General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), delivered an inspiring address at the inaugural ‘Defence Partnership Days’ event, setting the tone for a collaborative and innovation-driven future for the Indian Defence Industry. The event brought together over 300 stakeholders, including domain experts from the Indian Armed Forces, startups, MSMEs, R&D institutions, academia, and global leaders in defence production.

In his address, the CDS emphasized that “India is the beacon of global optimism” and highlighted that “National Interest is the single binding force for numerous stakeholders in the Defence Industry.” General Chauhan outlined the 4Is—Inventive, Innovative, Imaginative, and Indigenous—as the pillars to propel India toward becoming a global leader in defence R&D and production.

Acknowledging the challenges of innovation, he remarked, “Ideas are easy; it’s their implementation that is difficult,” and proposed actionable strategies to overcome these barriers. Key suggestions included:

• Creative Destruction: Adopting an unlearning-learning cycle to generate new ideas.
• Trust Development: Building confidence through long-term assurances between stakeholders.
• Enhanced Risk-Taking: Encouraging greater experimentation and innovation in R&D.
• Streamlined Field Trials: Accelerating processes for faster validation of equipment.
• Simplified Guidelines: Expanding beyond TPCR to ensure efficiency in decision-making.

The event also saw the release of a paper titled ‘Doing Business in Defence’, prepared by IMR in collaboration with KPMG, providing a roadmap for simplifying processes and fostering growth in the sector.

General Chauhan toured the Defence Equipment Exhibition, where he interacted with Defence Innovators and industry partners, encouraging them to persist in their R&D efforts and to embrace bold ideas that align with the nation’s strategic vision.

The unique B2B and B2G platform facilitated discussions between stakeholders, promoting collaboration and aligning efforts to enhance India’s defence capabilities. The CDS’s address reinforced the Armed Forces’ commitment to leveraging innovation, fostering trust, and driving forward the mission of making India a global hub for defence manufacturing and research.

The Hon’ble President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, visited the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the Wellington Garrison on November 28, 2024, marking a significant occasion for the institution and the Armed Forces.

The visit began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of the Madras Regiment, honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s bravehearts. This was followed by an address to the officers of the Wellington Garrison at the DSSC.

In her address, the President lauded the professionalism and commitment of the DSSC in shaping the future military leaders of the Indian Armed Forces and those of Friendly Foreign Countries. She acknowledged the pivotal role of the College in fostering defence cooperation and strengthening ties with allied nations through its comprehensive training programs.

The President also interacted with International Student Officers, commending the DSSC for creating an environment that promotes camaraderie, collaboration, and the exchange of strategic knowledge.

The visit underscored the importance of institutions like DSSC in preparing the Armed Forces for modern-day challenges while contributing to India’s stature as a global leader in defence cooperation and strategic thought.

A special screening of the movie Amaran, a tribute to the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of Major Mukund Varadarajan, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous), was held at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The film celebrates the life of one of India’s bravest sons and a proud alumnus of OTA Chennai.

The event was graced by the presence of Major Mukund Varadarajan’s parents, alongside the cast and crew of the film. Prior to the screening, they were felicitated by the Commandant of OTA, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for their presence and contributions in immortalizing the legacy of the braveheart.

Major Mukund Varadarajan’s story is one of unparalleled courage, patriotism, and sacrifice, embodying the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces. The movie Amaran goes beyond being just a cinematic experience; it stands as a profound salute to his spirit, inspiring generations to come.

The screening was an emotional and inspiring occasion, reaffirming the commitment of the Armed Forces to honor the valor and memory of its heroes.

Women in the Armed Forces are no longer just team members; they are mission leaders, barrier-breakers, and nation-builders.

The introduction of Women Agniveers into the ranks has not only diversified the Armed Forces but has also showcased the indomitable spirit of women, proving that determination knows no bounds.

Through rigorous training and unwavering commitment, these trailblazers are setting new benchmarks, inspiring a generation to believe that no goal is unattainable.

Their empowerment is a testament to the evolving strength and inclusivity of the Armed Forces. Together, they march forward, upholding the belief: “Empowered women are unstoppable.”

Officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy (IN), part of the Advance Image Intelligence Course (AIMCO), Serial No. 11, currently undergoing training at the Airforce Image Intelligence School, New Delhi, visited the School of Artillery (SoA) in Devlali for an immersive learning experience.

During their visit, the officers gained firsthand exposure to the Artillery equipment profile, with a focus on target acquisition, identification, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) concepts. The sessions delved into the Joint ISR structures and organizations, highlighting the importance of interoperability among the armed forces for seamless operational execution.

The visit also included observing live exercises demonstrating sensor-shooter linkages and participating in live Artillery firing drills at the Devlali Field Firing Range (DFFR). The student officers underwent hands-on training with advanced artillery systems, enhancing their practical understanding of modern warfare tactics and technology.

This collaborative learning initiative reflects the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to fostering joint operational capabilities and skill development across services, preparing officers to address the evolving demands of modern battlefields.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), delivered the Plenary Address at the 26th Doctrine and Strategy Seminar held at the Army War College (AWC), Mhow, on November 28, 2024. Themed “Need for Adaptive Doctrines and Operational Philosophy for the Indian Army,” the seminar brought together top military minds to deliberate on evolving strategies in modern warfare.

In his address, the COAS emphasized the urgency of military transformation to address the challenges posed by emerging conflict paradigms and technological advances in warfare. He outlined the continuum of warfare—Competition, Crisis, Confrontation, Conflict, and Combat—and stressed the importance of employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle threats across the spectrum.

Drawing insights from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, General Dwivedi highlighted critical lessons in Combined Arms Operations and Civil-Military Integration, underscoring their relevance in modern battlefields. He also stressed the importance of cohesive land, maritime, and air strategies to safeguard India’s geo-strategic interests, advocating for flexible doctrines to address hybrid threats.

The COAS pointed out that the nature of modern warfare increasingly pursues political aims through non-military means, requiring a shift in operational philosophy. He emphasized the integration of advanced technologies, adaptive leadership, and the development of multi-domain operational capabilities to ensure the Indian Army’s readiness to meet future challenges.

The seminar, reflecting the theme “Transforming to Win Future Battles,” reinforced the Indian Army’s commitment to evolving its doctrines and operational strategies to remain agile and effective in the face of changing global security dynamics.