Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: ‘Year of Reforms’

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, marking a significant step in modernizing India’s Armed Forces.

Nine Broad Areas Listed for the ‘Year of Reforms’

  • Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): Enhance jointness and resolve inter-service disagreements for effective ITC implementation.
  • Emerging Domains and Technologies: Prioritize cybersecurity, AI, ML, hypersonics, and robotics, and develop tactics for future warfare.
  • Operational Collaboration: Strengthen inter-service cooperation through shared training and joint operational capabilities.
  • Acquisition Reforms: Simplify procedures to expedite procurement and facilitate technology transfers via public-private partnerships.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the defence sector and industries to foster innovation.
  • Civil-Military Coordination: Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize resources.
  • Defence Exports: Position India as a global defence exporter, promoting R&D and partnerships with foreign OEMs.
  • Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans and leverage their expertise.
  • Cultural Pride: Promote indigenous capabilities and instil pride in Indian culture alongside adopting modern military practices.

Key Initiatives for Defence Modernization in India

  • Acquisition of Advanced Weaponry: Rafale jets (36 inducted, 26 more planned) enhance air power; S-400 air defence systems provide long-range protection; Arjun Mk-1A tanks boost indigenous capability and firepower.
  • Indigenous Development: LCA Tejas replaces ageing fighter jets and supports air-to-air refuelling; INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthens underwater deterrence.
  • Technological Advancements: Network-centric warfare improves situational awareness (e.g., Project Sanjay, E-Sitrep); AI and robotics enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; cyber warfare capabilities grow under the National Cyber Security Policy.
  • Defence Production and Export: Domestic production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, emphasizing indigenisation; exports hit $2.63 billion, supplying markets like Vietnam and the Philippines.
  • Strategic Infrastructure: Border security efforts include the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and Border Infrastructure Management, improving troop mobility and safeguarding boundaries.

PYQ:

[2014] Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

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