CORE Programme 2026: Enhancing Civil-Military Synergy in Defence
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Key takeaways
- The HQ IDS instituted the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) programme in September 2025 as a permanent civil-military joint interface.
- The 5-day CORE Programme 2026 brought together the Tri-Services and top bureaucrats from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Home Affairs at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
- The initiative focuses on emerging capabilities like Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and non-kinetic cyber warfare modules.
- This platform supports India's planned transition toward Integrated Theatre Commands by building inter-service trust and whole-of-nation synergy.
Why in News
- The 5-day Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme 2026 concluded at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
- Senior leaders from the Tri-Services and top civil bureaucrats met to evaluate the fast-changing dynamics of modern warfare.
About the CORE Programme
- The CORE Programme serves as a top-tier civil-military strategic training and review mechanism.
- It connects senior officers of the Indian Armed Forces with key central administrative ministries to align their strategic views.
- Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) instituted this programme in September 2025 as a permanent national security interface.
- The main objective is to build inter-service jointness and civil-military coordination for multi-domain conflicts and new technological challenges.
Key Features of CORE
- It brings officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force together with bureaucrats from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Home Affairs on one platform.
- Participants interact directly with apex military leaders, including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), and the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC).
- The programme focuses heavily on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, robotics, autonomous systems, and modern defence manufacturing.
- It conducts practical wargaming exercises on non-kinetic warfare domains, such as cyber deterrence, counter-disinformation, and strategic communication.
- Domain experts from academia, defence think tanks, and intelligence agencies participate to analyze gray-zone conflicts and hybrid threats.
Significance
- It builds joint doctrine and trust among the three services, which directly accelerates India's planned transition toward Integrated Theatre Commands.
- It establishes a whole-of-nation security approach by linking military strength with diplomatic, economic, and internal security tools.