The Indian Army is undertaking a transformative restructuring of its Education Corps, a move aimed at integrating domain experts in critical fields such as linguistics, cybersecurity, and information technology. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the military’s operational capabilities, with recruitment initiatives planned for both officer ranks and other personnel within the regular army. Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Coordination), has announced that the recruitment process for these specialists is already underway via the Territorial Army (TA).

In line with this initiative, several domain experts have already begun their roles within the TA. For upcoming recruitments, the Army has set clear educational requirements: regular officer candidates will need postgraduate degrees, while candidates for other ranks are expected to possess at least a graduate degree.

Lieutenant General Kapoor emphasized the vital role specialized expertise plays in modern military operations. He stated, “As the Army progresses, we have to understand that there is a lot of expertise required for the profession. We recently restructured our Education Corps and are now positioned to recruit domain experts in Information Warfare, linguistics, and IT.” He noted that some specialists, including linguists and cyber experts, have already been recruited through the TA, and those demonstrating potential will be considered for advancement to other roles. The recruitment process for regular army positions is anticipated to commence by mid-next year, with ongoing calculations to determine exact vacancies due to attrition.

The Army’s recruitment plan includes opportunities exclusively for Indian citizens, offering entry through both traditional recruitment and the TA route, which features short-term assignments and flexible age limits, allowing professionals to serve while retaining their civilian careers.

In a conversation with The Statesman, Lt. Gen. Kapoor clarified that despite the restructuring and integration of domain specialists, there are no intentions to create a separate corps for these experts. Instead, recruits will be directly assigned to positions that align with their expertise, ensuring they can remain within their specified fields without being reassigned to other branches of the Army.

To prepare for future challenges, the Army has also launched internship programs aimed at students interested in these domains. Interns will have placements in significant organizations such as the Center for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), the Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS), and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). These internships aim to cultivate a new generation of experts capable of navigating the evolving landscape of military operations.

Highlighting the importance of technological advancement, Lt. Gen. Kapoor remarked, “The changing nature of warfare demands operational deployment of advanced technologies. We aim to absorb these advancements into our structures and maintain a competitive edge.” As part of this commitment, the Army is also revising its training syllabi for major career courses, including Young Officers, Junior Command, Senior Command, Staff College, and Higher Command courses, to ensure that current officers remain well-versed in modern warfare and technological innovations.

As the Indian Army continues to integrate specialized skills into its operations, the recruitment drive and training advancements mark a significant step toward modernizing its forces and preparing for future challenges in a rapidly changing military environment. An official announcement regarding the recruitment process is expected to be released shortly.

In an extraordinary display of camaraderie and respect, approximately 5,000 veterans participated in a grand event held in Poonch on Friday, commemorating the 77th anniversary of the historic military link-up between Poonch and the rest of India. This significant occasion, known as Poonch Link-Up Day, marks the successful military operation carried out by the Indian Army in 1948, which effectively ended the months of siege and isolation experienced by the border district during the first Indo-Pak war.

Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding of the 16 Corps, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the courage and resilience displayed by both the residents of Poonch and the Indian Army over the past seven decades. He underscored the uniqueness of this chapter in military history, which is particularly notable for the fact that no territory changed hands during that tumultuous period. This resilience is a testament to the unwavering resolve shared by the armed forces and the local population.

The day of remembrance, observed on November 22, recalls the pivotal moment in 1948 when Brigadier Pritam Singh led the Indian Army to successfully liberate Poonch from a 15-month siege. The operation was plagued by hunger and disease, accompanied by numerous assaults from the Pakistani Army. However, the indomitable spirit of the Poonch residents, combined with the determination of the Indian Army, ultimately secured a crucial link that connected the besieged region with the broader nation.

A spokesperson for the Defence Ministry highlighted the significance of Poonch Link-Up Day, describing it as more than just a commemoration; it symbolizes a vibrant and enduring relationship between the people of Poonch and the Indian Army. The preparations for this momentous event have infused the district with excitement and enthusiasm, culminating in a series of lively and festive activities that reflect the community’s spirit over the past month.

The mega event underlined the deep-rooted ties between veterans and their communities, reaffirming a commitment to honor their sacrifices and the rich history of the region. Both the festivities and the solemn observances captured the essence of unity and resilience that defines Poonch’s legacy.

An Indian Navy submarine was involved in a collision with a fishing vessel named ‘Marthoma’ while operating about 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa. The incident occurred on Thursday during the submarine’s transit along the west coast. Following the collision, prompt action resulted in the rescue of 11 crew members from the fishing vessel shortly after the accident. However, two crew members remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search operations.

In response to the emergency, the Indian Navy quickly initiated a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, deploying six ships along with multiple aircraft to locate and assist the remaining crew. The Navy’s commitment to ensuring safety at sea was evident as they intensified their efforts on Friday, bolstering the operation with additional resources, including support from the Indian Coast Guard.

The operation is being carefully coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) based in Mumbai. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) released a statement confirming the search efforts for the missing crew members of the ‘Marthoma’ following the collision with the Navy’s submarine, referred to as PM 21. The ministry emphasized the seriousness of the operation, noting that extra assets have been diverted to enhance the search efforts.

As the investigation into the cause of the collision unfolds, details regarding the condition of the missing crew members and the extent of damage sustained by both vessels have yet to be revealed. The incident has raised concerns and highlighted the importance of safety measures at sea, particularly regarding the interactions between military and civilian maritime activities. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the search continues and the investigation progresses.

On November 22, the Indian Ministry of Defence reported a significant maritime accident involving a Scorpene-class submarine of the Indian Navy, which collided with a civilian fishing vessel named Marthoma in the Arabian Sea, approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Goa. The incident led to a search and rescue operation that successfully rescued 11 crew members from the fishing vessel. However, efforts are ongoing to locate two missing individuals, involving six naval ships and multiple aircraft deployed to assist in the search.

The collision raises questions regarding the operational depth of the Scorpene submarine at the time of the incident. Submarines typically navigate underwater at depths ranging from 200 to 300 meters, although this can change based on mission profiles and seabed conditions. When a submarine operates at shallow depths or at “periscope depth”—where only the periscope is above the waterline—it faces increased risks. This mode of operation is mainly employed for visual reconnaissance, charging batteries, or conducting specific tactical maneuvers.

Submarines are guided by established protocols for surfacing and ascending to periscope depth, including measures to monitor nearby vessels to maintain a safe distance. Underwater, submarines rely on sonar technology to detect other vessels, both on the surface and beneath the waves. Sonar, which stands for “sound navigation and ranging,” uses sound waves reflected off objects to measure distance and direction. Modern submarines are equipped with advanced sonar systems, including both active and passive types. Active sonar sends out sound waves and analyzes the return, while passive sonar listens for sounds emitted by other vessels, thus ensuring stealth and preserving operational security.

The Indian Navy’s Scorpene submarines are integrated with a state-of-the-art Low Frequency Analysis and Ranging (LOFAR) sonar system, coupled with the Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System, facilitating long-range detection and classification of targets. Locally known as the Kalvari Class, these submarines represent a crucial part of India’s naval capabilities, with six currently in service following their design from Franco-Spanish origins. The first of these submarines was commissioned in 2017, and three additional units are on order.

Collisions between submarines and surface ships are not rare occurrences in naval operations, as evidenced by several incidents involving various global maritime forces. Instances of submarines colliding with other vessels or hitting underwater obstacles, such as rocks or sandbanks, have been previously documented. For instance, in February 2009, the British Royal Navy’s HMS Vanguard and the French Navy’s Triomphant collided in the Atlantic. The US Navy has also faced its share of incidents involving collisions, both with submarines and other surface vessels during exercises or maneuvers.

Several factors can contribute to such maritime accidents, including inadequate sonar sweeps, inefficient periscope use, human error, failure to follow established protocols, communication breakdowns, and navigation inaccuracies. Technical issues such as outdated charts, miscalculations, and lapses in maintenance have been cited as contributing factors in various maritime incidents.

The Indian Navy has previously faced challenges with its submarines, including a tragic incident in August 2013, which remains its deadliest submarine-related accident. Following a catastrophic explosion on board the INS Sindhurakshak, a Russian Kilo-class submarine, the vessel sank while docked in Mumbai, claiming the lives of 18 sailors. Although the submarine was later salvaged, it was deemed beyond repair.

The recent collision involving the Scorpene submarine raises concerns about safety protocols and operational readiness within the Indian Navy, emphasizing the need for continuous assessment and improvement to prevent future incidents in maritime operations.

In a significant stride towards modernization, the Indian Army has identified 16 technological clusters, which will be central to its future development and operational capabilities. These clusters encompass a variety of programs that are being executed in collaboration with government enterprises, private sector companies, and academic institutions. Each of these clusters will be under constant oversight, as the Army Chief conducts monthly reviews to track progress and adherence to set timelines.

Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, who serves as the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army responsible for information systems and coordination, revealed these advancements during a press briefing in New Delhi. He stressed the importance of accountability in these projects, with designated officers assigned to monitor and ensure the success of various initiatives.

The clusters identified for technological enhancement feature a wide range of contemporary and cutting-edge fields. Among them are Cybersecurity, Space Operations, Quantum Computing, and next-generation telecommunications like 5G and 6G. Additionally, significant focus will be directed toward the Internet of Things, Directed Energy Weapons, and areas involving digitization, augmented and virtual reality technologies. The list further includes advanced concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, alongside developments in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Drones, Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Autonomous Systems, and Blockchain Technology.

The Army aims to enhance its capabilities in Loitering Munitions, 3D Printing, and Robotics, marking a proactive approach toward modern warfare technology. Lt Gen Kapoor emphasized that 2024 is earmarked as a year for technology absorption, with aspirations that this focus will extend throughout the next decade.

To facilitate this modernization initiative, the Army has begun the recruitment of domain specialists in critical fields such as information technology, cyber warfare, and linguistics. The Education Corps of the Army has been realigned to better support this specialized focus. Since the initiative’s inception, specialists have already begun to be integrated into the Army through the Territorial Army’s recruitment pathway, a strategy set to continue. Furthermore, there are plans to also recruit these experts through regular recruitment processes, with advertisements for these positions anticipated to be released soon.

This comprehensive strategy reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to advancing its technological prowess, ensuring that it remains prepared to address contemporary security challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.