Emerging Paradigm of Warfare from Platforms to Algorithms

For centuries now, technology has shaped the evolution of warfare. The difference today is the pace and scale at which this transformation is unfolding. Until about three decades ago, warfare was largely platform-centric. Military strength was measured by the ability to field and employ aircraft, tanks, artillery, and naval assets at scale, with industrial capacity and logistics being key determinants of combat outcomes.

A major inflection point came during the Gulf War, which marked the shift towards ‘Precision-Centric Warfare’. Precision-guided munitions, satellite navigation, and networked sensors demonstrated that accuracy and information could deliver effects disproportionate to force size, moving away from platform-centricity. In the years that followed, militaries recalibrated doctrines towards integrating sensors, shooters, and command systems to achieve combat advantage.

Today, we are witnessing a more fundamental and disruptive transformation as warfare is increasingly becoming algorithm-driven and multi-domain, where operations across land, air, sea, space, cyber, and the electromagnetic spectrum are synchronised in near-real-time, supplemented by the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence systems across the entire Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) loop. Decision cycles are compressing, and the ability to process and act on data is emerging as a decisive factor in operational success.

This shift has been clearly visible in ongoing conflicts from Ukraine to the West Asian theatre, and closer to home through lessons from Operation Sindoor. The direction is clear. Advantage is steadily migrating from platforms to technology stacks that connect, enable, and power them.

From Military-Led to Civilian-Driven Innovation

Parallel to this transformation in warfare, the last few decades have witnessed an equally significant shift in the technology landscape. The centre of gravity of innovation has moved from military-led development to civilian-driven ecosystems.

For much of the twentieth century, when regular conflicts and ‘war economies’ were the order of the day, defence establishments defined the technological frontier. Breakthroughs such as the internet, GPS, and advanced communication systems originated within military programmes before finding widespread civilian application. Defence set the pace and direction of innovation, with the civilian industry following.

That equation has now largely reversed. Today, the most disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, robotics, autonomous systems, and data analytics, are driven by the civilian sector. Innovation cycles are faster, technology proliferation is quicker, capital is more accessible, and competition accelerates development in ways traditional defence structures find difficult to match. The transition of major economies from war economies to consumer-driven economies has further accentuated this phenomenon.

For militaries, this creates both opportunity and complexity. Access to advanced technologies has expanded significantly, but dependence on globally distributed ecosystems raises concerns around control, reliability, and long-term resilience. The challenge is not just adoption, but the ability to adapt and integrate these technologies within secure and dependable frameworks.

The Strategic Imperative of Sovereign Technology

In an era of shifting alliances, contested supply chains, and increasing ambiguity in the global order, technology has moved to the centre of strategic autonomy. Access can no longer be taken for granted, and dependencies can quickly translate into strategic constraints.

The issue is not simply about acquiring advanced technologies, but about the degree of control exercised over them across the complete lifecycle of equipment. Through initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI in the civilian domain, India has successfully demonstrated that sovereign and scalable architectures can deliver reliable product quality, resilience, and scale. The lesson for defence lies in recognising the importance of architecture and control.

Sovereignty does not imply isolation. It requires clarity on what must be controlled and where collaboration is viable. In modern defence systems, critical layers often lie beneath the surface. Embedded electronics, software, data architectures, and algorithms determine how systems perform and evolve. Without sufficient depth in these areas, even indigenously produced platforms may remain constrained, with a limited ability to exploit them fully over their entire lifecycles. Building capability in these critical layers will be essential to ensure operational resilience and long-term relevance.

Leveraging Dual-Use Technologies: Connecting the Ecosystem

India is at a unique inflection point. Enabling policy frameworks, a maturing entrepreneurial ecosystem, and an evolving financial landscape have together given rise to a new generation of technology-led enterprises. Earlier, access to finance was largely linked to confirmed orders from government or industry. Today, investors are increasingly backing companies with strong technology, intellectual property, and scalability, accelerating the growth of deep-tech enterprises. Today, an increasing number of indigenous, technology-driven firms operate at the cutting edge of technology and at the intersection of civilian and strategic domains.

These firms are investing in research and building the maturity required to bring agility, innovation, and scalability into areas that were traditionally constrained by slower cycles.

In doing so, they also help to overcome the systemic challenges that various pillars of the Indian defence ecosystem—i.e., the Armed Forces, DRDO, DPSUs, private industry (including start-ups), and academia—face because of the very nature of their structure. Many tech firms are structured in a more agile and effective manner, with the ability to innovate faster, integrate more effectively, and scale solutions with greater efficiency.

These companies can support the Armed Forces in ideation, rapid prototyping, and faster capability absorption. They can also help research organisations, including DRDO, in shortening their development cycles and developing products at the cutting edge of technology. They can help the DPSUs and private industry to develop niche solutions faster with greater efficiency, better quality, higher reliability, and scalability. Many of these companies are working closely with academia, helping align research more closely with real-world problems and challenges. Thus, the real value of dual-use technologies lies in how they connect these elements and emerge as a key enabler.

Technologies Shaping the Next Phase of Capability

The shift towards algorithm-centric and multi-domain operations is being enabled by a set of technologies that cut across platforms and stakeholders. Their impact lies in how they strengthen each part of the ecosystem and how effectively they are integrated.

Digital Twins are an exciting technology and are emerging as a link between design and operations. For the Armed Forces, they can help in planning infrastructure and facilities by testing layouts and workflows before execution. They can also enable a more objective evaluation of systems during trials by allowing equipment to be tested across operational limits objectively, thereby strengthening and shortening the procurement procedures. For in-service platforms, Digital Twins can support continuous performance validation and improve platform availability through predictive maintenance and product validation.

Digital twins can also help the DRDO, academia, and industry in reducing development time of new prototypes as well as in multiple associated areas like prototype validation, quality control, and testing. They can also improve lifecycle management activities, including MRO. They can also help overcome the challenges associated with spiral development of products and solutions, an aspect that the Indian defence ecosystem has been struggling with for a very long time now.

Advanced Simulation Systems are yet another technology area with tremendous dual-use capabilities. Traditionally associated with only training, these systems actually go way beyond training and can help in doctrine validation, evolution of operational plans, as well as process and product development. Even within the domain of training, which has largely been limited to individual training in isolation, the potential of simulation can be transformative.

Through Live, Virtual, and Constructive integration, these systems are changing how training is envisioned, planned, and executed. They can enable integrated training at the crew, unit, formation, and theatre levels across services. Training environments that have traditionally been siloed can now function as a unified continuum. Also, wargaming can be made way more immersive, realistic, and reflective of operational conditions. For DRDO and academia, simulation systems can support experimentation, process improvements, as well as product development.

Electronics and Embedded Systems form the foundation of modern capability. The ability to curate customized electronics designs using indigenous chips and circuits, sensors, and firmware, with customised communication protocols and the ability to integrate with third-party products, is a phenomenal enabler.

This can help us reduce external dependence and create a resilient architecture for the development of indigenous solutions.

For the Armed Forces, control over sensors, communication systems, and electronic warfare capabilities is critical to operational effectiveness. In contested environments, this layer often determines whether systems function as intended. Operating at the heart of critical systems, these technologies energize the products effectively. They also support DRDO, academia, and industry in reducing dependency and strengthening the ability to create specialised subsystems and systems, thereby improving resilience, as well as capabilities, across the product lifecycle.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning support decision-making across all levels. Shaping transformation across industries and warfare, these systems enable faster data collection, quicker analysis, improved situational awareness, and support for functions such as surveillance, command and control, and logistics. Their role continues to evolve from augmenting human decision-making towards greater levels of autonomy.

Needless to say, homegrown AI and ML platforms can transform our architectures and make them way more capable. For DRDO and academia, AI and ML open avenues for research in data-driven models and predictive systems. For industry, they enable scalable and software-driven solutions across civilian and defence domains, strengthening the dual-use ecosystem.

Autonomous Systems and Robotics are translating intelligence into action. They enable operations in high-risk environments and improve reach and persistence across land, sea, air, and emerging domains. Their application is expanding beyond support roles into core operational functions. Traditionally used for replacing tasks that were considered to be dull, dirty, and dangerous, autonomous and unmanned systems are finding greater resonance across combat and combat support.

For DRDO, academia, and industry applications, they create unprecedented opportunities in autonomy, control systems, and human-machine integration. They also enable the development of next-generation systems that combine efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness.

Data Platforms are emerging as the central integrative layer across modern defence systems. For the Armed Forces, they enable the creation of a unified operational and logistics picture by bringing together inputs from multiple sensors, platforms, and domains. This significantly enhances situational awareness, shortens decision cycles, and enables coordinated action across formations and services.

For DRDO and academia, data platforms enable data-driven development, modelling, and validation of systems, allowing for a more objective assessment and faster iteration. For industry, they support system integration, analytics, and the development of scalable digital architectures that can operate across both civilian and defence environments. Their effectiveness, however, depends on interoperability, standardisation, and robust security frameworks, making them critical to enabling true network-centric and multi-domain operations.

Space and Geospatial Technologies extend capability across all pillars of the defence ecosystem. For the Armed Forces, they enhance communication, navigation, surveillance, and command and control, while significantly improving operational and logistical planning. Their role is increasingly central in both strategic and tactical operations.

For DRDO and academia, these technologies enable advanced modelling, geospatial analytics, and the integration of satellite-based data into defence systems. For industry, they open up opportunities in downstream applications, geospatial services, and the integration of space-based capabilities with terrestrial systems. Their real value lies in seamless integration with ground-level systems, enabling more informed and precise decision-making.

Taken together, these technologies matter less as standalone capabilities and more in how they are applied collectively. Their strength lies in improving how the ecosystem functions as a whole, enabling faster development, more effective deployment, and continuous adaptation to evolving operational requirements.

Conclusion

The basis of military advantage is shifting. It is no longer defined by platforms alone, but by the ability to integrate, adapt, and scale technology in response to changing operational demands.

Sovereign dual-use technologies are central to this shift. They combine the speed of civilian innovation with the control required for strategic systems, enabling faster capability development, reducing critical dependencies, and strengthening control over critical technological layers. More importantly, they help align the Armed Forces, DRDO, industry, and academia into a more responsive and effective ecosystem. Resilience, in this context, is built through coherence and control. Nations that can anchor their defence capability in sovereign, dual-use technologies will be better placed to adapt, sustain, and evolve in the face of changing operational demands.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are expected to be increasingly used to improve decision-making, target identification, and battlefield awareness. They could also be used to develop autonomous weapons, which could make warfare more efficient and less reliant on human decision-making.

Autonomous Systems: Unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, as well as underwater drones, are expected to become more prevalent on the battlefield. These systems could be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military tasks, and could greatly enhance the capabilities of military forces.

Directed Energy Weapons (DEW): Lasers and microwave weapons are expected to become more powerful and more widely used in warfare. These weapons could be used to disable or destroy targets at a distance, and could greatly enhance the capabilities of military forces.

Quantum Technology: Quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum encryption are expected to play a major role in future warfare. They could be used to develop more powerful and secure communication systems, as well as to improve intelligence gathering and analysis.

Cybersecurity: As more military systems become connected to the internet, protecting them from cyberattacks will become increasingly important. Emerging technologies such as blockchain and quantum-resistant cryptography are expected to play a key role in securing military networks and systems.

Robotics and Drones: Robotics and drones are expected to play a more prominent role in future warfare, they could be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military tasks including search and rescue, reconnaissance, and explosive ordnance disposal.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR): AR/VR are likely to be used for training, simulation, and for enhancing the situational awareness of soldiers on the battlefield.

Hypersonic Weapons: These are missiles that travel at speeds above Mach 5 and can evade traditional missile defense systems.

Space-based Assets: Satellites are being used for a variety of military purposes, including communication, navigation, and intelligence gathering.

Autonomous Systems

India has been actively working on developing autonomous systems and Robotics for defence purposes.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been developing various UAS for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. DRDO’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Rustom-2 can be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). DRDO has been developing UGVs for a variety of tasks, including explosive ordnance disposal and reconnaissance. DRDO’s UGV named Daksh is capable of handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). A Minefield Breaching System (MBS) has also been developed, which can be used to clear minefields and other explosive hazards.

Autonomous Naval Systems. Autonomous surface and underwater vehicles for naval applications such as mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance are under development. Indian Navy has developed an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle named AUV-62.

Autonomous Weapon Systems. DRDO has been working on autonomous weapon systems for use in air, land and naval defence. These systems are intended to improve decision-making and target identification.

Humanoid Robots. DRDO is also researching the development of humanoid robots for military and civilian applications.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML technologies are being used to improve decision-making, target identification and tracking, predictive maintenance and cybersecurity.

AI-based Decision Support Systems. The Indian armed forces are using AI-based decision support systems to improve situational awareness and decision-making on the battlefield. The Indian Army has developed an AI-based decision support system called the Tactical Control and Analysis System (TCAS).

ML-based Target Identification and Tracking. DRDO has been working on developing ML-based systems for target identification and tracking, for use in air and missile defence. DRDO has developed an ML-based system for tracking and identifying aircraft and missiles, called the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

AI-based Predictive Maintenance. India’s armed forces are using AI-based predictive maintenance systems to improve the maintenance of weapons and equipment. The Indian Navy has developed an AI-based predictive maintenance system called the Automatic Maintenance Management System (AMMS).

AI-based Cyber Security. AI and ML has been in use to improve cybersecurity, including intrusion detection and response, and threat intelligence.

AI-based Autonomous Systems. DRDO is been researching the use of AI to improve the autonomy and decision-making capabilities of unmanned systems, including UAVs and UGVs.

Hypersonic Weapons

India is actively researching and developing hypersonic weapons technology, including the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV), the BrahMos-II missile, and the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC). India has also successfully tested a hypersonic scramjet engine, which is a key technology for hypersonic propulsion.

HSTDV can be used to test and validate hypersonic propulsion technologies. BrahMos-II is an upgraded version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, designed to be able to travel at hypersonic speeds. HAWC will be a new class of missile that can travel at hypersonic speeds and carry conventional or nuclear payloads.

India has successfully tested a hypersonic scramjet engine. This technology will be used to power the HSTDV and the HAWC.

Directed Energy Weapons

India is actively researching and developing directed energy weapons (DEW), such as high-energy laser systems and microwave weapons, for use in air and missile defense, electronic warfare, and communications.

High-energy Laser Systems. DRDO has been researching and developing high-energy laser systems to disable or destroy incoming missiles and aircraft. DRDO is also working on microwave weapons for use in electronic warfare. These weapons can be used to disrupt or damage electronic systems, such as radar and communications systems.

Laser-based Communication System. The Department of Space has been developing a laser-based communication system that uses a beam of laser light to transmit data through the atmosphere.

Solid-state Laser Technology. DRDO is also working on solid-state laser technology for use in high-energy laser systems.

Space-based Assets

India has been developing a variety of space-based assets for military use, including communication, navigation and reconnaissance satellites, military satellite launch vehicles and space-based early warning systems.

Communication Satellites. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a number of communication satellites that can be used for military and civilian purposes.

Navigation Satellites. ISRO has developed a regional satellite navigation system called NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) which provides accurate positioning and timing information for military and civilian use.

Reconnaissance Satellites. ISRO has developed a number of reconnaissance satellites that can be used for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance. These include the Cartosat series of satellites which provide high-resolution imagery.

Military Satellite Launch Vehicles. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) are used to launch military and civilian satellites into orbit.

Space-based Early Warning Systems. Space-based early warning systems is being developed to detect and track incoming ballistic missiles, and other potential threats to Indian airspace.

Quantum Communication and Quantum Computing

In summary, India is actively researching and developing Quantum communication and Quantum computing technology for defence applications, with a focus on Quantum key distribution, quantum computing, quantum random number generator, and quantum communication network. DRDO and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have been leading the development of these technologies.

QKD uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys, making it extremely difficult to hack.

DRDO has been researching the use of quantum computing for cryptography, simulation and optimization. A quantum random number generator has been developed that can be used for cryptographic applications, such as key generation and encryption. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are also actively researching and developing quantum computing technology.

Quantum Communication Network. DRDO is also researching the development of a quantum communication network that would be able to transmit information securely using quantum cryptography.

Critical Technologies for Next-gen Fighter Aircraft

Several critical technologies are required for military aerospace and next-gen fighter aircraft. These include:

• Stealth technology by reducing the radar cross-section of an aircraft to make it more difficult to detect by radar. This can be achieved through the use of advanced materials and shaping techniques.

• Avionics systems that can integrate and process a large amount of data from various sensors, including radar, infrared, and electronic warfare systems, to improve situational awareness and decision-making.

• Supersonic and hypersonic propulsion that enable aircraft to fly at supersonic or hypersonic speeds, greatly increasing their speed and range, as well as their ability to evade enemy defences.

• Directed energy weapons like laser and microwave weapons that can be used to disable or destroy enemy aircraft, missiles and other targets.

• The use of advanced materials, such as composites, that can withstand high temperatures and stresses, as well as structures that can withstand high-g manoeuvres are critical for next-generation fighter aircraft.

Complexities Involved in Development of Aeroengines

The development and manufacture of aeroengines is a complex and challenging process that involves a number of technical, logistical, and financial complexities. Some of the major complexities involved in this process include:

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Techniques. Aeroengines are made from a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and composites, which must be engineered and manufactured to exacting tolerances to withstand the high temperatures, pressures, and loads encountered in flight.

Complex Design and Engineering. Aeroengines are highly complex systems that require advanced design and engineering techniques to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability. This includes the use of computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and other advanced simulation tools to model and optimize the engine’s performance.

High Development and Manufacturing Costs. Developing and manufacturing aeroengines is an extremely costly process, involving significant investments in research and development, engineering, testing, and production facilities.

Critical Technologies for Next-gen Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Some critical technologies for next generation armoured fighting vehicles include:

• Active protection systems (APS) which detect and intercept incoming projectiles before they can hit the vehicle.

• Advanced armour materials, such as ceramic and composite materials, that can provide better protection against high-powered weapons.

• Electric drive systems and hybrid powertrains to improve mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

• Advanced sensors and networking systems to improve situational awareness and communication among vehicles and with command and control centres.

• Autonomous capabilities such as autonomy and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making and reduce the risk to crew members.

• Stealth technology to reduce the vehicle’s detectability by enemy sensors.

• Laser weapons, directed energy weapons, to provide longer range and more precise firepower.

Critical Technologies for Next-gen Submarines

Next-gen submarines require some critical technologies as follows:

• Advanced stealth technology to reduce the submarine’s detectability by enemy sensors. This includes quieting systems for the propulsion, electrical and mechanical systems, as well as hull coatings and designs that minimize the submarine’s acoustic, magnetic and electromagnetic signatures.

• AIP (air-independent propulsion) systems that allow the submarine to operate for extended periods without surfacing. This can include fuel cells, closed-cycle diesel engines, or Stirling engines.

• Advanced sensors, including sonar systems, for improved underwater detection and classification of other vessels and submarines.

• Integrated communications and networking systems to improve the submarine’s command, control, and information-sharing capabilities.

• Hybrid electric drive propulsion system that allows extended low-speed operations and silent running, as well as increased range and endurance.

• In the case of next-gen frigates and destroyers, additional technologies, as follows, are required:

• Advanced propulsion systems, such as gas turbine or integrated electric drive, to improve the ship’s speed, range, and manoeuvrability.

•  Advanced sensors, including radar, sonar and electronic warfare systems, for improved situational awareness and threat detection.

• Integrated communications and networking systems to improve the ship’s command, control, and information-sharing capabilities.

• Advanced armour materials and active protection systems to improve the ship’s survivability against incoming projectiles.

Way Ahead

India is a significant player in the defence and aerospace industries, with a strong focus on developing advanced technologies. The country has a robust domestic defence industry, which produces a wide range of military equipment and weapons systems, including tanks, fighter jets, and warships. India also has a growing aerospace industry, with several major companies and research institutions including DRDO working on developing new technologies in areas such as satellite launch vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and hypersonic vehicles. Additionally, India has a strong tradition of scientific research, including in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science, which it is leveraging to develop advanced technologies for defence and aerospace applications.

To further enhance its capabilities and catch up with the world leaders in advanced technologies, India should increase investment in research and development; encourage collaboration and partnerships between its defence and aerospace companies, research institutions, and international partners; create a conducive policy environment (funding, tax incentives, and other benefits); increase indigenization with a focus on building capabilities in design, development, and production of defence equipment; and emphasize on education and training (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

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The Indian Army is making steady, yet significant strides in the field of emerging technology domains.

Quantum Lab

The Army, has established the Quantum Lab at Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), with support from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to spearhead research and training in this key developing field. Research undertaken by the Indian Army in the field of Quantum Technology will help leapfrog into next-generation communication and transform the current system of cryptography in the Indian Armed Forces to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC). Key thrust areas are Quantum Key Distribution, Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing and Post Quantum Cryptography.

In October 2021, the ideation of Indian Army’s involvement in Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum Operations had emerged at a seminar organised on EM Spectrum and National Security. Since then, Indian Army’s technology institutions have been encouraged to invest in AI, quantum and cyber domains.

Quantum key distribution, quantum computing, post quantum cryptography and quantum communication will be the key focus areas in the research. This research work is expected to transform the existing system of cryptography in the Indian armed forces to post quantum cryptography.

Artificial Intelligence Centre

The Army has several schemes underway on contemporary and emerging AI technologies. Apart from civil industry partnerships, an AI centre of excellence has been established at the Military College for Telecommunication Engineering in Mhow.

Application-oriented research in AI is also being conducted at two dedicated DRDO labs, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) and DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory (DYSL)-AI, both at Bengaluru. Moreover, all DRDO system labs have started AI technology groups to introduce AI features in all products.

But with countries like the US and China galloping towards AI-driven warfare, there is widespread acceptance that much more needs to be done on this “disruptive technology” front to boost the combat capability and survivability of Indian forces.

“Improved situational awareness, fusion of sensors, faster decision-making, use of autonomous weapons, and integration of AI into every facet of warfare, will necessitate changes to war fighting doctrines, organisations and structures, training methodology and leadership. For militaries across the world as well as for us, this remains an ongoing challenge, and a work in progress,” Army chief Gen MM Naravane said at a seminar.

Cyber Warfare

Training on cyber warfare is being imparted through a state of art cyber range, and cyber security labs.

By undertaking a multi-stakeholder approach incorporating Academia (such as IITs), DRDO organisations, Research Institutes, Corporate firms, Startups and Industry players, this initiative is an apt example of Civil-Military fusion with ”Atmanirbhar Bharat” a key driving factor. Requisite timelines based objectives with adequate funding have been worked out for projects and progressive fielding of solutions in the Indian Army is expected on a fast track basis. .

”Hackathon’ on Emerging Technologies

The Indian Army conducted a first-of-its-kind ‘Hackathon’, on 1 October 2021 to 31 December 2021, giving a shot in the arm for proficiency and expertise in the use of emerging technologies, and to delineate the technological side of the armed force. The hackathon was conducted in the MCTE, Mhow under the overall guidance of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC).

The event was conducted from under the name of “Sainya Ranakshetram”, in collaboration with the Rashtriya Raksha University. The virtual event witnessed the participation of over 15,000 participants and comprised a number of challenges based on secure coding, software defined radio exploitation and cyber offensive skills.

Further, the main highlights of the event included participants competing with each other in cyberspace against simulated threats. Additionally, the event also hosted a plethora of training sessions and sessions by experts for the participants. Cyber enthusiasts from across India were the cynosure in the entire event.

Messaging Application

The Indian Army, on 23 December, launched a new messaging application called Army Secure IndiGeneous Messaging Application (ASIGMA) for in-house communication. ASIGMA has been developed entirely in-house by a team of officers of the Corps of Signals.

The new application is being deployed on the Army’s internal network as a replacement of Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) messaging application which has been in service for the past 15 years. ASIGMA has been fielded on Army-owned hardware and lends itself to lifetime support with future upgrades, it said.

The bespoke messaging application meets all futuristic user requirements and boasts of an enhanced user experience. It has a variety of contemporary features, including multi-level security, message prioritisation and tracking, dynamic global address book and various options to meet the Army’s requirements.

This future ready messaging application will meet real time data transfer and messaging requirements of the Army, especially in the backdrop of current geo political security environment and is in line with the government of India’s Make in India initiative.

The Indian Army has braced automation in a major way, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, and is taking substantial steps towards paperless functioning.

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The present multi-domain warfare and impending theaterisation demand coordination and integration across all domains. Communication enables this coordination with real time interaction and transmission of data amongst the fighting forces in all domains. All this is facilitated now with digitisation of the communication in all dimensions.

The aim of Digitisation and Network Centric Operations (NCO) in the Armed Forces webinar & virtual expo was to provide a forum for the stakeholders in the Services and Industry to enable information exchange on latest technologies particularly relating to the digitisation in the Army, effective network-centric operations, C4ISR, communication systems, decision support information systems for exchange of data and big Data including its challenges and vulnerabilities, the space domain and impact of new technologies (5G, IoT, AI, VR/AR) on warfare.

The event brought together stakeholders from the armed forces, DRDO, public sector, industry and academia and provided them a platform to present their views and discuss pathways.

Inaugural Session

Welcome Address. Lt Gen Sunil Srivastava, Director, Centre for Joint Warfare Studies put the theme of the Webinar in context and highlighted the present multidomain warfighting environment. He emphasized that digitization and net-centric operations were the core of battlefield dominance. All actors were leveraging digitization and NCO by weaponising information technology. He said that we must embrace digital jointness to unlock the digital battle space. Seamless sharing of warfighting information will generate shared operational awareness, effects and tempo which we could use to our advantage to paralise the adversaries OODA cycle. There is a need to seamlessly share info, link sensors & shooters and decision makers, even in a degraded environment, aggregating the combat capabilities of Services while remaining physically disaggregated. C2 Agility brings Force Agility which enhances Force Effectiveness.

Special Address. Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Chief of Integrated Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) spoke of the contextual relevance of the webinar with the urgent operational need of Services to move forward towards joint networking and digitisation especially as our adversaries and particularly the Northern neighbour was already exploiting it, leaving no choice but to move forward at a faster pace in this direction. He opined that in modern warfighting the one who dominates in the information domain will stand to win. Space and cyber domains while being independent also influence operations in other domains. In his address, he brought out the relevance of satellite surveillance and satellite communication and several new technologies such as 5G, Artificial intelligence etc., all of which enhance the warfighting capability.

Keynote Address. Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Communications), Army HQ gave the Keynote Address and an outline of new initiatives and consolidation of the earlier efforts undertaken by the Indian Army in its journey towards induction of modern technology for conduct of military affairs at all levels involving operational, logistics and human resources. He talked of new generation technologies like Artificial intelligence, 5G, Quantum technology, Robotics, drones and so on. In this journey, the Army is also coordinating with several agencies under the Ministry of information technology, DRDO and academic institutions like IITs and has ordered studies and conducting seminars to remain in step with the new technologies for conduct of military affairs both in peace and war. He was critical of the long process of our defence procurement since by the time products are inducted, these are at the verge of obsolescence. To infuse efficiency in the process, he suggested to pin point accountability for the delays in the procurement process and also suggested a layered GSQR concept which would give time to the concerned staff to introduce workable amendment in the GSQRs so as to stay abreast with the technology. As regards communication, he informed that, as dug in cable communication remains vulnerable, the focus now is on wireless and digitised communication and net centricity between services. He mentioned that an integrated operational and intelligence system will facilitate Theaterisation.

Technology Perspective. Dr Ranjana N, Director, Directorate of Systems and Technology Analysis (DSTA), DRDO HQ, pointed out that digitisation was inevitable. She said that data was a strategic asset. Improved knowledge at all levels could naturally lead to integration in all layers of operations which may even call for changes in the tactics and doctrines. Data must be protected and managed to attain immediate and long-term strategic advantage to the military. Designing of systems is a challenge since it not only has to be robust in hardware and software but, their modularity and scalability is also essential. Cyber hardening of storage, NW and Sensors is equally important. Obsolescence of equipment and their upgradation is big challenge. We are constrained to run old systems with systems of new technologies. Thus, along with old systems, we should able to operate/integrate new sensors and technologies such as 5/6G, AI, big data etc. She cautioned that conceptualisation is the big challenge since the product may not exactly be as visualised. Further, layered architecture and modularity are the key to the modern comn equipment and will have to be developed indigenously. She highlighted that DRDO is working on GIS, Adhoc NW, MANETS, SDR, EW, AI, XL-UUVs, change detection and mine hunting.

Industry Perspective. Col KV Kuber, Director Defence & Aerospace, Ernst & Young gave the industry perspective. He asserted that COVID-19 pandemic had forced digitisation in the country including in the Services. He felt that digitisation in the Services was lagging behind the civil side. Therefore, the pace of digitisation in the Services needed to be hastened particularly in procurement, which could be faster with digitisation. He said that since legacy systems could not be changed in one go, digitisation should be able to integrate the old legacy systems as well. Compatibility, interoperability and backward integration were important. He highlighted the AKANKSHA model of DRDO. He recommended adoption of the waterfall/Agile approach and exhorted that procurement should not be an imprisoned by procedures.

Session 2 was earmarked for Digitisation issues related to the Army. The session was chaired by Lt Gen Dr RS Panwar, former Commandant of Military Collete of Telecom Engineering. Brig Ulhas Kirpekar, Brig Information Systems, Army HQ spoke on “The Digital Army and Initiatives.” Maj Gen K Shankar, Additional Director General Telecom in the Directorate of Signals, Army HQ spoke on the “Role of Army Cloud Centre and Digi Locker.” Brig SS Soin, Brig Telecom, Signals Directorate, Army HQ gave a presentation on “Future of ASCON and AREN Networks.”

The theme of Session 3 was Network Centric Operations and was chaired by Vice Adm Shekhar Sinha, former FOC-in-C Western Naval Command. Capt JS Sachdeva, Captain NCO, Naval HQ spoke on “Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap requirements of the Navy for NCO.” Col Vineet Jaiswal, from Directorate of Information Systems gave the “Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap requirements of the Army for NCO.” Air Cmde KN Santosh, Principal Director, Operational Networks, Air HQ spoke on “IAF Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap requirements.” Gp Capt Parijat Saurabh, Air HQ spoke on “Meeting Electronic Warfare Threats.”

Session 4 was on C4ISR, Command & Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence. The session chairman was Lt Gen PJS Pannu, former Dy Chief IDS (Operations). Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon, Program Director (ISTAR), Centre for Airborne Studies, DRDO gave a talk on “ISTARS for Indian Armed Forces.” Col Abhijit Singh, Colonel Artillery-9, in the Directorate of Artillery, spoke on “Aerostats for surveillance and C2.”  Gp Capt P Batra, Gp Capt (Airborne Sensors & Networking), Air HQ gave a talk on “Airborne Early Warning Aircraft as Force Multipliers.”

Session 5 was devoted to Communication Systems. Lt Gen Rajeev Sabherwal, former SOC-in-C and Commandant MCTE chaired the session. Col Gurmeet Singh, HQ IDS, gave a talk on “Tri-Services Strategic / Operational Communications.” Brig Rajiv Singh, Brig Tactical Communication Systems, from Signals Directorate spoke on “Battlefield Tri-Services Tactical Communications.” Himansu Kumar Swamy, Scientist E, Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research, DRDO spoke on “Maritime Data analysis & visualization.”

Session 6 was on Information, Data and Big Data – Challenges and Vulnerabilities. The session was chaired by Maj Gen Pritam Bishnoi, former Additional DG Tactical Communications, Signals Directorate, Army HQ. Brig Inder Sethi, Brig CICP, Ordnance Services Directorate spoke on “Data Sovereignty and Big Data Analytics.” Devsena Mishra, Promoter Advanced Technologies gave a talk on “How Big Data and Big Tech undermine national security.” Maj Gen Manjit Singh, Joint Secretary (Cyber) NSC Secretariat gave a talk on “Emerging cyber security threats.”

Session 7 dealt with Space Domination and Satellites under the chairmanship of Lt Gen Satish Dua, former CISC. Air Cmde Prem Kumar, from the Defence Space Agency spoke on “Requirement of robust space situational awareness.” Gp Capt Amarendra Samal, Gp Capt Operations (Space), Air HQ gave a talk on “Steering India towards military space domination.” Capt Manish Kumar, Capt NSO-SA, Naval HQ gave a presentation on “Security of satellite-based Communication networks.”

Session 8 covered New Technologies – 5G, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality/ Augmented Reality and was chaired by Lt Gen MU Nair, Commandant MCTE. Dr Santu Sardar, Director DRDO Young Scientists Lab gave a talk on “Relevance of Quantum Communications Technology for Armed Forces.” Brig Navjot Singh Bedi, Commander Defence Communications Agency. Spoke on “Relevance of 5G for the armed forces.”  Maj Gen Harsh Chibber, Maj Gen ASC HQ Western Command spoke on “Transforming and Reducing Costs of Military Logistics Through IoT.”

The Closing Remarks were given by Lt Gen Sunil Srivastava, Director CENJOWS while the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Maj Gen Ravi Arora, Chief Editor, Indian Military Review.

Key Points Needing Attention

The key points which emerged in the eight sessions of the webinar are tabulated below:-

• Theaterisation would need tri-service digital infrastructure to support seamless op, decision support structure and battlefield management & C2 constructs.            

•  One of the challenges in integration is to have an attitudinal change towards automation and adopting agile processes. This also involves breaking away from silos.                                                                                                                 

•  The architecture of NCO system will require individual Service data centres and secure linkages with the joint regional data centre with a robust and secure cloud storage. The cloud storage will reduce the burden of forward fighting formations, which could retrieve relevant information, as required.

• The ongoing transformation in the strategic and tactical communication network i.e., Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) to Network for Spectrum (NFS) and Army Radio Engineered Network (AREN) to Tactical Communication System (TCS) with overarching presence of satellite communication must continue to achieve the transformational targets. In that, the fibre optics based NFS is the back bone and integrator of three services. This is planned to be supplemented with satellites and microwave communication to extend it till the forward edge of the battle through TCS.

•   Besides three Services, the data and information also emanate from several other sources and also from other domains such as space, cyber etc in different formats which need standardisation.

•  To pick up relevant intelligence, about the adversary’s capabilities / limitations, information sharing will not only be between Services but, could even be from other national/ international sources. This requires synergy with various national and international organisations. With introduction of core strategic network NFS, the Army, Naval and Air force Strategic networks should handshake with it for integration of their data, video and voice communication.                

•  It is important to invest in infrastructure for safe, secure and seamless joint operations with holistic evolution in organisations, doctrine, strategy and tactics.

•   Legal Aspects of Warfighting. We also need to invest in legal aspects of war fighting which are often ignored or do not get due attention.                                                                                                                                  

•   IACCS. Indigenous IACCS of Indian Air Force in its 10 years of operations and in quite robust. Phase 5 would be implemented now. Trigun and Akash Teer projects of Sister services when linked to this system will enhance NCW capability of the Services hence, must be pursued actively.

•   Slow Modernisation. One major challenge is to use the legacy system along with modern equipment. The industry, academia and services have to find an answer to this challenge.

•   Upgradable Systems. Technology upgrades faster than we acquire systems. Therefore, we need to draw a line up what we can absorb and implement and periodically upgrade, say in 5 or 10 years, to reap the benefit of the changing technology.

•   An incremental and evolutionary approach is required in NCW where end state cannot be defined since it is always evolving but, our efforts must be measurable to stay on course towards our goal.

• Role of EW. Dominance in frequency spectrum would aid in gaining advantage over the adversary in the land, sea and air and space domains.

•  ISTAR Development. Integrated Surveillance Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) under development by DRDO, with close interaction with IAF, utilises several high technologies for offensive and defensive roles in one platform. All three Services must be involved in the project at this stage of evolution, especially since the system identifies surface targets.

•  Possible Naval Role for ISTAR. Inclusion of additional sensors like anomaly detector, pollution detector and AIS in ISTAR will broaden its employment potential in naval role.

•   Broader Exploitation of ISTAR. ISTAR should have seamless integration with other national intelligence networks for gauging the intent and moves of the adversary. The potential of ISTAR for broader exploitation should be examined.

•   Use of Aerostats. Aerostats have been used by the IAF for surveillance. Other Services can examine their employment with due consideration of disadvantages like vulnerability, blind zone, limited employment in mountains, shorter life and endurance.

•  AWACS. It provides immense force multiplier capability. However, it remains a lucrative target using LR SAMs and LR Anti radiation missiles. The number of AWACS required would depend on the expanse of op area needing coverage.

•  C4I2 Requirement for the TBA. To implement the C4I2, we need robust, secure, high bandwidth wireless communication for formations particularly in the TBA due to requirements of mobility. Apart from the common standards, formats and protocols, joint encryption, mission specific applications, the bandwidth requirement of the communication is vital and must be ensured. Systems with self healing capability are required for the TBA.

•  GIS, AI and Robotics. Common Geographic information for the three Services is vital and should be prioritised.

•   Wargaming and Simulation. The robustness and the reliability of the communication systems can be tested in realistic wargaming and simulation exercises.

•   Situational Awareness Model for the Indian Navy. DRDO has developed Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) for the Indian Navy, followed by Indian Navy Situational Awareness System (INSAS) and finally by 2027, Navy aims to develop Indian Navy Common Operating Picture (INCOP) with many more analytic features using new technologies and communication systems. With these developments DRDO and Indian Navy have shown the way for indigenisation for the other Services to emulate.

•   In TBA, three services besides their inherent conceptual variances use varied types of legacy and IP based modern communications. The communications are static, deployable and mobile. It is recommended to check the efficacy and status of integration in operations and test bed to identify variances and then find solutions to integration challenges.

•   Info, Data and Big Data Challenges. The big tech companies while serving our communication needs, also pose challenge to our security since the data collected by them is stored beyond the national boundaries, thus, beyond the purview and jurisdiction of national law. This opens possibilities of its misuse which is inimical to our sovereignty, national and security interests. Hence, the data sourced with in the country must be stored with in the country so that these remain under the purview of our law enforcement agencies.

•   Security. With increase in digitisation in defence, the threats too proportionally have increased in this domain. Therefore, communication products and contents must be sourced from the trusted sources only.

•   Space Domination. Space situational awareness is vital for collision avoidance as well as to keep an eye on developing threats in the space domain. While collision avoidance would be ensured by ISRO, the threatening satellite or anti-satellite activity is the domain of the defence. Optimum solution for generating required warning / data is vital for both. The first step towards this is building of robust SSA.              .

•   Space Observation/Surveillance. To enhance security, we need to enhance our observation in the area of interest with dedicated capabilities at LEO.

•   Vulnerability of Satcom. Satellite communication is vulnerable to external interference at various levels i.e., at satellite level, in command-and-control link as well as its ground infralstructure. Such attacks/ interferences are difficult to attribute to an adversary. Hence, the diversity and robustness of satellites and its infrastructure is vital.

•   Quantum Comn. Unlike other forms of comn, which remain vulnerable, the quantum communication will ensure secure military communication. Several countries are engaged in the research in the field, eg, China and US have achieved considerable success. Indian defence forces, too, should not lag behind. DRDO (young scientist laboratory) is following a road map and is moving ahead with research in this new area comprising several applications.

•   Relevance of 5 GTechnology in the Armed

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Forces. 5G will enable monitoring, collation and present relevant data of all activities for better coordination and informed decision taking of high order. Thus, it acts as a force multiplier. It will facilitate transition from old archaic procedures to new processes, increasing efficiency of the defence systems. Armed forces require low to high frequency bands from below 3GHZ band to above 6GHZ band to cover all operations. Dedicated specialist teams should be established to interact with the industry and monitor progress of rolling of 5 G in the armed forces for various facets of its use.              

•   Reducing Cost of Military logistics through IOT. The use of the emerging technology will overcome challenges and bring in transparency, reliability efficiency and decision making with use of less man-hours. Following actions will help to implement use of technology in logistics:-

(i)            Institute inhouse system studies to explore potential use of IOT and Blockchain.

(ii)           Standardize protocols for data sharing.

(iii)          Nominate lead agencies as per domain expertise.

(iv)         Earmark test beds and evaluate.

(v)          Expand scope throughout the organisation.

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