NEW DELHI, Jan 2: India has declared 2025 as the “Year of Defence Reforms,” with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiling a comprehensive strategy to modernize the armed forces. This initiative will focus on enhancing the military’s preparedness for multi-domain operations, streamlining military procurement processes, and ensuring the sovereignty of the nation.
The reforms are centered around nine key objectives, aiming to foster greater collaboration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, eliminate inefficiencies, and optimize resource utilization. One of the significant elements of the reforms is the rollout of integrated theatre commands, which will unify the capabilities of all three armed services within specific geographical areas. This transformation will replace the current system where the services operate through separate commands, enabling seamless operations and enhancing India’s defence strategy.
The reforms also address emerging defence domains, including cyber and space, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and hypersonics. Singh emphasized the importance of promoting India’s cultural and indigenous defence capabilities, adding that these reforms would strengthen the nation’s security amidst modern challenges.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Singh, it was confirmed that the Ministry of Defence would also focus on procuring over 1,000 military items. These reforms will be critical in ensuring that India’s armed forces are technologically advanced and combat-ready. The plan aims to align India’s military capabilities with global standards while addressing the country’s unique security needs.
Singh concluded, “The ‘Year of Reforms’ will be a milestone in modernizing the armed forces and ensuring India’s security and sovereignty in the 21st century.”