The declaration aims at modernization of the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations and give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms.
Identified areas for focussed interventions
- Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): To bolster Jointness & Integration initiatives to facilitate establishment of ITCs.
- ITCs are tri-service commands incorporating units from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, collectively for addressing security challenges within designated geographic areas.
- Emerging technologies and new domains: Focus on Cyber and Space domains, AI/ML, Hypersonics, etc., to be future war-ready.
- Technology transfer and knowledge sharing: To be facilitated through enhanced ease of doing business and PPP.
- Collaboration: Breaking silos, promoting civil-military coordination and developing joint operational capabilities through inter-servicecooperation & training.
- Defence exports and R&D: Position India as a credible exporter of defence products, fostering R&D and partnerships.
Initiatives of Defence Modernization
- Promoting private and MSME participation: Through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme and Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal to facilitate indigenization.
- Liberalized FDI Policy: FDI limit in defence raised in 2020 to 74% through the Automatic Route for companies seeking new defence industrial licenses and up to 100% through the Government Route for those likely to result in access to modern technology.
