'VIJAY' Roadmap (Space & Defence Sectors)
'VIJAY' Roadmap (Space & Defence Sectors)Why In News:General Dhiraj Seth, who took charge as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, unveiled his priority roadmap named 'VIJAY' on 1 July 2026, aimed at building a technology-enabled, future-ready Army capable of operating across multiple domains.Source: The Hindu, Page 10, 2 July 2026, 'Army chief unveils road map ‘VIJAY’ for a future-ready force'.Decoding VIJAYV for Vigilance and Readiness: constant alertness on borders and high operational preparedness against emerging threats.I for Innovation: doctrinal and technological transformation suited to the evolving nature of the battlefield.J for Jointness and Integration: closer synergy and coordination with the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy to enhance operational effectiveness.A for Aatmanirbharta: building a self-reliant Army through indigenous technologies and defence capabilities.Y for Yodha First: boosting the technological threshold and training standards of individual soldiers.The Broader ContextVIJAY draws on the 'Decade of Transformation' (2023-2032), a modernisation and restructuring roadmap for the Indian Army envisaged by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.The Army Chief linked VIJAY to the Government's tri-services 'JAI' mantra, standing for Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation.Institutional Backdrop'Jointness' refers to the ongoing move towards integrated theatre commands across the three services, coordinated at the apex by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).'Aatmanirbharta' in defence is operationalised through Positive Indigenisation Lists issued by the Department of Defence Production, which progressively restrict imports of listed defence items.Key Facts for PrelimsThe post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was created in 2019 as a single-point military advisor to the Government, distinct from the three separate Service Chiefs.The CDS is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister.The officer can be selected from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force.The CDS is not a constitutional office and was created through a Cabinet decision and gazette notification.The appointment of the Chief of Army Staff is made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, and is formally approved by the President of India.Theatre Commands are being planned to integrate the resources of the Army, Navy, and Air Force for specific geographic or functional responsibilities, replacing the current single-service command structure.