Defence of India | Lucent for GK - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Defence refers to the protection and security of a nation against external threats and aggression. It encompasses various aspects such as military forces, strategies, policies, and equipment. Defence policy refers to the set of principles, guidelines, and actions formulated by a nation to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.

Defence Policy of India

India's defence policy aims to ensure the security and integrity of the nation, promote peace, deter aggression, and maintain a credible defence capability. The policy is guided by the principles of a strong deterrence posture, territorial integrity, and non-alignment. India follows a "no-first-use" nuclear policy, which means it will not use nuclear weapons unless first attacked with such weapons.

Objectives of Defence Policy

The primary objectives of India's defence policy include safeguarding national security, defending territorial integrity, countering terrorism and insurgency, ensuring maritime security, maintaining strategic stability, and participating in international peacekeeping operations.

Defence Budget

The defence budget is the financial allocation made by the government for defence-related activities. It covers expenses for personnel, equipment procurement, research and development, infrastructure, and modernization. India's defence budget is one of the largest in the world, reflecting the country's commitment to national security.

Three Services: Army, Air Force, and Navy

• Indian Army: The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is responsible for land warfare operations and the defence of the country's borders. The army plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security, counterinsurgency operations, and providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. It is the largest component of India's military.
• Indian Air Force (IAF): The Indian Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is primarily responsible for securing Indian airspace, conducting aerial operations, and providing air support to ground forces. The IAF operates a wide range of aircraft, including fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance platforms.
• Indian Navy: The Indian Navy is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is responsible for safeguarding India's maritime interests, ensuring the security of coastal areas, and projecting naval power. The navy operates surface ships, submarines, aircraft carriers, and maritime patrol aircraft. It also plays a significant role in maritime diplomacy and disaster relief operations.

Commands and Cities of Army, Air Force, and Navy

Army Commands:

• Northern Command: Headquartered in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Western Command: Headquartered in Chandimandir, Haryana.
• Eastern Command: Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Southern Command: Headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra.
• Central Command: Headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• Southwestern Command: Headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Air Force Commands:

• Western Air Command: Headquartered in New Delhi.
• Eastern Air Command: Headquartered in Shillong, Meghalaya.
• Central Air Command: Headquartered in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
• Southern Air Command: Headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Southwestern Air Command: Headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Training Command: Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Navy Commands:

• Western Naval Command: Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Eastern Naval Command: Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Southern Naval Command: Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.

Commissioned Ranks for Army, Air Force, and Navy

Army Commissioned Ranks (in ascending order):

• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Colonel
• Brigadier
• Major General
• Lieutenant General
• General

Air Force Commissioned Ranks (in ascending order):

• Flying Officer
• Flight Lieutenant
• Squadron Leader
• Wing Commander
• Group Captain
• Air Commodore
• Air Vice Marshal
• Air Marshal
• Air Chief Marshal

Navy Commissioned Ranks (in ascending order):

• Sub-Lieutenant
• Lieutenant
• Lieutenant Commander
• Commander
• Captain
• Commodore
• Rear Admiral
• Vice Admiral
• Admiral