Defence Forces Vision 2047 calls for space, cyber command and drone force

Capability development will remain a key priority for the Indian armed forces, involving the upgrading and sustenance of existing platforms, induction of cutting-edge weapon systems and the adoption of emerging technologies, according to the Defence Forces Vision 2047 document.

The strategic road map document, accessed by The Hindu, outlines broad goals that the armed forces must aspire to achieve as India prepares its military for evolving security challenges and the centenary of Independence.

The document emphasises atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production as a cornerstone for building capabilities and capacities in line with emerging threats. It calls for nurturing indigenous industry, promoting innovation and research and development, and revamping the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) to strengthen the domestic defence ecosystem.

To prepare for multi-domain warfare, the vision proposes the creation of several new institutions and specialised capabilities, including a defence geo-spatial agency, a data force, a drone force and a cognitive warfare action force. It also recommends raising dedicated space and cyber commands to address emerging operational domains. Create ‘surge’ capacities to cater for prolonged high-intensity attritive operations.

The plan further calls for expanding ballistic missile defence and air defence systems to protect economic and strategic assets as well as civilian infrastructure against multi-domain threats under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.

Highlighting the need for organisational reforms, the document stresses tri-service jointness and integration to enhance synergy among the Army, Navy and Air Force, enabling unified planning and execution of operations across domains.

It also recommends strengthening the Agnipath scheme to attract motivated youth, raising the educational threshold for soldiers and modernising training curricula to prepare personnel for technology-driven warfare. Additionally, it proposes a common Defence Forces Act to govern the conduct, discipline and service conditions of personnel across the three services.

The vision document outlines a phased transformation plan aligned with geopolitical and technological trends. The goals are expected to be achieved in three stages — a transition phase until 2030, followed by a decade of consolidation till 2040, and finally an era of excellence by 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence.