Incorporate tech lessons from West Asia conflict: Rajnath to forces

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while reviewing the security scenario, has asked the armed forces to incorporate technology lessons from the West Asia conflict in their own long-term plans.

Singh took stock of the conflict and its effect on India’s defence preparedness at the meeting attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshall AP Singh, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and DRDO Chairman Samir Kamat.

The Ministry of Defence said the minister directed that operational and technological lessons of the ongoing conflict should be studied continuously in order to improve India’s preparedness. “We need to formalise a comprehensive integrated roadmap for the next decade factoring in the lessons learnt, challenges and opportunities going forward whilst ensuring Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) and operational readiness across all fronts,” he said.

He was briefed about the global and regional security scenario, the impact of a possible escalation of the ongoing conflicts on India as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the current geopolitical situation.

The impact of the situation on the supply chain management towards procurement and production of defence equipment, including maintenance and serviceability of existing equipment, was also examined.

Already the Indian Navy has almost eight warships postponed in the Arabian Sea escorting the LPG and Crude oil tankers as they exit the Strait of Hormuz. So far, the Navy has escorted five such ships since the conflict erupted in February 28, The latest being the escort of two ships – Pine Gas and Jag Vasant.