AI is Reshaping Modern Warfare

Syllabus: GS3/ Defence/ Internal Security

Context

• The trinity of artificial intelligence (AI), military autonomy and algorithmic warfare is redefining modern-day warfighting and deterrence.

Recent Use of Technology in Warfares 

• The Russia-Ukraine War has shown that low-cost FPV drones can destroy expensive armoured platforms.
• The Nagorno-Karabakh War demonstrated the decisive impact of loitering munitions on conventional warfare.
• The Gaza Strip conflict highlighted how non-state actors can use commercial drones for surveillance and targeted strikes.
• India, too, has employed drones in recent operations, including the Operation Sindoor and retaliatory strikes against Pakistan.

What Is Modern Warfare?

• Modern warfare is characterised by the growing use of low-cost, high-impact technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, swarm drones, and long-range precision strike systems.
• Threat of Swarm Saturation: The deployment of hundreds of drones in a single coordinated attack has demonstrated the serious threat posed by swarm saturation.
  • Even the most advanced air defence systems face limitations in terms of rate of fire, interception capacity, and reload speed when confronted with such large-scale attacks.
• India’s counter-drone doctrine is still in a transitional phase, with operational responsibilities expanding significantly.

Key Technologies Shaping Modern Warfare

• Artificial intelligence enables real-time intelligence processing, predictive battlefield analysis, automated logistics, and decision-support systems.
• Unmanned and Autonomous Systems: Drones, loitering munitions, and unmanned ground and naval platforms have transformed surveillance and strike capabilities.
• Cyber and Information Warfare: It targets critical infrastructure, command-and-control systems, and military networks, often during peacetime.
  • Information warfare includes disinformation campaigns, psychological operations, and narrative control, aimed at shaping public perception and political outcomes.
• Counter-Space Capabilities: Space-based assets are central to navigation, missile guidance, surveillance, and secure communications.
  • Anti-satellite weapons, electronic interference, and space debris risks have made space a contested and weaponised domain.
• Precision-guided munitions and hypersonic weapons allow stand-off attacks with minimal warning time, challenging traditional deterrence and air defence systems.

Threats Posed by Modern Warfare to India

• Hybrid and Grey-Zone Challenges: India faces persistent grey-zone tactics, including cyber intrusions, disinformation campaigns, and proxy violence.
  • The Doklam (2017) and Ladakh standoff (2020) illustrate how coercion can occur without full-scale war.
• Cyber and Information Vulnerabilities: India ranks among the top five countries targeted by cyber attacks, according to CERT-In assessments.
  • Disinformation campaigns risk undermining social cohesion, electoral processes, and institutional trust.
• Maritime and Space Security Risks: Over 90% of India’s trade by volume moves through sea routes, making maritime security vital.
  • Dependence on space-based assets exposes India to counter-space threats affecting both civilian services and military operations.

India’s Institutional and Strategic Response

• Military Modernisation and Indigenisation:  India allocated a record ₹2.19 lakh crore (~$23.9 billion) for the defence capital outlay in the 2026–27 Union Budget, marking a 21.84% increase over the previous year.
  • Indigenous platforms such as Tejas, Akash, Pinaka, and armed UAVs enhance self-reliance and operational flexibility.
• Structural Reforms: The creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) following the Shekatkar Committee recommendations aims to enhance joint planning and integration.
  • Proposed Integrated Theatre Commands are designed to enable unified multi-domain operations.
• Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation and Bharat Electronics Limited, provides a comprehensive counter-drone solution.
  • It is capable of detecting drones at ranges of 5–8 km, jamming communication signals within 2–5 km and neutralising threats using laser-based directed energy weapons at close ranges.
• “Bhargavastra” Anti-Swarm System: Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), it is a low-cost, homegrown counter-drone system that uses micro-rockets to destroy drone swarms in hard-kill mode.
• The Indian Army has initiated large-scale procurement of surveillance and kamikaze drones to enhance both defensive and offensive capabilities.
• Establishment of the Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) and Defence Space Agency (DSA) institutionalises emerging warfighting domains.

Way Ahead

• Need for Robust Counter-Drone Systems: Swarm drones are low-cost but high-impact weapons capable of overwhelming advanced air defence systems.
  • India needs to prioritise the procurement of cost-effective anti-drone systems capable of detecting, jamming, and neutralising small unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Expansion of Robotic Warfare Capabilities: The increasing role of robotics in warfare is reducing dependence on human manpower in high-risk operations.
  • Robotic systems can be effectively deployed for mine detection, surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistical support.
• Passive Defence Measures: The saturation of even advanced defence systems, such as Iron Dome, highlights the limitations of active defence mechanisms.
  • Passive measures such as dispersion of assets, camouflage, concealment, and underground infrastructure are essential for force preservation.

Conclusion

• Modern warfare demands a shift from platform-centric approaches to capability-based, technology-driven force planning. India must accelerate AI adoption, cyber resilience, space security, and jointness reforms.
• Sustained investment in human capital, defence innovation, and strategic partnerships will be crucial to maintain credible deterrence.
• Adapting to the evolving character of warfare is essential for safeguarding India’s sovereignty, stability, and strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing global order.

Source: IE