India celebrated the Indian Army Day on January 15, 2024 with the usual pomp and show with the main parade held in Lucknow for the first time. On this occasion, SP’s Land Forces Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal met Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and discussed the ongoing transition of the Indian Army under the ‘Modernisation & Technology Infusion’ process. The COAS emphasised it as a balanced approach between platform-centric capabilities and technology-centric enhancements and that the army is actively adopting niche and advanced technologies, collaborating with academia, startups, and industry to transform into a more agile and self-reliant force.

Regarding counter-drone capabilities, General Pande said that the Indian Army is addressing the threat through industry collaboration, DRDO efforts, and in-house initiatives. Talking about the Compendium of Problem Definition Statements (CPDS) 2023, the Army Chief said that the Army has received 462 project proposals from industry and academia, with 22 projects already initiated, contributing to advancing operational capabilities and indigenous R&D.

Regarding evolving geopolitical situations, the COAS acknowledged the dynamic nature of doctrinal precepts, drawing lessons from conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. The focus remains on capability development across the spectrum of conflict, emphasising self-reliance and adapting operational philosophy to changing technologies.

The interview with General Pande concludes with insights into the Indian Army’s commitment to achieving better jointness and tri-service integration. Initiatives such as theaterisation, Integrated Capability Development System (ICADS), Joint Logistics Nodes, and Joint Training Institutions are highlighted as steps towards enhanced interoperability and joint operations.

Similar thoughts were echoed by the Army Chief in his annual press conference prior to the Army Day celebrations and asserted that the Indian Army will observe the year 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ - a theme that underscores the Army’s focus and efforts to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge and disruptive technologies to enhance battlefield effectiveness is highlighted in the article on Modernisation of Indian Army by Manish Kumar Jha that covers the Indian Army’s quest for greater fire power guided by General Manoj Pande’s vision of tech-driven army with next-gen combat capabilities.

The 75th Republic Day (RD) parade on January 26, 2024, showcased a historic display of India’s raw combat power, featuring all-women contingents from the armed services, paramilitary forces, ISRO, and DRDO. In his RD Parade report, Major General Atanu Pattanaik (Retd) highlights that for the first time, the Republic Day Parade had an all-women tri-services contingent, marking a significant moment for ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) in India. The decision to focus on female empowerment during the 75th year of independence addresses gender equality challenges in the armed forces, with efforts to increase women’s representation and grant permanent commissions.

All this and a lot more. Happy Reading!