2025 Declared ‘Year of Reforms’ for Armed Forces

Why in the news?

The Ministry of Defence has designated 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ to modernize the Armed Forces, focusing on technological advancements, jointness, and efficient resource utilization to bolster India’s defence preparedness and sovereignty amidst modern challenges.

2025 Declared ‘Year of Reforms’ for Armed Forces

Objective of the ‘Year of Reforms’:

  • Aim to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced, combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.
  • Focus on ensuring India’s security and sovereignty amidst modern challenges.
  • Strengthen defence preparedness through unprecedented advancements and strategic initiatives.

Supporting Measures:

  • Resource Optimisation:
    • Break silos for better civil-military coordination.
    • Eliminate inefficiencies and optimise resource utilisation.
  • Veteran Welfare:
    • Improve welfare measures for veterans while leveraging their expertise.
  • Cultural Pride and Indigenous Capability:
    • Instill pride in Indian culture while adopting best practices from modern militaries.
    • Focus on achieving global standards through indigenous capabilities.

Key Focus Areas for 2025:

  • Jointness and Integration:
  • Strengthen inter-service cooperation and training.
  • Establish Integrated Theatre Commands for streamlined operations.
  • Technological Advancements:
  • Focus on emerging domains like Cyber and Space.
  • Incorporate Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonics, and Robotics in operations.
  • Operational and Procedural Reforms:
  • Simplify and expedite acquisition procedures for capability development.
  • Develop Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for future warfare.
  • Collaboration and Partnerships:
  • Promote public-private partnerships for defence technology innovation.
  • Foster knowledge sharing and technology transfer between the defence sector and civil industries.
  • Enhance defence exports through R&D and partnerships with foreign OEMs.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that 2025 will mark a pivotal step in modernising India’s Armed Forces and ensuring their preparedness for 21st-century challenges.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times