Armed Forces’ Preparedness for Hybrid Warfare
- 19 Oct 2024
On 16th October, 2024, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence selected hybrid warfare, including non-kinetic warfare, as one of the 17 subjects for in-depth deliberations, citing growing threats like cyberattacks and electronic warfare.
Key Points
- Hybrid Warfare Preparedness: A member of the committee, emphasized the importance of assessing the Indian military's readiness for non-kinetic warfare, referring to conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars.
- Kinetic vs. Non-Kinetic Warfare: Non-kinetic warfare includes cyber, psychological, and information warfare, which can disable a country’s infrastructure without physical conflict.
- Counter-Drone Strategies; As drones pose significant threats in modern warfare, the armed forces are developing both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions to neutralize them.
- Kinetic Solutions: Kinetic solutions involve physically destroying drones, while non-kinetic measures include jamming or controlling drones via laser or electromagnetic waves.
- Border Security Concerns: The committee will also examine the strategic and operational preparedness of the Indian defence forces, particularly in the context of the prolonged stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, amid an evolving international security scenario.
- Indigenous Defence Production: In addition to warfare preparedness, the panel will assess the state of indigenous defence production, including reviewing policies related to the resettlement of ex-servicemen, healthcare for veterans, and the next-of-kin policies within the armed forces.
- Modern Warfare Training Initiatives: In a bid to prepare for future warfare, the Defence Ministry launched a tri-services "future warfare" course.
- Educating Officers: This program educates officers on evolving warfare tactics, including cyber, space, kinetic, and non-kinetic strategies, ensuring they are ready for the changing dynamics of conflict.
