Be ready to deal with ‘invisible challenges’, Rajnath tells forces

NEW DELHI: The armed forces should go beyond the traditional concepts of war, remaining alert and ready to also deal with ‘invisible challenges’ emanating from unconventional threats such as information, ideological, ecological and biological warfare, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.Addressing the ongoing combined commanders’ conference in Kolkata, Singh stressed the need for a constant assessment of the changes taking place across the globe and their impact on the country’s security system. The nature of warfare is continuously evolving, with recent global conflicts underlining the relevance of a “technology-friendly” military. “Wars of today are so sudden and unpredictable that it is extremely difficult to foretell their duration. It can be two months, a year, or even five years. We need to be prepared. We need to ensure that our surge capacity remains sufficient,” he said. The defence minister also said that a committee has been set up to prepare “a realistic action plan” to build an air and missile defence shield under ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra (MSC)’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the MSC on Aug 15, declaring that comprehensive security cover would be provided under it to strategic as well as vital civilian areas in the country by 2035. India will from next year onwards begin testing new interceptor missiles for an indigenous missile-based layered defence system being developed by DRDO under Project Kusha, which will be one of the key elements of MSC. The M1 (150-km interception range), M2 (250-km) and M3 (350-km) missiles as well as associated systems are expected to be ready for induction by 2030, as was first reported by TOI. Singh, on his part, called upon the commanders to be “proactive in their approach” and strive to build the Sudarshan Chakra. “Devise a medium-term plan for the next five years and a long-term plan for the next 10 years to bring the PM’s vision to fruition,” he said.