Lok Sabha Question No. 513 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Enhancement of Capacity of Defence Forces
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: D.K. Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 513

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH  FEBRUARY, 2022

## ENHANCEMENT OF CAPACITY OF DEFENCE FORCES

## 513. SHRI D.K.SURESH:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  enhance  the  capacity  of  our  defence  forces including Indian Navy to meet the emerging challenges in the wake of rapidly shifting of global and regional balances of power;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the efforts being made by the Government to ensure that the levels of Defence Forces grow progressively to increase their capacity?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) to (c):

## Indian Army:

- (i) The capacity & capability development plans of Indian Army remain dynamic/ flexible and are based upon the appreciated immediate & emerging national security challenges and in support of our operational response strategies. Accordingly, Indian Army is ensuring preparation & implementation of prioritised acquisition plans to maximize capacity & capability development, in consonance with the evolving threat perception.
- (ii) Defence  Planning  Committee  (DPC). The  DPC  under  the  chairmanship  of  National Security  Advisor  has  been  constituted  in  2018  for  facilitating  Integrated  Planning  at  the  apex level and its focused execution to promote Strategic Planning, Capability Development, Defence Diplomacy and Indigenisation in Defence Sector.
- (iii) Appointment of  CDS. The  appointment of the  Chief of Defence Staff  (CDS) and the creation  of  Department  of  Military  Affairs  (DMA),  has  resulted  in  far  greater  synergy  with Ministry of Defence as also given the twin objectives of 'Integration/ Jointness' and 'Resource Optimisation' within the Services a much needed fillip.

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (iv) Long  Term  Modernisation  Planning. Factoring  the  emerging/  futuristic  security challenges, and in consonance with the 'CCS Mandate to CDS' for implementing the Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP), an Integrated Capability Development System (ICADS) has been initiated vide DAP 2020. The ICADS process will maximise resource optimisation and infuse much needed jointness/ integration in tri-services planning/ procurement process.
- (v) Army  Design  Bureau  (ADB). The  ADB,  since  its  raising  in  2017,  has  made  major forays  in  supporting  R&D/  harnessing  technology  with  an  extensive  outreach  to  industry, academia and ushering a collaborative engagement with the technology providers, manufacturers and users.
- (vi) Reorganisation  of  IHQ of MoD (Army). The recent reorganisation of the Army HQ, creating a Deputy Chief for looking after both the Capability Development & Sustenance needs of  the  Indian  Army,  further  empowers  Indian  Army  to  pursue  a  focused  approach  towards achieving the mandate of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
- (vii) Raising  of  Niche  Capability  Structures. To  address  critical  capability  voids  in  the domains of space, Cyber and Special Forces Capabilities, Niche Capability Structures in terms of Defence Space Agency, Defence Cyber Agency & Armed Forces Special Operations Division have been raised in 2018-19.
- (viii) Emergency Procurement Powers. Emergency procurement Powers have been delegated to  the  Service  Headquarters by the Government to address the emergent operational needs for effectively responding to the operational situation in Eastern Ladakh/ Nothern Borders.
- (ix) Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The new DAP 2020 has been promulgated in October 2020 as an enabling document that lays emphasis on indigenous production and selfreliance under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and further streamlines capital procurements for the  Army.
- (x) Committee  for  Technical  Modernisation  of  Armed  Forces. To  address  long  term technological capability needs of the Armed Forces, the Government has constituted a high level Committee,  in  October  2021,  for  recommending  a  Roadmap  to  achieve  self-reliance  and Technical  Modernisation  of  the  Armed  Forces.  The  Roadmap  prepared  by  the  committee  is likely to facilitate the Armed Forces in retaining continued focus on acquiring niche / emerging / disruptive capabilities & technologies for addressing the evolving threats & challenges that may manifest in the foreseeable future.

## Indian Navy:

The modernisation of Indian Navy is an ongoing process and aims to strengthen India's maritime security.  The capability development/ modernisation of the Indian Navy is being undertaken in accordance   with   the   Long   Term   Integrated   Perspective   Plan  (LTIPP).    The   ongoing modernisation aims to create capabilities for accomplishing a range of missions across the entire spectrum of threats and challenges addressing rapidly shifting global and regional balances of power.

Over 100 contracts have been concluded since 1 st April, 2018 towards modernisation of the Indian Navy.

## Indian Air Force:

- (a) To  meet  emerging  challenges  the  Indian  Air  Force  (IAF)  is  progressing  well  on  a capability driven modernization plan in consonance with the roadmap laid down in the LTIPP. This is being achieved by the induction of the new platforms and weapon systems along with the continuous upgradation of the existing equipment.
- (b) In the fighter fleet, Rafale induction is under progress. LCA Mk1A has been contracted. Deliveries will commence from Jan 2024.
- (c) The major induction in the transport fleet will be the C-295 aircraft. Chinook and Apache helicopters have also been inducted.
- (d) There is significant  progress  in  the Air  Defence  capabilities  with  the  induction  of  new Radars and SAGW systems. The induction of S-400, MRSAM, VSHORADS, and CIWS will enable  a  layered  Air  Defence  capability.  Work  has  also  commenced  on  the  development  of AEW&C Mk II by CABS, DRDO.
- (e) The MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Mi-17 helicopters are being upgraded in a phased manner. Lastly and more importantly, the IAF is swiftly progressing towards complete Network Centric  Operations  and  aims  to  improve  ISR  capability,  Command  and  Control  structures  to meet the future challenges.
- (f) Consequent  to  shifting  regional  and  global  balance  of  power,  IAF  is  continuously working towards enhancing its capacity to meet the emerging challenges in all the war fighting domains. A substantial offensive and defensive capability and ability to swiftly deploy/swing the forces to desired area of operation demonstrates its capability to deter any adversary.
- (g) IAF  is  sharpening  its  offensive  edge  through  indigenization  of  aircraft,  weapons  and sensors (Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Brahmos, Long Range Surface to Air Missile),  procurement of next generation assets  such as Rafale  and integration of weapons on existing and new platforms. IAF is also enhancing interactions in the form of exercises and joint training with friendly foreign countries to enhance cooperation and share best practices.
- (h) IAF is  aware of  changing  character of  warfare  and  emerging  technological  trends  like drone  technologies  including  anti  drone  and  swarm  drones,  Manned-Unmanned  Teaming (MUM-T) concepts utilizing UCAV and niche technologies. The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in planning and mission execution, quantum technology and advanced weapons including hypersonic  weapon  are  key  areas  of  further  exploration  and  inclusion  into  IAF  operational planning.

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