Bengaluru: Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Manoj Pande on Sunday announced to convert the "Battle Squads" into "Integrated Battle Groups" in an effort towards structuring and optimization of the force. General Pande made the announcement while speaking at the 75th Army Day event organised here at Govindaswami Drill Square ground.
"In an effort towards force structuring and optimization, we are planning to convert our Battle Squads into Integrated Battle Groups, which will contribute effectively to the battlefield of the future," Pande said. He further said that "old establishments and units are being disbanded, or are being revamped with suitable changes."
To make the "teeth-to-tail" ratio effective with modernization and technological infusion, Pande said, "the Army will be right-sized so that human resource or manpower can be used properly". "Our aim will be to move from a manpower-intensive to a technologically driven Army," said the Army chief, adding "our primary focus will be our soldiers, who will be fully prepared and equipped to face the challenges of the future."
Provision of modern weapons and equipment is an integral part of this effort, for which the Indian Army is determined to find indigenous solutions, said Pande. "Modernity through 'self-reliance' will be our new mantra." Mentioning that the "Indian Defense Industry is rising up to this challenge with competence", the Army chief said "the Indian Army moving towards partnership from a "buyer-seller relationship" with the industry.
"Several initiatives have been taken to further strengthen this relationship, which includes 'hand holding'." He asserted that the Indian Army has full faith in the sturdiness and operability of 'Made-in-India' weapons and equipment.