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.