Indian Army cybersecurity special Unit, more work ongoing

As per the officials familiar with the matter, the Indian Army plans to establish specialized units to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities, protect its networks, and combat threats in the crucial cyberspace domain. 

This comes when cyberspace is becoming increasingly important in conventional operations and grey zone warfare. The army is also incorporating niche technologies to further strengthen its fighting abilities.

According to an unnamed official, India’s rivals, notably China, invest heavily in cyber warfare capabilities, making the cyber domain more competitive and contested. 

As a result, the Indian Army is rapidly shifting towards net centricity, which involves greater dependence on modern communication systems.

Grey zone warfare is a term used to describe aggression and other actions to achieve national objectives without engaging in armed conflict. 

This creates ambiguity and makes it difficult to define the actions being taken.

To gain an advantage in war through the shared awareness of the battlespace using technology, the army’s top commanders have decided to establish cyber command operations and support wings (CCOSW) shortly. 

This decision was made to safeguard the networks, as stated in a Thursday statement by the army.

Last week, the Indian Army Commanders’ Conference, led by army chief General Manoj Pande, made the important decision to increase the number of units.

According to officials, high-ranking leaders examined the army’s readiness, progress in upgrading technology, and efforts to utilize domestic resources. 

They pinpointed opportunities to enhance collaboration and coordination with the Navy and air force.

During the conference, army officials outlined a plan for utilizing various specialized technologies and equipment introduced into the force. 

This includes unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, drone swarms, anti-drone gear, and electronic warfare equipment. A second official, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed these details.

According to the statement, improving the use of specialized equipment can enhance current tactics, training, and maintenance. 

To achieve this, lead directorates and “test bed” formations will develop better employment methods by incorporating niche technologies and equipment.

According to retired Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia, an expert in military affairs, there are potential dangers in both cyberspace and outer space that we need to be prepared for. 

Bhatia emphasized the importance of developing defensive and deterrent capabilities through the use of specialized technologies, particularly in the areas of cyber and space.

Additionally, officials have announced that there has been a significant decision made regarding the technical entry scheme (TES) for officers during the conference.

According to a statement, the TES has decided to switch from the current 1+3+1 years model to a 3+1 model starting in January 2024. 

This change is expected to increase the number of officers available in units and address the shortage of officers.

There is a TES model that has been in place for five years for BTech graduates who want to become officers in the army. 

This model was introduced in 1999 and involves one year of military training at the Officers Training Academy in Gaya, followed by a three-year BTech degree at cadet training wings (CTWs), and another year at three engineering colleges run by the army: the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune, the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, and the Military College of Mechanical & Electronics Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad.

According to the first officer, the army has implemented a new 3+1 model for training young officers.

This model includes three years of technical training at CTWs, followed by 1 year of basic military training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. 

This four-year training model aims to ensure that young officers are available to serve in units for an additional year.

Officials reported that during the conference, a decision was made regarding identifying, selecting, and training individuals who have experienced physical and battle-related injuries for participation in paralympic events. 

Additionally, progress on the construction of Thal Sena Bhawan located at Delhi Cantt was discussed.

According to officials, a new building project costing ₹832 crore is underway with an expected completion date of 2025. 

The purpose of the building is not only to provide additional office spaces but also to improve the efficiency of the Army headquarters by consolidating all directorates into one location.

Get all the latest news of Saurashtra on Indian daily post.