Fully prepared to meet eventualies!

The recent media report citing remarks by defence experts highlighted several important issues that India must prioritize. Despite the defence forces’ upper hand in last year’s military conflict with Pakistan, some areas responded slowly to adversarial actions. Of course, the experts also highlighted areas requiring improvement in the cohesive use of air power, bolstering of drone technology and building a robust communications system.

There is a need to strengthen air superiority besides bolstering cyberspace and the information and cognitive domains. The country effectively countered the barrage of hostile drones that came from across the western border, from Leh to Sir Creek, in multiple waves during the nearly four-day conflict, using the S-400 and Akash weapon systems optimally.

Defence experts also highlighted that India must counter an intense misinformation campaign launched by the adversary, which sought to damage the morale of the forces and the masses. What is important in the report citing the experts is the description of the country’s western neighbour as a ‘capable’ adversary. This clearly shows that India cannot consider Pakistan weak anymore. In the present day, this country may only be the visible front but real backing may come from other countries that can extend support to dent India’s interests.

Therefore, it is important to take Pakistan very seriously. If the need arises, the government should increase the defence budget manifold, learning lessons from military conflicts presently underway across the globe. The experts affirmed that the drones used by Pakistan in last year’s conflict were mostly harmless, intended only to engage Indian weapons and munitions so that attack drones could enter later and increase the difficulty of tackling them. Given the significance of drones in modern warfare, as seen in West Asia and the Ukraine-Russia war, there is a dire need to bolster anti-drone technology as soon as possible. To deter Pakistan from indulging in terrorism, India needs a strong defence line along with offensive power.

As the experts averred that the speed, depth and scale of response need enhancement, it becomes imperative to ensure the next level of military preparedness without further delay. No one knows when the time will come again to counter Pakistan firmly as it has a history of not mending its ways.