New Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed Forces
Released by Chairman of the Chiefs Of Staff Committee Admiral Sunil Lanba, in the presence of Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and General Bipin Rawat on 25 April, the new Joint Doctrine of Indian Armed Forces directs that ‘Strategic interests in regions along our northern, western and eastern borders and sensitivities along the Line of Control (with Pakistan) and Line of Actual Control (with China) are to be protected with effective deterrent capabilities.’ The new Joint Doctrine of Indian Armed Forces states that ‘India needs to systematically prepare for the “emerging triad” of space, cyberspace and special operations in support of military operations, even as it builds an integrated land-air-sea warfighting machinery, maintains credible nuclear deterrence and guards against unconventional threats.’
Also taking note of internal security challenges like the ongoing proxy war in J&K by an ‘inimical adversary’, insurgencies in northeast and left-wing extremism, the doctrine says a multifaceted approach backed by a robust intelligence network is needed to tackle them.
According to the doctrine ‘ initial steps’ to develop a triad through the creation of the Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Space Agency and Special Operations Division are now underway. ‘The triad makes integration essential. This flows from the vital necessity of cyber and space to ‘plan’ and the Special Forces to ‘conduct’ special operations.’
Air Force Commanders’ Conference
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurated the biannual Air Force Commanders’ Conference at Air Headquarters on 19 April 2017 and was briefed by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff on operational status of IAF, progress on infrastructural development and efforts made to enhance aircraft serviceability. Achievements during the recently conducted pan IAF and international exercises with “friendly foreign countries” were also covered by the CAS, who elaborated actions initiated for enhancing operational effectiveness and the future roadmap of IAF.
During the three- day conference, senior IAF commanders discussed issues pertaining to enhancement of combat effectiveness and development of human resources and infrastructure. To encourage indigenisation and enhance self- reliance in defence manufacturing an interactive session was held with delegations from HAL, BEL and other defence PSUs.
Acquisition of new fighters “to be fast-tracked”
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has assured the Indian Air Force that the Government will be expediting the acquisition of new fighters and other critical systems as part of its modernisation programme. In his inaugural address at the IAF’s Commanders’ Conference, held in April 2017 at New Delhi, he made a reference to “uncertainties” in the region as well as on security challenges facing India in the midst of the rapidly changing geo-political situation.