Insights from the Army Commanders’ Conference

• This premier conference, held biannually in April and October, serves as a platform for high-level discussions and strategic brainstorming.
• The conference provides a venue for major policy decisions concerning the Indian Army. Topics of discussion include strategic planning, training programs, human resource management, and administrative matters.

The Significance of Cyber Operations:

• Cyber operations have become increasingly significant in both conventional and grey zone warfare scenarios.
• The cyber domain has become a competitive and contested space due to the expansion of cyber warfare capabilities by India's potential adversaries.
• To address the emerging challenges in the cyber domain, the Indian Army is swiftly transitioning towards net centricity, leading to an increased reliance on communication systems at all levels.
• In this context, the Indian Army is establishing the Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings (CCOSW) to bolster network protection and enhance preparedness in the cyber domain.
• These organizations will contribute significantly to strengthening the cyber security posture of the Indian Army.
• Several advanced technology-enabled equipment, such as autonomous drones, loitering weapon systems, and anti-drone devices, are being inducted into the army.
• To ensure the efficient use of these advanced technologies across the army, leading directorates and ‘Test Bed’ formations will be nominated to propose deployment strategies.
• A significant decision was also made during the conference to address the officer shortage in the units. From January 2024 onwards, the existing 1+3+1 years Technical Entry Scheme (TES) model will transition to the 3+1 model.
• The procurement of 435 advanced simulators at a cost of Rs 791 crore is also planned to enhance simulator training.
• The meeting also touched upon the progress in the efficient implementation of the Agnipath scheme and identified specific areas and actionable points to promote jointness and integration with other defense services and government agencies.