Former Army Chief Stresses Enduring Role of Conventional Arms in Modern Conflict
Former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande delivered a significant address at the Advantage Vidarbha conclave in Nagpur on Friday, challenging the notion that future wars will be dominated solely by advanced technology. He asserted that while drones and artificial intelligence are transformative, traditional legacy weapon systems will continue to play a crucial role in military strategy.
Balancing High-Tech and Conventional Systems
General Pande directly addressed the prevailing buzz around futuristic warfare, stating, "There is a perception that conflicts will be fought exclusively with drones and AI. However, this is neither feasible nor advisable across all scenarios. Legacy weapons will always retain their importance." He elaborated that in disputes over territorial boundaries, holding ground necessitates the deployment of conventional forces equipped with established systems.
By legacy systems, Pande clarified he was referring to older, proven platforms such as tanks and artillery guns. "When conflicts involve contested borders, the physical occupation of land by troops remains essential. This is where conventional systems must be utilized," he explained on the sidelines of the event.
Lessons from Global Conflicts and Self-Reliance
The former Army chief highlighted Operation Sindoor as a case study underscoring the value of self-reliance in defence capabilities. He noted that ongoing international conflicts further reinforce the critical need for technological independence. Pande emphasized that while the character of warfare has evolved—now spanning multiple domains beyond direct force-on-force engagements—national preparedness must adapt accordingly.
"Modern warfare extends across various sectors and is not confined to traditional battlefield confrontations. Our country's defence strategies must align with this broadened spectrum," Pande remarked, advocating for a holistic approach to military modernization.
Nagpur's Strategic Potential for Defence Industries
Turning to regional development, General Pande identified Nagpur as an ideal hub for defence manufacturing due to its existing infrastructure. "The presence of ordnance factories and proximity to research institutions like the DRDO make this location highly suitable for defence industrial growth," he stated.
He also pointed to the planned defence corridor at Saoner as a project that would significantly enhance the region's advantages, fostering innovation and production in the sector.
Collaborative Modernization and Budgetary Support
Pande stressed the importance of a unified effort in advancing defence capabilities, involving government bodies, armed forces, industries, and academic institutions. "Modernization requires the concerted contribution of all stakeholders," he affirmed.
Expressing optimism about the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector's role, he highlighted recent budgetary measures. "The 13% increase in the defence budget substantially focuses on modernizing our armed forces, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing our defence preparedness," Pande concluded, underscoring the balanced integration of legacy systems and new technologies in India's defence framework.
