By KS Rao, CEO, Network Services and Software Business, STL
Thanks to the pandemic, we do not feel as safe outside our homes as we used to. Despite what happened in the last 18 months, we still have some sense of security and privileges to lead a normal life. A large part of it is owing to lacs of defense personnel who are safeguarding our national borders. While we enjoy our day-to-day routine, our forces on the borders protect our sovereignty. They are on-duty 24×7, braving extreme weather conditions, difficult terrains, a raging pandemic, and much more. It’s time we make them feel safer as well.
Digitisation and ICT technologies is the answer to more secure borders
India shares its borders with seven countries. Our national landscape includes vulnerable terrains like deserts, snow-capped mountains, deep forest areas and swampy marshes. Our borders have been exposed to unanticipated threats like terrorism, insurgency, territorial disputes with neighbouring countries and illicit trafficking in the past. The country continues to constantly face security challenges and uncertainty in its strategic defence environment. While paramilitary forces are doing their best, real insights into these potential threats is often a problem. They need strategic planning and intelligence to tackle these threats. This is only possible by augmenting and fortifying the current-state networks with modern ICT technologies.
Digitalisation in Defence – a report by Frost & Sullivan’s reveals that digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain are being leveraged at operational and agency levels as change enablers. Digital technologies deployment improves legacy processes as well as operation and mission efficiencies. The adoption of digital platforms and the latest technologies are empowering the paramilitary, enabling better continuity of operations and bringing forces to a new level of combat readiness.
Customised integrated solutions is the way to go
I don’t recommend modernising all the operations at once by taking a disintegrated approach. Instead, the paramilitary division should go with customised integrated solutions as per the needs of each force.
There is a need to address the gap in conventional capabilities and its immediate adversaries. This gap can be bridged by upgrading the communication networks of paramilitary forces with advanced ICT technologies.
Here are some technology-led solution recommendations:
• Technology-led Border & Base Management for Fortified and Smart borders and bases to optimise physical patrolling and ensure zero intrusions
• Data Analytics and Databases for AI/ML-based predictive threat analysis with increased accuracy, intelligent inputs, auto-detection and reporting
• Robust ecosystems for 24×7 surveillance for faster response time during an emergency, and increased situational awareness through video analytics.
• Intrusion-proof modernised network and a fully integrated ecosystem.
These will enable the paramilitary forces to develop strategic deterrence to combat all anti-national activities across the border. The forces will be empowered to deliver on their key objectives of containing insurgency and militancy while reducing casualties and collateral damage.
India needs paramilitary digitisation now more than ever
Though India has built extensive and secure defence networks across tri-forces, many of these are decades old and need an upgrade. India needs to unify, fortify, and modernise defence networks with strategic capabilities like joint-ness and interoperability of networks, technology-led security solutions, and cybersecurity architecture to achieve the winning edge. With these capabilities, we will be able to ensure that our borders and brave soldiers are safer than before
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