Evolving contemporary battle—from drone swarms, cyber threats, and AI-enabled command structures, to Sino-Pak hybrid operations—needs India to revamp its military doctrine, procurement procedures, and force shape. Outdated platforms won’t secure victory in today’s high-tempo threats, as CDS General Chauhan recently emphasized.
The New Battlefield: Key Drivers of Change
1. Drone Warfare and AI-Driven Targeting
The May 2025 India–Pakistan engagement marked drone warfare’s strategic debut, prompting India to scale up UAV investment and integrate AI systems for counter-drone operations.
Emerging AI systems like Akashteer, a battlefield-grade C2 network, facilitated near-perfect drone interceptions during Operation Sindoor.
2. Technological Leap: Stealth, AI & Cyber Domains
Approval of the fifth-generation stealth AMCA fighter underscores India’s modernization push toward a tech-centric force. Likewise, ULPGM-V3 precision drones and Pralay missile regiments illustrate India’s focus on indigenous strike capability.
Cyber warfare readiness, facilitated through the Defence Cyber Agency and AI-enabled tactical networks, positions India to confront domain-integrated threats.
Defence Transformation Pillars
Jointness & Theatre Command Structure
India’s shift toward Integrated Theatre Commands—aligned by geographic borders—will fuse Army, Navy, and Air Force assets into unified operational structures.
Force Modernisation: Lean, Tech-Ready Units
Adopting Integrated Battle Groups (such as Rudra and Bhairav), reforms like the Agnipath scheme, and integration of AI-enabled surveillance align with the military doctrine of speed over sheer size.
Indigenisation & Private Sector Focus
Collaboration with the UK and Japan on jet engines and defence systems supports tactical autonomy. Domestic co-production pipelines—including HAL’s TEDBF and BEL’s Akashteer—advance self-reliance.
Strategic Outcomes & Remaining Gaps
| Objective | Status & Progress |
| Joint Theatre Commands | Theatre command structuring underway |
| AI-driven C2 & networks | Operational at Kamarkundu, integrated into Akashteer |
| Drone & missile capability | ULPGM V3 tested; Pralay regiments inducted |
| Force learner, integrated | IBGs and Agnipath recruits are now active force models |
| Renewed defence partnerships | UK, Japan deals foster next-gen tech transfers |
Yet, modernization gaps persist: DRDO delays in submarine AIP, disruption in HAL supply chains, and over-dependence on legacy platforms remain challenges ([turn0news14], [turn0search3]).
Vision of Evolving Warfare
- From reactive defence to proactive deterrence, India now views terror attacks as state-backed war provocations, warranting a calibrated military response.
- Future conflict commanders must fuse AI-supported decision-making, human-machine teaming, and distributed communications—precisely the thrust of emerging C2 strategy.
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Final Summary
India’s defence transformation is no longer optional—it’s existential. With evolving warfare trends, from drone swarms and cyber threats to regional theatre conflicts, a singular reliance on infantry-heavy formations or imported platforms will compromise national security. Today’s challenge lies in building a smaller, tech-heavy, and doctrine-integrated force capable of swift and precise deterrence. Strategic transformation, technological indigenization, and theatre-level joint operations are non-negotiable for India to emerge as a resilient defense power.
FAQs about Evolving Warfare & India’s Defence Transformation Strategy
Ans. It refers to the dangers of the new age to combine cyber warfare, space-based defense, drone self, threats of AI-driven struggle, and hybrids as traditional and irregular strategies.
Ans. India’s 2025 strategy focuses on the rapid modernization of Joint Theater Command, Indigenous Tech Development (Self-Reliant India), and the armed forces.
Ans. India invests in autonomous weapons for AI, Quantum Computing, ISR (Intelligence, Monitoring, and Reconnaissance) Systems, and Forces Ready for the Future.
Ans. Creation of Theatre Commands
Department of Military Affairs (DMA) strengthening
Revised doctrines for multi-domain operations
Ans. By establishing dedicated cyber defence agencies and boosting information dominance capabilities via advanced analytics and digital infrastructure.
Ans. Through Make in India, India objectives to reduce imports, enhance startups, and expand subsequent-gen platforms like AMCA, Drones, and loitering munitions.
Ans. Yes, with the Defence Space Agency (DSA) and satellite surveillance capabilities, India is preparing for space as a new war domain.