Indian Army To Operationalise Command Cyber Operations Amid Rising Online Threats

The requirements of the gray zone and the disclosure of cyberwarfare capabilities prompted the development.

New Delhi: The Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings (CCOSWs) will become operational following the Army Commanders' Conference's decision. The requirements of the gray zone and the disclosure of cyberwarfare capabilities prompted the development, reported news agency PTI.

The organisation will help the formations carry out required cyber security tasks with the intention of improving the Indian Army's cyber security posture.

"With rapid migration towards net centricity, which entails an increased reliance on modern communication systems, the forum reviewed the requirement to safeguard the networks and decided to operationalise Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings (CCOSW) in the immediate future," the Army said on Thursday.

"In order to augment the capabilities of the forces by absorption of niche technologies and equipment, it was decided to nominate lead directorates and 'test bed' formations to evolve optimal employment philosophies and scaling to facilitate better exploitation," it said in a statement.

During the conference, the senior officers and commanders of the Army reviewed the force's operational preparedness and readiness as well as assessed the current and upcoming security scenarios.  

The most recent round of the Army Commanders Conference, organised for the first time in a hybrid model from April 17-21, 2023, saw deliberations over wide-ranging strategic, training, human resource development and administrative aspects. The conference also resulted in significant decisions that will shape the Army's future.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday asked the Indian Army to maintain strong vigil along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as the situation remained “tense” in the northern sector following deployment of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the region. Speaking at the Army Commanders' Conference, without making specific references, the defence minister called upon the armed forces to take note of geo-political changes around the world, and accordingly mould their planning and strategies.