Says “Successful joint efforts reduced fratricide risk. Interoperability, collective resilience must in modern warfare”
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that success of Operation Sindoor showcased the effective collaboration of the Tri-Services through a unified operational framework.
Addressing a seminar organised by the Indian Air Force at Subroto Park, New Delhi Defence Minister said that this operation exemplified jointness, enabling timely decision-making and improved situational awareness while minimizing the risk of fratricide. Singh emphasized the importance of integrating the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System, the Indian Army’s Akashteer, and the Indian Navy’s Trigun as a foundational element of this operation. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering jointness among the Tri-Services, viewing it as essential for survival in a rapidly evolving security landscape. He stressed that the interconnected nature of modern warfare necessitates collaboration across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, asserting that while each service can operate independently, collective strength is crucial for success. During the recent Combined Commanders’ Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the significance of jointness and integration, reflecting the government’s dedication to enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces. Singh also noted advancements in digital logistics systems across the services, such as the Army’s Computerised Inventory Control Group and the Air Force’s Integrated Materials Management Online System, which have improved efficiency and transparency. He announced the initiation of the Tri-Services Logistics Application aimed at integrating logistics systems to optimize resources and reduce redundancy. Singh pointed out the historical compartmentalization of operational practices among the services, which has hindered the sharing of valuable lessons. He called for a shift towards open collaboration and collective learning to address the complexities of modern threats. The Defence Minister warned against the risks of divergent standards in critical areas like aviation safety and cyber warfare, emphasizing the need for harmonization to prevent vulnerabilities. He acknowledged the uniqueness of each service while advocating for a shared baseline that fosters interoperability and trust. Achieving jointness, he stated, requires not only structural reforms but also a cultural shift within the leadership to promote the value of integration. Singh encouraged the Armed Forces to study international best practices and adapt them to India’s specific context, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the nation’s geography and culture. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting jointness and called for decisive action from all military and civil institutions to enhance collaboration. The seminar concluded with a consensus on the necessity for common inspection processes and explored ways to improve interoperability in aviation safety. This gathering marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration and sharing expertise among the services.
