With the government preparing to establish three new Theatre Commands, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is looking to enhance and upgrade its cyber and space warfare capabilities.
After Theatre Commands Armed Forces to Expand Cyber, Space Capabilities
Five years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi authorised the establishment of two agencies, namely the Defence Cyber Agency and the Defence Cyber Agency, to deal with threats from these domains and to prepare India’s offensive capabilities in this area. These agencies are led by military commanders with the rank of Major General.
Also read: Indian Army To Raise New Units To Counter China, Pak In Cyber Warfare
“With the increasing use of the cyber domain in warfare as seen in the Ukraine war and our own experiences,” government sources stated, “the DMA is looking at the possibility of further expanding the Cyber agency and having more strength to deal with the challenges.”
Similarly, our opponents have recently reported a number of satellite launches and other deployments in that arena. We would also need to increase our capabilities in the space sector to assist Theatre Commanders in assessing and combating threats, they said.
Defence Cyber Agency has foiled a number of cyber attempts against its own military IT systems and personnel. According to the sources, the civilian agencies founded alongside the Defence Cyber and Space agencies have also made great progress in their capabilities in the recent few years.
However, with increased worldwide activity and growing weaponization of these sectors, the sources stated, there is a need to develop and strengthen the capabilities of these agencies. The military has been considering having permanent or long-term cyber and space specialists in these agencies to assist them use their skills in the long run.
In light of the requirement for major size expansion, the agencies can also be placed under the command of Lt Gen-level officials. The government has charged the DMA, which reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, with creating Theatre Commands that will produce meaner and leaner fighting formations to fight future wars. The services are currently discussing Theatre Command formations, which are expected to be formalised soon with unanimity across the services and top brass on practically all topics.
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