Be prepared for unconventional threats: Rajnath to Armed Forces, Pg 18.

Key Highlights:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Armed Forces to prepare for unconventional threats like information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare.
• Singh emphasized the unpredictable nature of modern warfare and the need for sufficient surge capacity.
• He highlighted Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation (JAI) as core pillars for the defence sector.
• The Defence Minister commended Operation Sindoori as proof of India's capability to face challenges with indigenous platforms.
• Approval of Defence Procurement Manual 2025 and revision of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 were announced to streamline defence procurement.

Detailed Insights:

• The evolving nature of warfare necessitates a shift beyond traditional strategies to address emerging, unconventional threats.
• Jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force is crucial for addressing future challenges, enhanced by initiatives like Tri-Service Logistics Nodes.
• Aatmanirbharta in defence is a necessity for strategic autonomy, boosting the economy, creating jobs, and strengthening defence infrastructure.
• Operation Sindoori, following the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrated India's capability with indigenous platforms and soldier courage.
• Deeper engagement with industry and academia is needed to develop future-ready technologies under projects like PM Modi’s “Sudarshan Chakra” project.
• Streamlining the defence procurement process through the Defence Procurement Manual 2025 and revised Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 aims to reduce delays.
• The Combined Commanders’ Conference saw participation from top military officials, including CDS Gen Anil Chauhan and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Aatmanirbharta: Self-reliance, especially in the context of national defence and reducing dependence on foreign sources.
• Jointness: Integration and coordinated operations among different branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force).
• Defence Procurement: The process by which a country acquires weapons, systems, and other military equipment.