Indian Army To Operationalise Command Cyber Operations To Incorporate New Technologies, Modernise Its Online Networks

The Indian Army is set to operationalise Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings (CCOSW) to modernise its online networks and incorporate niche technologies.

At the Army Commanders Conference held from 17 to 21 April, it was decided to establish dedicated cyber operations wings. This conference, held twice a year in April and October, is an important biannual event at the apex level of the Army.

The conference is an institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army.

The Army on Thursday said that a wide-ranging strategic, training, human resource and administrative aspects were discussed in the conference.

Cyberspace is crucial in grey zone warfare as well as in conventional operations, according to defence sources cited by the Indian Express.

“The expansion of cyber warfare capabilities by our adversaries has made the cyber domain more competitive and contested than ever before,” a source was quoted by Indian Express as saying.

Consequently, the Army is transitioning towards net centricity, relying more on modern communication systems at all levels.

“To safeguard the networks and increase the preparedness levels in this niche domain, CCOSW are being raised in the Army. These organisations will assist the formations to undertake the mandated functions to strengthen the cyber security posture of the Indian Army,” the source said.

The Army is inducting a large number of niche technology-enabled equipment, including swarm drones, loitering weapon systems and anti-drone equipment.

Nominated directorates and 'Test Bed' formations will develop employment strategies for optimal use of new technologies by the Army.

The lead directorates and ‘Test Bed’ formations will be nominated to evolve optimal employment philosophies to facilitate better exploitation of these technologies across the Army, according to the sources cited in the IE report.

Further, another key decision in the conference was that from January 2024, the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) model will change to a 3+1 structure, moving away from the current 1+3+1 model.

The move, according to the Army, aims to solve the problem of officer shortage by making more officers available in units.

Further, 435 simulators will be procured at a cost of Rs 791 crore this year, which will significantly boost simulator training.