New Delhi:

The emergence of disruptive technology is transforming modern wars and blunting the conventional combat ratio which was a metric to determine the military strength and superiority between states, Army chief General Manoj Pande said at the maiden NDTV Defence Summit, highlighting some of the challenges in modern warfare.

Whether the use of tanks in World War 1 or the development of supersonic fighter jets after World War 2, ‘disruptive technology’ has changed the status quo between factions.

At the summit, General Pande focused on access to such technology by non-state actors, a challenge to the security of the country and said information, cyber, and space warfare have been added to the domain of conflicts. The Army chief said the adversary, with access to such technology, can initiate a low-threshold conflict.

Former Deputy National Security Advisor of the US, Nadia Schadlow said, “The space between war and peace is not an empty one – but a landscape churning with political, economic, and security competitions that require constant attention.”

– ‘Disruptive Technology’ –

The democratization of technology led to the easy acquisition of AI, which can be used to direct targeted attacks. The use of semi-autonomous and autonomous drones, which are powered by AI, in the Russia-Ukraine war and the attacks in the Red Sea have forced states to change their strategy. The US-led alliance in the Gulf is tracking the attacks but is yet to nip it in the bud.

Drones can carry out missions at low cost and have blunted the asymmetry. The US and UK are arming Ukraine with AI-powered drones to carry out precision strikes. Ukraine’s domestic production of drones has risen significantly since the war began in 2022 and the need has created a giant war lab and the country is producing more drones than it could purchase. The UK has increased the funding by 125 million pounds and will supply over 10,000 drones to Ukraine. Houthi rebels, backed by Yemen, have used autonomous platforms to target ships in the Gulf.  

“The use of drones indicates a doctrinal shift and robots are here to play an important role. 10-15% of robots will be there in future forces,” Sameer Joshi, a defence expert said at the summit.

Off-the-shelf disruptive technologies have helped conventionally weaker states use methods to fight a cost-efficient, sustainable fight to stay on the battlefield longer. Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system uses AI to intercept incoming rockets. The 2021 Israeli offensive against Palestinians is called the first ‘AI war’ after Israel used AI tools like ‘Gospel’, ‘Alchemist’, and ‘Depth of Wisodm’ to conduct precision strikes on targets in Gaza.

Cyberattacks on state infrastructure through Malware have posed challenges for several years. The malware attack on the servers of AIIMS Delhi is one such example. The attack was by the Chinese, FIR details that the attack had originated from China. Of 100 servers (40 physical and 60 virtual), five physical servers were successfully infiltrated by the hackers. 

Recently, healthcare providers in the US have struggled to make payments following a ransomware attack, which reportedly originated from Russia. The Colonial Pipeline attack on US oil infrastructure was the biggest in history. Reports claimed that a Russian group named DarkSide was responsible. 

One of the key elements in India’s new criminal laws is the inclusion of “threat to economic security” under the definition of an “act of terror”. 

Concerns over Deep Fakes have been raised even by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its use in information warfare in generating fake news, especially during a crisis. Information warfare is as essential as firepower in a battle to psychologically dominate the warring faction.

In November last year, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order outlining security measures for AI. The Deputy White House Chief of Staff Bruce Reed said Biden’s interest in AI was partly fuelled after watching Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. 

The Army chief at the summit said, “This is happening amidst legacy challenges of unsettled borders continue,” – An indirect reference to issues with China and Pakistan.

– ‘China’s Three Warfare Strategy’ –

In 2003, the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee and the Central Military Commission approved the ‘Three Warfare Strategy’ to guide the People’s Liberation Army’s political and information warfighting. The three elements of the strategy are Public Opinion, Information and Legal Warfare. 

Taking the border conflict in Ladakh as a reference, China used legacy claims like the 1962 reference line, and 1959 claims in Ladakh to justify its aggressive military posture. The dissemination of videos on social media related to the Galwan clash and standoff at other flash points was used to fight information warfare. Directing public opinion among its citizens that it’s our “lost land” and we have “sovereignty over it” were some tactics used. During Donald Trump’s Presidency, the US has raised concerns over China’s “Military-Civil Fusion” to develop technologies that have a dual use. 

Such tactics, use of disruptive technology, and subterfuge have blurred the lines between peace and war and created a Grey zone conflict by the adversary, an issue highlighted by General Pande in his address. 

– ‘Indigenization to Empowerment’ –

The Army Chief stressed the need to develop critical technologies indigenously to create a domestic ecosystem and reduce our reliance on foreign players. “A tri-services project is being undertaken to develop a high-powered computing AI cloud and a roadmap is being created,” General Pande said, adding that we are working on 45 niche technologies and 120 indigenous projects which have implications for the military. 

“Swadeshikaran (Indigenization) se Sashakstikaran (empowerment) is a work in progress to be future ready, he said.

At the Innovation for Defence Excellence (IDEX), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the ADITI scheme to accelerate innovation in critical and strategic deep-tech technologies for future warfare. It provides financial subsidies to private players, creating a public-private partnership model to develop future technology.

New Delhi:

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday emphasized that future conventional wars will include unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid warfare and said that armed forces should keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies.

The statements of the defence minister come amid geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East. He addressed the second Army Commanders’ Conference of 2023, which began in a hybrid format on October 16.

Stressing upon the present complex and ambiguous world situation which affects everyone globally, Mr Singh said, “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war, will be part of the future conventional wars and the same is evident in the recent conflicts happening in various parts of the world. This necessitates that the armed forces should keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies. We must keep learning from the incidents to include the global ones, happened in present as also in past. Expect the Unexpected and thereby plan, strategize and prepare accordingly”.

The Defence Minister reasserted the faith of entire Nation in the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country. He highlighted the significant role being played by the Army in guarding our borders and fighting terrorism apart from providing assistance to the civil administration in every need of hour.

He expressed his elation to be present in the Army Commander’s conference and applauded the Army leadership for successfully taking ahead the ‘Defence and Security’ vision of the Nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that these higher leadership conferences are not only beneficial for the Armed Forces but also for the nation as a whole.

Commenting on the current situation along the Northern borders, Rajnath Singh expressed full confidence in the Army for any contingency though, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution will continue at all levels. He complimented the efforts of BRO, which has led to the incomparable improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions.

Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, however the proxy war by the adversary continues. “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability and peace in the region and the same should continue, and for this I again compliment the Indian Army,” he said.

The Defence Minister commended the Army for the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities which he has always been experiencing first-hand during his visits to forward areas.

He also paid tributes to all the brave hearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland.

He complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies. Singh also applauded the Indian Army for the stellar performance by the Army Sportspersons in the recent Asian Games 2023.

He also stressed the technological advancement taking place in every sphere of our life and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them.

He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of ‘Modernisation through Indigenisation’ or ‘Atmanirbharta’.

The Defence Minister stated that modernisation of weapons for every soldier through Atmanirbharta is the key focus of the government and the government is completely with the Armed Forces in this aspect.

He concluded by saying that issues related to “Defence diplomacy, indigenisation, information warfare, defence infrastructure and force modernisation should always be contemplated in such a forum. War preparedness should be a continuous phenomena and we should always be ready for unpredictables for the uncertainties that may crop up any time. We should always be strengthening our fighting skills and weapons technologies so as to act effectively wherever called for. The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitating the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation”.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Moscow:

Russia said Thursday that it plans to raise defence spending by almost 70 percent next year, funneling massive resources into its Ukraine offensive to fight what it calls a “hybrid war” unleashed by the West.

With Moscow’s “special military operation” now dragging through its twentieth month, both sides have been digging deep and procuring weapons from allies in preparation for a protracted conflict.

The announcement came as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and the defence ministers of Britain and France visited Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelensky lobbied for more air defence systems.

“We need to get through this winter together, to protect our energy infrastructure and people’s lives,” President Zelensky told Jens Stoltenberg, warning of a fresh campaign of Russian strikes after last year’s strikes left millions short of water and heating.

Ukraine’s newly appointed defence minister Rustem Umerov, after meeting with his British counterpart Grant Shapps, said “Winter is coming but we are ready”.

Ukraine has repeatedly asked for more Western weapons, including longer-range missiles, to help break through Russian positions and launch strikes deep within Russian-controlled territory.

It began its counter-offensive in June but has acknowledged slow progress as its forces encounter lines of heavily fortified Russian defences.

‘Hybrid war’

Stoltenberg acknowledged that Ukraine’s army was facing “fierce fighting” as it slowly claws back territory from Russian forces, but said Kyiv was gaining ground.

“Every metre that Ukrainian forces regain is a metre that Russia loses. Moscow is fighting for imperialist delusions,” he said.

The speed of Ukraine’s advances has raised concerns in some Western countries over Kyiv’s military strategy, but Stoltenberg again vowed that the US-led defence bloc was unwavering in its support.

“NATO will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he told Mr Zelensky during his unannounced visit to Kyiv. President Zelensky meanwhile said it was a “matter of time” before Ukraine joins the alliance.

When the Kremlin launched its large-scale military operation in Ukraine last year it had hoped to quickly capture territory and to topple the Ukrainian government within days.

But the conflict has dragged on and Russia has ramped up arms manufacturing and pumped massive funds into its military machine, despite persistently high inflation and a weaker ruble.

According to a finance ministry document published Thursday, defence spending is set to jump by over 68 percent year-on-year to almost 10.8 trillion rubles ($111.15 billion) — more than spending allocated for social policy.

“It is obvious that such an increase is necessary, absolutely necessary, because we are in a state of hybrid war, we are continuing the special military operation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“I’m referring to the hybrid war that has been unleashed against us,” he said.

Defence spending in 2024 is set to total around three times more than education, environmental protection and healthcare spending combined, figures calculated by AFP showed.

“The focus of economic policy is shifting from an anti-crisis agenda to the promotion of national development goals,” the finance ministry said in the document.

It said this included “strengthening the country’s defence capacity” and “integrating” four Ukrainian regions Moscow claims to have annexed last year — Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

President Vladimir Putin and other officials have largely shrugged off the economic effects of the Ukraine offensive, arguing that Russia has weathered the storm of Western sanctions.

But Russia’s central bank warned this month that economic growth was set to slow in the second half of 2023, while ordinary Russians feel the pinch from rising prices.

Drones and cruise missiles

Russia’s spending plans were announced as Mr Stoltenberg and the British and French defence ministers visited Kyiv to discuss additional military aid for Ukraine.

The visits came ahead of Kyiv’s first Defence Industries Forum, where Ukrainian officials were to meet representatives from over 160 defence firms and 26 countries.

“Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before,” Jens Stoltenberg said at the press conference, listing measures the bloc had taken to support Ukraine.

While neither side has been able to boast significant gains on the frontline in recent weeks, both Moscow and Kyiv have launched systematic aerial attacks on strategic facilities with drones and cruise missiles.

Ukraine said earlier Thursday that Russia had deployed a “massive” drone attack overnight, adding that it had destroyed 31 of the 39 aircraft.

Russian unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted over Black Sea coastal regions and further inland, said Nataliya Gumenyuk, spokeswoman for the Ukrainian southern military command.

Russia “is not letting up pressure and searching for new tactics: namely, with the use of mass attacks”, Nataliya Gumenyuk said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)