Transform the army into one that can deter war or be ready to fight it
reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) systems and failsafe precision guided strike munitions. In view of perennial budgetary constraints, the Indian army will need to carefully assess as to which of the field formations must be armed with these sophisticated force multiplier capabilities; for example, the Strike Corps which are designed to launch offensive operations. The army’s manpower-intensive deployment on the northern borders can be reduced to a large extent by employing modern RSTA resources backed by readily available reserves.
New vulnerabilities are appearing on the horizon with alarming regularity. Cyber security is posing a huge challenge. This is one field in which India’s famed expertise in developing software can be exploited to advantage.
“Non-contact” warfare techniques are gaining currency. For example, measures designed to harm a country’s economic stability are adding to the challenges to be overcome by security planners. While decades-old insurgencies in the north-eastern states are coming under control, the emergence of new internal security challenges like being called upon to deal with left wing extremism (Maoist terrorism) cannot be ruled out.
The process of transformation must also review the suitability of military doctrines such as Cold Start and the usefulness of present organisational structures during future wars so as to enable the Army HQ to make appropriate changes. The army’s human resources development (HRD) policies must also be re-evaluated. The likely impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), killer robots, unmanned or autonomous combat vehicles and the opportunities provided by the exploitation of “big data” must be studied.
The process of transformation for future wars has only just begun with the convening of four study groups by the COAS. It must be an evolutionary process with course corrections being made periodically. To succeed, the transformation process must have the full support of the political leadership and the bureaucracy.
Gurmeet Kanwal is former director, Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi The views expressed are personal