To empower Command Headquarters, formations and unit commanders for greater industry outreach and for identification and trials of niche technology, the Army is looking to upscale the Army Design Bureau, besides establishing Army Design Bureau Cells at the Command Headquarters. This was one of the takeaways from the just-concluded biannual Army Commanders’ Conference.
The conference was held virtually on March 28 and in physical mode from April 1-2.
“To further bolster the initiative, option of creating a separate fund head will be explored. In addition, test bed brigades/ formations will be nominated to ensure greater efficiency and continuity in trials and finalisation of trial reports,” the Army said in a statement on Thursday. “Moreover, to ensure lifetime support, future procurements will include aspects catering for holistic sustenance requirements during contract finalisation stage.”
Detailing the takeaways from the conference, the Army said organisational and procedural transformation will be undertaken to ensure induction and absorption of niche technology towards futuristic capability development with a focus on ‘aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance). More opportunities to collaborate with other ministries will be explored to optimally utilise resources and synergise efforts for enhanced capability building and infrastructure development in border areas, it stated.
“Human Resource Management policies will be revised and attuned to facilitate absorption of niche technology with matching training infrastructure,” it said stating that the revised policy will be more innovative towards meeting the requirements of a tech-enabled future-ready Indian Army.
“To ensure realistic wargame and training, feasibility of creating a tailor-made organisation to function as Adversarial Force will be explored,” the Army said. The senior leadership of the Army brainstormed a wide array of security-related aspects, including ongoing transformation initiatives, leveraging technology and innovation for capability development, enhancing operational preparedness, addressing emerging security and HR-related issues in the conference.
PTI adds:
In his address at the conference on Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the nation's trust in the Indian Army, acknowledging its indispensable role in national security.
He applauded the stellar role of the Army in guarding the borders, fighting terrorism and providing aid to the civil administration during crises.
Mr. Singh exhorted the Army leadership to constantly review doctrinal, structural, and organisational reforms to meet future challenges in view of the evolving security dynamics.
He emphasised the importance of developing a trained and motivated workforce that can handle the challenges of contemporary combat while being adept at futuristic evolution in warfighting.
Mr. Singh called on the leadership to invest in human capital by adhering to the traditions and principles of mutual respect, loyalty, and discipline.
The conference was was also addressed by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
During the two-day deliberations in Delhi, the senior Army leadership delved deep into current and emerging security landscapes, contemporary subjects affecting the Indian Army and HR aspects affecting serving personnel, their families and the veteran community, the Army said in a statement.
"The necessity to align the training with technological advancements to harness the innovation potential of the Indian defence industry was also emphasised," it said.
"The senior leadership reviewed the progress made on the ongoing transformative initiatives and future thrust areas were identified. The Commanders expressed their satisfaction with the steady pace of achieving 'Atmanirbharta' in line with the national resolve," it added.
