Adaptive Defence: India’s Strategy for Navigating Emerging Security Challenges
Context:
India is strengthening its military strategies with a focus on ‘Adaptive Defence’ to address evolving security challenges. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, speaking at the inaugural Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD) on November 12, 2024, emphasised the need for India to not just respond to current threats but to proactively anticipate and prepare for future ones.
About Adaptive Defence:
Adaptive Defence refers to a dynamic and flexible approach to national security where military strategies, technologies, and operational capabilities are continually updated to address emerging threats. Adaptive defence focuses on continuous evolution to stay ahead of emerging security risks. This approach includes:
- Proactive Threat Anticipation: It focuses not just on responding to current threats but also on predicting future security risks and preparing for them in advance.
- Continuous Evolution:The defence strategy is continuously evolving, incorporating new technologies, ideas, and doctrines as the threat landscape shifts.
- Flexibility and Agility: The armed forces must maintain flexibility at both strategic and tactical levels, enabling them to swiftly adjust their approach based on new intelligence and evolving circumstances.
- Technological Integration:Incorporating futuristic technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber capabilities, drones, and swarm technologies is central to adaptive defence.
Need for Adaptive Defence: The changing global security environment calls for a shift in how nations approach defence. Key factors driving the need for adaptive defence include:
- Emerging Non-Traditional Threats: Traditional threats, like border conflicts, are now compounded by challenges such as cyber-attacks, hybrid warfare, terrorism, and information warfare.
- Changing Nature of Warfare: The rise of Grey Zone and Hybrid Warfare has blurred the lines between conventional and unconventional threats, involving tactics like cyber-attacks, economic disruption, and psychological operations.
- Technological Advancements: The rapid development of technologies like AI, drones, and cyber capabilities is reshaping warfare, making traditional strategies inadequate.
- Global Interconnectedness: With the rise of cyber threats and AI, nations must adapt and collaborate globally to address complex security challenges.
Steps Taken and Planned by the Indian Government for Adaptive Defence: India has already taken significant steps to build adaptive defence capabilities, with further plans underway:
- Strategic Organisational Changes: The creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) promotes jointness among the Armed Forces, ensuring coordinated responses to emerging threats.
- Technological and Infrastructure Development: The government has established Defence Industrial Corridors to foster innovation and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The focus is on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, boosting indigenous defence production.
- Research and Development: Investments in AI, cyberspace, and drone technologies aim to position India as a global leader in advanced military technologies.
- Drone and Swarm Technologies: India is advancing its capabilities in drones and swarm technologies, fostering innovation and intellectual property in this sector.
Challenges in Implementing Adaptive Defence:
- Technological and Operational Integration: Rapid technological advancements make it challenging to integrate cutting-edge technologies, like AI and drones, into operational strategies. Substantial investment in R&D and training is required.
- Cyber and Information Warfare: Defending against cyber-attacks and information warfare requires continuous innovation and robust cybersecurity frameworks.
- Geopolitical and Cross-Border Issues: Security threats, such as terrorism and cyber-attacks, often transcend borders, necessitating international cooperation and coordinated responses.
- Global Interdependence: While focusing on self-reliance, India must balance global collaboration in technology transfer, co-production, and R&D to ensure security without compromising national interests.
