NEWS •• INTERVIEWS • NEWS • VIEWS • REVIEWS • INTERVIEWS • NEWS •I would like to subscribe for (tick as applicable)1 year (6 bimonthly issues for Rs.600 / US$60)2 years (12 bimonthly issues for Rs.1200 / US$120)First name .................................................. Last name ............................................Designation ................................................ Organization .........................................Address .....................................................................................................................City ............................................................. State .....................................................Postal code ................................................. Country..................................................Phone ......................................................... Fax ......................................................Email .........................................................................................................................I enclose cheque no....................................drawn on ...............................................dated...........................................................towards subscription for GEO Intelligencemagazine in favour of Geospatial Media and Communication Pvt. Ltd.Sign.......................................................... Date ..........................................................Mail this form with payment to:Geospatial Media and Communication Pvt. Ltd.A-145, Sector - 63, Noida, IndiaTel + 91 120 4612500 Fax + 91 120 4612555 / 666jan – feb 2011 GEOINTELLIGENCE I 4
EditorialModernisation of the army is a continuous processAlong with the changing geopolitical situation, the nature of warfaretoo is undergoing change. World is unlikely to see large scaleconventional wars of the past, particularly because of the increasingnumber of nuclear armed powers and the resultant threat ofescalating into a nuclear holocaust. Future conflict is more likely to be limitedand asymmetric in nature, with increased incidents of local insurgency andterrorism. Modernisation of the army is a continuous process and needs tobe directed towards acquiring a desired capability, which will depend on theanalysis of threats. Though Pakistan will continue to remain an adversary in theforeseeable future, our major concern should be China. The army needs to baseits capability building catering for this larger threat, which would take adequatecare of the threat from our traditional adversary too.To be able to face the challenges of modern warfare, the army needs totransform to a light-lethal-wired force. This would entail, among other things,the acquisition of a range of sophisticated devices, <strong>net</strong>worked and capableof providing 24x7 surveillance and communications, operating in a hostileelectromag<strong>net</strong>ic environment. Mobile weapon platforms would be requiredwith larger stand-off distances, precision guidance and higher lethality. Also, thearmy should have the capability of degrading similar systems and platforms ofthe enemy. Organisational and process changes are necessary for optimising theutilisation of existing combat and logistic resources.That there are serious deficiencies in the army’s holding of criticalweapons, equipment and ammunition was brought to the noticeof the Prime Minister by General VK Singh a short while prior todemitting office. Also, a large proportion of existing equipment inservice has outlived its life and needs immediate replacement. Inan environment of shrinking defence budgets, this is going to bea big challenge, coupled with the fact that the army’s acquisitionprogrammes have been beset with inordinate procedural delays,resulting in cost and time overruns. Indigenisation efforts havebeen largely the preserve of ordnance factories and defence publicsector undertakings, with very little opportunities for private sectorin any major defence programme. The entire process of acquisitionand indigenous manufacture requires an immediate re-look.Lt Gen AKS Chandele PVSM, AVSM (Retd)Managing Editorajay@geospatialmedia.<strong>net</strong>However, capability should not be construed as the mereprocurement of sophisticated weapons and equipment. Certainly,providing the soldier with the best wherewithal is an essentialrequirement for modernisation, but it also includes providing himthe necessary technical knowledge and training in the use of theseequipment. What use is a technologically superior weapon if thesoldier is not competent and confident to use it? Towards this end,an Army Technology Centre was set up some time back to ensurethe technology transition management of users, an initiative thatneeds to be pursued at all levels.GEOINTELLIGENCE jan - feb 20135
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