New Delhi, March 19 (ANI): A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has issued a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at strengthening India’s military preparedness amid rapidly evolving global warfare dynamics, emphasizing the urgent need to adopt advanced technologies, streamline procurement processes, and boost indigenous research and development.
In its reports presented to Parliament, the Committee stressed that the Armed Forces must be fully prepared for modern warfare, including kinetic, non-kinetic, and hybrid forms of conflict. It urged the Ministry of Defence to explore new avenues to ensure that India remains “impenetrable” during future war-like situations. Highlighting the growing importance of hybrid warfare, the panel noted that preparedness in both conventional and unconventional domains is now essential.
The Committee underscored the need for urgent technological upgrades, particularly in the Air Force, citing rapid global advancements in fighter aircraft. It recommended that the Ministry chart a clear trajectory toward the development and acquisition of sixth-generation aircraft, which would significantly enhance India’s air combat capabilities in an increasingly air-centric battlefield.
It also pointed to a broader transformation in warfare, where the role of the Air Force now extends into space capabilities, calling for adequate financial resources to support near-space operations so that India can remain competitive with global powers. The panel highlighted the importance of national initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission and AI-driven high-performance computing systems in building a robust digital military infrastructure.
While appreciating ongoing modernization efforts, the Committee emphasized that all defence technology programs must adhere strictly to timelines to ensure timely deployment and operational readiness.
On the naval front, the Committee praised the Indian Navy’s progress in indigenisation, noting a sharp increase in indigenous projects—from just four in 2019 to 284 in 2025. It also highlighted the Navy’s major contribution to the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) ecosystem, accounting for roughly 35% of total challenges. However, it urged faster completion of ongoing projects to achieve greater self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The panel also recommended improvements in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), stressing timely completion of projects to enhance healthcare services for veterans and their families.
In a separate report on defence spending, the Committee called for the creation of a dedicated budget head for critical and emerging technologies R&D, including glide missile technology, to ensure sufficient funding and timely execution. It suggested that additional funds be allocated at the revised estimates stage if required to maintain optimal combat readiness.
The Committee welcomed the government’s efforts to adopt emerging technologies and recommended increased budgetary support for research and development over the next five years. It also encouraged greater participation of women in scientific and technical roles, particularly within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to strengthen innovation and diversity.
Further, the panel praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for leveraging modern construction technologies in challenging terrains and called for wider adoption of such innovations to ensure time-bound completion of infrastructure projects. It also commended the Indian Coast Guard’s efforts to enhance cyber resilience through initiatives like Project Digital Coast Guard.
Addressing defence land management, the Committee highlighted the use of GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and AI-based surveillance to prevent encroachments and recommended regular joint surveys with civil authorities. It also called for a comprehensive defence land lease policy to resolve longstanding disputes and reduce litigation.
On defence procurement, the Committee stressed the need for clear timelines, transparency, and accountability, noting that delays could undermine operational readiness in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. It highlighted a significant increase in the defence capital budget for 2026–27, with allocations for modernization witnessing a substantial rise, and urged that this upward trend be maintained.
The panel also emphasized the importance of integrated defence planning through the Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP), which includes long-term and short-term acquisition strategies. It called for alignment of such planning with modern warfare requirements, including automation, artificial intelligence, and rapid response capabilities.
Additionally, the Committee encouraged greater participation of private enterprises in defence manufacturing to boost indigenous production and innovation, in line with the government’s Make in India initiative.
Finally, the panel raised concerns over the proposal to bring disability pensions for armed forces personnel under income tax, recommending that the Ministry of Defence take up the issue with relevant authorities given its sensitivity.
Overall, the Committee’s recommendations reflect a strong push toward technological modernization, self-reliance, and strategic readiness, aimed at equipping India’s Armed Forces to meet the challenges of next-generation warfare. (ANI)
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