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General Anil Chauhan discussed the evolving nature of warfare at a seminar on aligning technologies to future conflicts, organized during Aero India.
He emphasized the need for the Army to adapt to emerging technologies and new warfare domains.
How is Warfare Evolving in the 21st Century?
Multi-Dimensional Conflicts: Warfare now extends beyond land, sea, and air to cyberspace, the electromagnetic spectrum, and outer space.
The emergence of unmanned platforms and autonomous weapons is redefining battlefield engagements.
Rise of Non-Contact Warfare: Precision-guided munitions, cyberattacks, and electronic warfare (EW) have reduced direct combat engagements.
The use of long-range missiles, drones, and AI-powered systems allows adversaries to strike without direct confrontation.
Technologies in Warfare: The US, China, and Russia are at the forefront of advancing Quantum computing, AI, and hypersonic weapons that are transforming war strategies
These are set to redefine combat scenarios, potentially leading to machine-vs-machine warfare.
Additionally, sixth-generation fighter jets and autonomous weapons systems are expected to play a crucial role in future battles.
However, the exact impact of these technologies remains uncertain, necessitating adaptable military strategies.
Perpetual and Irrational Wars: Earlier, wars were finite with political negotiations following combat.
Today, conflicts have become prolonged, hybrid in nature (involving a mix of conventional warfare, cyber operations, and information warfare), and driven by technological asymmetry (uneven distribution of technological capabilities between different countries).
Why Does the Indian Defence Need a Holistic Transformation?
India faces a two-front threat from China and Pakistan, with persistent border tensions (e.g., Eastern Ladakh, Doklam) and Pakistan’s proxy war in Jammu & Kashmir.
Their strategic collaboration, including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), raises the risk of a collusive two-front war.
China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean requires India to strengthen its maritime power and out-of-area contingency (OOAC) operations.
Structural and Doctrinal Limitations: The Indian Army's dominance in defence planning and a large standing force (over 1.4 million) strain the budget and hinder modernization.
India's reactive response to threats (e.g., Kargil War, Mumbai 26/11) highlights the need for proactive deterrence and updated operational doctrines.
Modernization Deficiencies: India's outdated defence inventory, such as T-72 tanks and Bofors howitzers, impacts operational efficiency.
Despite 'Make in India,' India remains the world's largest arms importer (9.8% of global imports, 2019-2023), relying on Russia, France, and the U.S. for advanced weaponry.
Delays in equipment induction, like Tejas fighters and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles, contribute to the gap.
Lack of synergy between the Army, Air Force, and Navy limits integrated air-land-sea warfare strategies.
Budgetary Constraints: India's 2025-26 Defence budget is USD 78.7 billion, very less compared to China's USD 236 billion in 2023.
Since 2001, India has attracted only Rs 5,077 crore in FDI in defence, despite a raised FDI limit.
Manpower costs consume a significant portion of the budget, leaving limited funds for capital acquisitions. Balancing defence needs with financial constraints remains a challenge.
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