NEW DELHI: The three-day combined commanders’ conference (CCC) at Kolkata, which concluded on Wednesday, has chalked out a roadmap to transform the armed forces into a more integrated, technologically advanced and operationally agile force, fully capable of addressing multi-domain threats, safeguarding national interests and contributing to nation-building.A new joint military space doctrine, which is “a key milestone” in institutionalising this domain as a part of national security strategy, was also released during the CCC, officers said.The country’s military brass also decided to merge the education branches of the Army, Navy and IAF to form a single tri-Service Educations Corps, as well as set up three ‘joint’ military stations, in another step towards ensuring integration and synergy among the armed forces.Reviewing the directives given by PM Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan said the armed forces need to implement the roadmap in a time-bound manner, while continually working to transform themselves to remain “agile, self-reliant and future-ready”.He stressed the need to institutionalise reforms as an ongoing process, aimed at preparing the forces to effectively tackle challenges in an increasingly complex global environment. Focusing on emerging threats and future challenges as well as the evolving security dynamics across the borders with China and Pakistan and beyond, the CCC discussed the critical importance of adopting a technology-led approach to modern warfare, with innovations integrated seamlessly into the operational doctrine.The CCC played “a pivotal role” in shaping the armed forces’ future roadmap, enhancing jointness, guiding capability development and ensuring alignment with national security priorities, an officer said.Both Modi and Singh, who addressed the CCC, underlined the need for continuous reforms and technological self-reliance, particularly emphasising indigenous development in defence technology and manufacturing. The PM stressed the need for “jointness, atmanirbharta (self-reliance) & innovation” to enhance military operational readiness.
