17-February -2025-Special-Article

INDIA’S DEFENCE TRANSFORMATION AND EMERGING WARFARE TRENDS

In the 21st century, warfare is rapidly evolving with advancements in technology and new forms of conflict. At Aero India 2025, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized that India’s military must undergo holistic transformation to adapt to these emerging trends. This requires more than just technological upgrades; it demands structural, strategic, and doctrinal changes to strengthen national security.

How Warfare is Changing in the 21st Century

Multi-Dimensional Conflicts

• Warfare is no longer limited to land, sea, and air; it now extends to cyberspace, outer space, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Autonomous weapons and unmanned platforms are altering battlefield strategies.

Rise of Non-Contact Warfare

• Modern conflicts increasingly involve cyberattacks, electronic warfare (EW), and long-range precision-guided missiles.
• Drones and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapons enable strikes without direct confrontation.

Technological Advancements in Warfare

• Major military powers like the US, China, and Russia are leading advancements in AI, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons.
• The development of sixth-generation fighter jets and autonomous military systems will reshape future combat.
• The impact of these technologies remains uncertain, necessitating adaptable military strategies.

Prolonged and Hybrid Conflicts

• Traditional wars had clear beginnings and ends, but modern conflicts are prolonged and involve multiple warfare techniques.
• Hybrid warfare includes a combination of conventional battles, cyber warfare, and information warfare.
• Technological asymmetry, where some nations possess advanced military technology while others lag, influences global conflicts.

Why India Needs a Holistic Defence Transformation

Evolving Security Challenges

• India faces a two-front security threat from China and Pakistan, with border tensions in Ladakh, Doklam, and Pakistan’s proxy war in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) increases the risk of a coordinated attack from both nations.
• China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean necessitates stronger maritime security and out-of-area contingency (OOAC) operations.

Structural and Doctrinal Challenges

• The Indian Army dominates defence planning, affecting resource allocation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• A large standing force of 1.4 million personnel strains the budget, limiting modernization efforts.
• India’s military strategy has historically been reactive (e.g., Kargil War, 26/11 Mumbai attacks), underscoring the need for proactive deterrence.

Defence Modernization Deficiencies

• Many Indian military systems are outdated; for instance, the Army still uses T-72 tanks (over 40 years old) and Bofors howitzers from the 1980s.
• Despite the ‘Make in India’ initiative, India remains the world’s largest arms importer (9.8% of global imports from 2019-2023), relying on Russia, France, and the US.
• Delays in modern equipment induction, such as Tejas fighters and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles, hinder operational efficiency.
• Lack of coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force reduces combat effectiveness in multi-domain operations.

Budgetary Constraints

• India’s 2025-26 defence budget is USD 78.7 billion, much lower than China’s USD 236 billion in 2023.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence has remained low despite raising the FDI limit to 74% via the automatic route and up to 100% through the government route.
• A large portion of the budget is spent on salaries and pensions, leaving limited funds for capital acquisitions and modernization.

India’s Progress in Defence Modernization

Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

• India has developed several major defence systems, including:

• Dhanush Artillery Gun System
• Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
• Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun
• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
• INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier)

• India is also developing a Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), submarines, frigates, and corvettes.

Boosting Defence Production and Exports

• The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 has helped increase domestic defence production to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, with a target of Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029.
• Defence exports have surged from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24, a 30-fold increase.
• The industrial licensing process has been streamlined to encourage private sector participation.
• The iDEX initiative promotes innovation among startups and MSMEs, while the SRIJAN portal supports indigenization.
• Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.

Steps India Should Take to Adapt to Emerging Warfare Trends

Strengthening Indigenous Defence Innovation

• Increase funding for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and promote collaboration between private companies, startups, and academia.
• Develop cutting-edge military technologies in AI, robotics, and cyber warfare.

Enhancing Technological Integration in Defence

• Accelerate the deployment of AI-powered drones, automated decision-making systems, and cyber defence tools.
• Invest in quantum communication and cryptography to secure military networks.
• Implement a unified command structure to improve coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Establishing Cyber and Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities

• Set up dedicated Cyber and Electromagnetic Commands to counter digital threats.
• Expand the NavIC satellite surveillance system to enhance India’s electronic warfare capabilities.

Reforming Military Training and Strategy

• Update military training programs to include AI, asymmetric warfare, and robotics.
• Conduct joint military exercises with technologically advanced nations such as the US, Israel, and France.

Enhancing India’s Global Defence Standing

• Strengthen partnerships with NATO and QUAD nations to align with global security doctrines.
• Invest in indigenous defence production to match Western military standards.

Developing a Future-Ready Military Strategy

• Balance land, sea, air, cyber, and space capabilities to create a modern military force.
• Utilize the planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) for space surveillance and military communication.
• Prepare for emerging warfare threats, including drone battles, robot warfare, and autonomous vehicle engagements.

Conclusion

India’s defence transformation requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond technological upgrades. Strategic adaptability, structural reforms, and indigenous innovation are key to ensuring national security. By aligning with emerging warfare trends and strengthening its global defence standing, India can build a modern and resilient military force for the future.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the evolving nature of warfare in the 21st century and analyze the need for a holistic transformation of India’s defence strategy to address emerging security challenges. (150 WORDS)