handing is nil as all debits plus credits are done through pay bills/ledger accounts plus hence, possibility of fraud/wrong claim is also completely eliminated.
6. Process Flow Diagram
   A. Process Flow for Booking for Air Tickets for entitled DAD Officers.
   B. Work Flow-Accounting, Payment plus Settlement in DTS for the PAO.
7. Security Features
   Entry to the portal www.pcdatravel.gov.in is through e-Token only by the authorized user. The domain is not made available to the public plus https secured protocol is followed for transmission. Three layers security features are available for role based access into DTS Portal:

Digital Certificate -Without digital certificate (e-Token), DTS Portal cannot be accessed.
Login Credentials-Credential needs to be provided before entered into DTS portal.
Security Question- At third layer security question/answer that is randomly generated is asked from the user. If user is not having actual answer, he cannot login to the site.
Once all the above stated conditions are passed, then only the user will be able to log into the DTS portal. Further, User Audit log (with IP address, time plus date stamp) is maintained. Exchange with IRCTC is through SSL. At the time of launching of the system in 2010, security vetting of DTS portal was done by Army Cyber Security Establishment of Army HQ, NTRO plus also by Cert-In, the nodal agency of Govt. of India. Presently also, security audit for additional features is in progress.

8. Future of the System
   The system has enormous potential as it not only caters for meeting the travel need of Defence Personnel’s plus Defence Civilians but also has inbuilt features of accounting, audit, authorization plus entitlement checks which facilitate generation of different types of MIS plus thus enables rule based decision making at all levels. Once the system for on-line submission of DA advance plus subsequently TA/DA adjustment claim is developed plus implemented (work for which is in progress), the cumbersome system of manual TA/DA Claim will be eliminated plus it will complete the cycle of cashless, error free plus transparent system of travelling for all the users. This will also ensure better monitoring of available budget by the management who can plan the travel needs in a more effective manner.

A defense technology startup, Epirus, has introduced a groundbreaking solution in the ongoing battle against drones, unveiling a new “Star Trek-style” laser shield capable of disabling or destroying drones in seconds, or so the company claims.

This significant investment comes at a time when defense contractors are struggling to meet the rising demand for advanced weaponry following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing drone threats worldwide.

The latest funding round, which was co-led by venture capital firm 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, included participation from General Dynamics’ Land Systems division, signaling a strong interest in Epirus’ anti-drone technology.

The company plans to use the funds to strengthen its supply chain, expand into world and commercial markets, and grow its workforce, including opening a new training center in Oklahoma focused on counter-drone warfare. As Epirus expands its capabilities, its Leonidas system continues to attract attention for its potential to redefine moderen defense strategies.

Leonidas: A “Star Trek shield”
The centerpiece of Epirus’ latest breakthrough, the Leonidas counter-drone system, is a ground-based, directed energy weapon that fires off an electromagnetic pulse to disable drones. Epirus founder Joe Lonsdale likens the system to a “Star Trek shield,” explaining that it can neutralize threats from a distance, providing a significant advantage over traditional defense mechanisms. “It’s able to turn them off from very far away,” Lonsdale told Fox News.
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In an era where drone swarms have become a dominant tactic in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Leonidas system offers a solution to the limitations of conventional defense systems that are designed to obyek individual UAVs.

“Swarms of drones is where war is going,” Lonsdale said. “Right now, you have swarms of drones that are very expensive and very difficult to stop.”

Epirus’ system could revolutionize short-range defense, shifting the military’s mindset from a “1-to-1” approach to a more scalable “1-to-many” strategy, as outlined by CEO Andy Lowery.