In its pursuit of ongoing transformation, the Indian Army has kicked off initiatives aimed at refining its systems, processes, and overall functioning. Recognising the imperative of staying aligned with contemporary technological advancements, the Army has been at the forefront of embracing change.
Over the past year, designated as the ‘Year of Transformation,’ and continuing into the current year, several key areas have seen significant improvements. These include digital initiatives that enhance operational efficiency by transitioning from intuitive decision-making to data-driven, objective, and quantifiable approaches. The surveillance architecture has also been upgraded at both operational and strategic levels, reducing the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and enabling faster, more pragmatic decisions.
In addition to these advancements, the Army has streamlined its Professional Military Training programs, eliminating over 50 courses deemed irrelevant and focusing now on contemporary technologies such as Drone Warfare, Electronic Warfare, and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).
The logistics domain has also seen remarkable progress, with the Army playing a vital role in the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The inclusion of 103 dual-use proposals in the National Master Plan and the adoption of outsourcing practices have allowed the Army to realign over 5,000 personnel to their primary tasks, enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the management of Ordnance inventory has been significantly improved through automation, inventory reduction, and the delegation of procurement powers to field commanders.
The introduction of e-Office, a tool for office automation, represents a quantum leap in the Army’s commitment to reducing paper usage and promoting green initiatives. The Inter- Directorate and Inter- Command e-Office competitions are also being conducted with an aim to promote eco-friendly environment and digitisation. The success of these efforts is evident in the Army’s ability to utilise its Capital budget more effectively, with 78 Capital contracts worth Rs 22,000 crore finalised in the previous fiscal year. The expedited Process of Emergency Procurement (EP) had further enabled the induction of crucial operational equipment, particularly along the Northern front, in a timely manner.
In his recent engagements with Commanders and staff, the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, has emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum gained during this transformative period. His clear directive to all stakeholders is to ensure that the Army’s systems, processes, and functions become enabling tools for the Indian Army’s Vision 2047. This vision aims to transform the Indian Army into a modern, agile, adaptive, technologically-enabled, and self-reliant force, capable of deterring and winning wars across the full spectrum of operations in a multi-domain environment, in synergy with other services.