Evolving Warfare and Need for India's Defence Transformation | 15 Feb 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

At Aero India 2025, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the need for the Indian Army to evolve to adapt the emerging warfare trends, stressing the importance of holistic transformation beyond technological advancement. 

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, Artificial intelligence (AI), and hypersonic weapons that are transforming war strategies and 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? 

• Evolving Security Challenges: 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: India's Defence faces structural challenges, including the Indian Army's dominance in Defence planning and a large standing force of over 1.4 million, straining the budget and hindering modernization. 
  • India's doctrinal limitations, marked by reactive responses to threats (e.g., Kargil War, Mumbai 26/11), highlight the need for proactive deterrence and updated operational doctrines for enhanced security. 
• Modernization Deficiencies: India’s Defence inventory is outdated, affecting operational efficiency. The Indian Army still uses T-72 tanks (over 40 years old) and Bofors howitzers from the 1980s, despite modern advancements. 
  • Despite the 'Make in India' initiative, India remains the world's largest arms importer (9.8% of global imports from 2019 to 2023), relying on Russia, France, and the U.S. for advanced weaponry.  
  • This is due to delays in modern equipment induction, such as Tejas fighters and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles. 
  • Lack of synergy between the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy hinders integrated air-land-sea warfare and expeditionary 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’s Defence sector has attracted only Rs 5,077 crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), despite the FDI limit being raised to 74% via the Automatic Route and up to 100% through the Government Route. 
  • Manpower costs (salaries and pensions) consume a large portion of the Defence budget, leaving little for capital acquisitions. Balancing Defence needs with financial constraints remains a challenge for India.  

What Steps Can India Take to Align with Emerging Warfare Trends? 

• Indigenous Defence Innovation: Increasing funding for Defence Research and Development Organisation technology clusters, private defence startups, and academia to develop cutting-edge military technologies. 
• Technology in Defence: AI-powered autonomous drones, decision-making systems, and cyber warfare tools need faster integration. Quantum communication & cryptography will secure India’s strategic military assets. 
  • A unified command structure will improve strategic coordination and operational efficiency. 
• Cyber and Electromagnetic Warfare Force: Establishing dedicated Cyber and Electromagnetic Commands to counter digital warfare threats and expanding NavIC satellite surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities for a tactical advantage. 
• Military Training and Strategy: Revising military training to incorporate AI, robotics, and asymmetric warfare strategies. Conducting joint military exercises with global tech-driven armies like the US, Israel, and France. 
• Enhancing India’s Global Defence Standing: Competing with Western military standards requires investment in indigenous defence production and innovation. 
  • Aligning with emerging North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and QUAD military doctrines will help India prepare for global security challenges. 
• Future-Ready Military Strategy: India’s future-ready military strategy should balance land, sea, air, cyber, and space capabilities. Leveraging the planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) will enhance space surveillance and communication. 
  • To stay ahead, India must prepare for emerging threats, including "robot warfare," "drone battles," "autonomous vehicle engagements," and "mechanized clashes." 

Conclusion

India's defence transformation demands a holistic approach, balancing technological advancements with strategic adaptability and aligning with emerging warfare trends, India can enhance its global defence standing and ensure national security.