India Advances Military Jointness with the Launch of Amphibious Operations Doctrine

New Delhi, India- In a significant move towards enhancing operational reiness and jointness of Indian Armed Forces, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan unveiled Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations during Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting held on 09 September 2024 in New Delhi.

This keystone publication is set to serve as a crucial guide for military commanders, offering strategic direction for conducting amphibious operations in increasingly complex and dynamic military environment of today.  

Strengning Amphibious Capabilities in Indian Ocean Region  

newly released Joint Doctrine underscores importance of amphibious capabilities for Indian Armed Forces, particularly in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). se capabilities are integral to Armed Forces' ability to conduct a wide range of operations, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HR) to full-scale military interventions during times of conflict. Amphibious operations exemplify cohesion and integration among Army, Navy, and Air Force, demonstrating ir ability to operate seamlessly across multiple domains.

Amphibious warfare, which involves use of naval ships to project ground and air power onto a hostile or potentially hostile shore, has evolved into a complex and sophisticated military operation. Doctrine outlines various phases of amphibious operations, including strategic planning, operational transit, pre-landing rehearsals, disembarkation, and subsequent consolidation of beachhes, followed by inland operations. se operations require meticulous coordination among various military specialities, including air power, naval gunfire, logistics, and specialized equipment designed for amphibious landings. 

Amphibious warfare, historically acknowledged as one of most complex military manoeuvres, involves coordinated use of naval ships, aircraft, and ground forces to establish a beachhe and conduct inland operations. Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations provides a detailed framework for se operations, outlining necessary phases, logistical requirements, and importance of close air support and naval gunfire. Doctrine also emphasizes need for specialized vehicles and equipment tailored to unique demands of amphibious landings. 

Armed Forces’ Second Major Joint Publication Issued 

Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations follows earlier release of Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations, making it second major joint publication issued this year. This continued focus on jointness and integration highlights Indian Armed Forces' commitment to preparing for future conflicts in a unified manner. By integrating unique capabilities of each service, Doctrine aims to ensure that Armed Forces can respond effectively to emerging threats and challenges, both within region and beyond.

Coinciding with release of Doctrine, Hequarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) has launched a first-of-its-kind Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme. five-day programme, running from 09 to 13 September 2024, is being held at United Service Institution (USI) in New Delhi and is designed to orient and prepare senior officers from Tri-Services, as well as representatives from Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Home Affairs.  

CORE to Equip Major Generals for Future Leership Roles 

CORE Programme has been meticulously curated to equip Major Generals and ir equivalents with skills and knowledge necessary for future leership roles. curriculum focuses on strategic planning, anticipation of future threats, and preparation for conflicts in an increasingly interconnected and technologically vanced global environment. Programme emphasizes vital role of military leers, combatants, and support staff in effective conduct of future wars, particularly in context of rapid modernization and integration of disruptive technologies.

CORE Programme is structured around a series of panel discussions and lectures delivered by 30 eminent speakers and subject matter experts from diverse fields. Each day of programme is built around a unique me, dressing topics such as changing nature of warfare, impact of globalization and interconnectedness, lessons from ongoing global conflicts, and significance of non-kinetic warfare, including cyber and information warfare. ditionally, Programme will explore option of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems in military operations, preparing participants to make informed and comprehensive decisions in future combat scenarios.