Aligning its target with the Ministry of Defence declaring 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, the Indian Army said that it’s already observing 2023 to 2032 as “Decade of Transformation” and the latest government push will provide strategic direction and impetus to their long-term efforts.

The Army’s comprehensive approach to reform is anchored across five key pillars: Jointness and Integration, Force Restructuring, Modernisation and Technology Infusion, Systems and Processes, and Human Resource Management, said Army sources.

With the MoD keen on announcing jointness of the tri-services this year, the Army said proactive steps are being taken to facilitate the seamless rollout of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs).

Initiatives such as joint doctrines, shared tactics, and cross-service staffing between the Army, Navy, and Air Force are fostering a synchronised approach to operations, officials stated.

The integration of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and inter-ministerial postings are further enhancing interoperability, creating an ecosystem of shared understanding, synchronized capability development, and operational efficiency.

New domains

New domains such as cyber, space, and artificial intelligence (AI) have opened unprecedented opportunities. The Indian Army said it’s resolute in its focus on harnessing indigenous solutions in AI, machine learning, hypersonic technology, and robotics to bolster its capabilities.

The creation of specialised units to leverage niche technologies and newer domains is under active consideration, with existing structures being revamped to facilitate combined arms operations in a multi-domain environment.

The Army is undertaking a thorough review of legacy practices and structures to enhance operational efficiency. Delayering organisational hierarchies, digitising processes, and implementing in-house automated solutions are integral to this overhaul, the officials elaborated.

Procurement procedures are being streamlined in coordination with stakeholders to ensure reduced timelines and greater alignment with the technology curve, enabling faster and more effective acquisition of critical assets.