The biannual Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) which commenced on 13 April 26, culminated on 16 April 26. The conference chaired by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), was attended by apex military leadership and was addressed by senior functionaries in the government including the Cabinet Secretary, Chief of the Defence Staff, Defence Secretary and Chairman NSAB besides Chief of the Naval Staff. Aligned with the vision of evolving into a ‘Future Ready Force’, the Indian Army has designated the year 2026 as the year of “Networking and Data Centricity”.

The conference discussed a wide array of issues pertaining to modernisation, technology infusion in combat operations, doctrinal and training requirements besides networking and data centricity to enhance operational readiness and address emerging security challenges. Based on the lessons learnt from Operation Sindoor, and in keeping with the current operational dynamics globally, senior army leadership also focussed on operational capability requirements including employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).

The distinguished speakers highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape and emerging global, regional and internal security dynamics. With specific reference to lessons emerging from global conflicts, the speakers alluded to the need for Hard Power for Guaranteed Protection of India’s strategic and security interests while emphasising on inter ministerial coordination, enhanced synergy between civil and military institutions and a whole of nation approach for a coordinated national response to complex security challenges. It emerged during the discussions that there is an urgent need to accelerate indigenous production capabilities, for strengthening self-reliance in defence and ensuring long-term strategic resilience in view of current supply chain crisis.

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NA/ RS