Strengthening Jointness
Joint Doctrines Released for Indian Armed Forces: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has released three important joint doctrines for the Indian armed forces. This step is seen as a major stride towards integration and theaterisation, ensuring coordinated operations across all three services.
These doctrines provide common frameworks for planning, training, and executing missions involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. By focusing on interoperability, they aim to reduce duplication and enhance effectiveness.
Joint Doctrine for Special Forces
The first doctrine focuses on Special Forces (SF) Operations. It covers the Para-SF, Marine Commandos (MARCOS), and Garud Commandos. The goal is to establish common understanding of procedures, tactics, and command structures.
Joint training modules will minimise overlapping functions. It also emphasizes future weapon profiles, standardised terminologies, and coordinated command systems in land, air, and maritime domains.
Static GK fact: The Para-SF were raised in 1966 and are among the oldest special forces in India.
Joint Doctrine for Airborne and Heliborne Operations
The second doctrine lays down procedures for Airborne (AB) and Heliborne (HB) Operations. It standardises the planning and execution process to ensure smooth coordination.
The doctrine also integrates air mobility assets such as transport aircraft and helicopters. It looks ahead to the use of unmanned systems, reflecting modern battlefield needs.
Static GK Tip: India’s first large-scale heliborne operation was during the 1971 Indo-Pak War in Sylhet, East Pakistan.
Joint Doctrine for Multi Domain Operations
The third doctrine deals with Multi Domain Operations (MDO). It recognizes the need to operate across land, sea, air, cyber, space, and cognitive domains.
This approach involves not only the armed forces but also non-military sectors. The doctrine calls for a whole-of-nation approach (WONA), integrating diplomacy, industry, and technology to achieve national security objectives.
Static GK fact: The concept of MDO is globally gaining prominence, with the US and NATO adopting similar strategies in recent years.
Role of Chief of Defence Staff
The Chief of Defence Staff serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. The CDS is the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-service matters.
The position plays a critical role in promoting jointness, resource optimisation, and long-term defence planning.
Static GK Tip: The post of CDS was created in December 2019, following the recommendation of the Kargil Review Committee.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Joint Doctrines Released for Indian Armed Forces:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | CDS released three joint doctrines |
| Doctrines | Special Forces, Airborne & Heliborne Operations, Multi Domain Operations |
| Aim | Enhance jointness, integration, and theaterisation |
| Special Forces | Para-SF, MARCOS, Garud Commandos |
| Airborne and Heliborne | Focus on coordination, mobility assets, unmanned systems |
| Multi Domain | Land, Sea, Air, Cyber, Space, Cognitive |
| Approach | Whole-of-nation approach |
| CDS Role | Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee |
| Advisor | Principal Military Adviser to Defence Minister |
| Creation of CDS Post | December 2019 after Kargil Review Committee |
