In an era where warfare is no longer defined by traditional weapons and national borders, the battlefield is evolving rapidly, and with it, the strategies that shape global military powers. Modern conflicts are increasingly centred around the integration of cyber warfare, space dominance, information warfare and cutting-edge technology. This shift is not just a matter of upgrading existing military capabilities but of reimagining what it means to fight in a world dominated by technology.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, for example, has demonstrated how armies must adapt quickly, using unmanned systems, cyber defences and advanced mission command to gain an edge on the battlefield. In this rapidly transforming world, the Indian Army has set its sights on a bold transformation that will elevate its combat capabilities to unprecedented levels.
Technological Revolution in Warfare
In 2024, the Indian Army, a force of 1.4 million personnel, declared it was entering a critical phase of technological absorption. This decision follows a year of significant technological advancements that have laid the groundwork for a future-ready force. Under the ambitious ‘Modernise to Indianise’ initiative, the Indian Army is not merely adopting the latest technologies — it is investing in them, developing them, and ensuring they are made in India to bolster domestic defence industries while meeting the future demands of warfare.
The Army has identified 45 niche technologies for military applications, with over 120 indigenous projects underway to develop and integrate these technologies. This move is not just about acquiring cutting-edge systems but also about nurturing a self-reliant defence ecosystem. The focus on indigenisation will ensure that the Army’s future capabilities are built on homegrown expertise, contributing to national security and economic growth.
The Indian Army has identified 45 niche technologies for military applications, with over 120 indigenous projects underway to develop and integrate these technologies. This move is not just about acquiring cutting-edge systems but also about nurturing a self-reliant defence ecosystem
Technological Leap Forward: 2024 and Beyond
By mid-2025, the Indian Army will begin to induct specialists in critical domains such as cyber operations, information warfare, and advanced information technology. As Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems and Coordination), recently noted, “The rate of change of technology is so rapid that we must keep on adapting and absorbing. We are proactively engaging industry and academia, including the IITs and IISc, to stay in sync with the latest global advancements in technology.”
The Indian Army’s approach to technological warfare is multi-pronged and highly ambitious. The Army is not only focusing on enhancing its existing systems but also exploring revolutionary new technologies that will redefine how wars are fought in the coming decades. Here are some of the key areas where the Indian Army is making significant strides:
Cyber and Space Warfare: New Frontiers of Combat
In the modern battlefield, cyber warfare has become as critical as physical combat. Cyber-attacks can cripple an opponent’s infrastructure, disrupt communications, and wreak havoc on sensitive data. The Indian Army is heavily investing in cyber defence and offensive capabilities to protect its systems and engage adversaries in the digital domain. With the rising threats in the cyber world, securing military communication and operational infrastructure is paramount.
Simultaneously, space has emerged as an indispensable domain for military dominance. The ability to control and dominate space for communication, surveillance and navigation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The Army is prioritising space-based technologies, including satellite systems and space-based weapons, to maintain an edge in this critical domain. This integration of cyber and space capabilities will ensure that India is prepared for conflicts that unfold on multiple fronts — physical, cyber and extraterrestrial.
5G and 6G Networks: Backbone of Modern Warfare
Communication is the lifeblood of modern warfare. In a fast-moving, high-intensity combat environment, being able to communicate quickly, securely, and reliably is essential for operational success. The Indian Army is looking beyond 5G and preparing for the advent of 6G networks, which will offer faster data transmission, more secure communication, and greater network reliability.
The transition from 5G to 6G will be a game-changer, allowing the Indian Army to coordinate large-scale operations seamlessly. Whether directing a battalion in the field or ensuring real-time intelligence sharing between different units, 6G will enhance the Army’s operational efficiency and agility in conventional as well as unconventional warfare scenarios.
“The rate of change of technology is so rapid that we must keep adapting and absorbing. We are proactively engaging industry and academia, including the IITs and IISc, to stay in sync with the global advancements in technology,” says Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor
AI and Machine Learning: Rise of Smart Warfare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are poised to revolutionise defence strategies. By automating tasks, predicting threats and optimising resources, AI is transforming how militaries around the world operate. The Indian Army is exploring AI-driven systems for surveillance, autonomous vehicles, and predictive analytics, enabling it to stay one step ahead in fast-evolving combat situations.
AI technologies will be instrumental in enhancing operational effectiveness, whether through intelligent surveillance systems that can identify enemy movements or autonomous vehicles that can carry out high-risk missions with minimal human intervention. Plus, AI’s potential to analyse vast amounts of data in real-time will enhance decision-making, enabling commanders to make more informed, timely, and accurate choices.
Quantum Computing: Next Frontier in Encryption and Data Processing
Quantum computing is set to revolutionise how data is processed and encrypted. By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, these advanced computers can process data exponentially faster than classical computers. For the Indian Army, quantum computing promises to enhance its ability to process vast amounts of intelligence, secure communications, and improve battlefield decision-making.
In a world where information is power, quantum computing will be crucial in safeguarding military communications from adversaries trying to intercept or manipulate sensitive data. This technology will also support the Army’s data-driven decision-making processes, enabling faster and more accurate assessments of battlefield situations.
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): Precision Warfare
Directed energy weapons, such as lasers and microwaves, represent the cutting edge of modern weaponry. These systems focus on high-energy beams to disable or destroy enemy assets with precision. The Indian Army is exploring the potential of DEWs to counter emerging threats like drones and missiles, which are increasingly being used in modern warfare.
DEWs offer several advantages, including speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional kinetic weapons, DEWs do not rely on ammunition, meaning that they can deliver unlimited firepower as long as the energy supply is maintained. As a result, they are becoming essential tools for modern armies looking to defend against advanced aerial and missile threats.
Communication is the lifeblood of modern warfare. In a fast-moving, high-intensity combat environment, the Indian Army is looking beyond 5G and preparing for the advent of 6G networks, which offer faster data transmission, more secure communication, and greater network reliability
Drones and Loitering Munitions: Rise of the Machines
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are no longer a novelty — they are now essential components of modern military operations. The Indian Army is rapidly integrating drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and even combat. Loitering munitions, which can stay in the air for extended periods before delivering a precise strike, are being developed as part of the Army’s strategy to enhance its offensive capabilities.
Also, with the proliferation of drones comes the need for effective countermeasures. The Army is investing in anti-drone technologies to neutralise enemy UAVs and protect its assets. These technologies will be critical in maintaining dominance over the skies and ensuring that unmanned systems are used to their full potential.
Robotics and Automation: Future of Combat
Robots and automated systems are playing an increasingly important role in modern warfare. Whether on land, air, or sea, autonomous systems are being deployed for reconnaissance, logistics and even direct combat. The Indian Army is focusing on integrating these systems into its operations to enhance efficiency, reduce human risk and respond more quickly to evolving threats.
In combat scenarios, robotic systems can perform dangerous missions — such as bomb disposal or reconnaissance in hostile territory — while minimising the risk to human soldiers. Additionally, automated systems can support logistics, freeing up personnel for more critical tasks and improving overall operational efficiency.
Blockchain Technology: Securing the Digital Battlefield
As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and scale, the need for secure communications and transactions becomes ever more pressing. Blockchain technology, with its decentralised and tamper-proof nature, offers a potential solution for securing military data and communications.
The Indian Army is exploring blockchain’s potential to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring its operations remain secure from cyber intrusions. By implementing blockchain, the Army can ensure data integrity, protect critical communications and maintain trust in the digital systems that underpin modern warfare.
Specialist-Driven Forces: The Army of the Future
As the Indian Army evolves into a technologically advanced force, it is shifting its focus from generalist soldiers to specialists in key technological domains. In the future, soldiers will need to be experts in AI, quantum computing, robotics, cyber defence and more. The role of generalists will diminish as experts in these fields become crucial to the Army’s operational success.
Lt Gen Kapoor’s statement that “the Army of the future will have to be technologically oriented” reflects this shift. Moreover, the Army is planning to recruit specialists in areas like linguistics, particularly languages such as Mandarin, to improve communication capabilities during joint operations and to navigate complex multi-domain environments.
Challenges on the Road to Technological Superiority
While the potential benefits of these advanced technologies are immense, the integration of such systems into the Indian Army presents several challenges. Key issues include:
- Budgetary Constraints: Modernising weapons systems and acquiring high-tech equipment require significant investment. With limited defence budgets, the Army must prioritise spending and ensure cost-effective solutions.
- Skill Development: Training personnel to effectively use these advanced technologies is essential. Continuous skill enhancement programmes will be necessary to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology.
- Interoperability: Integrating new technologies with existing systems and ensuring they work seamlessly together will be crucial for maintaining operational cohesion.
- Cybersecurity: As dependence on technology grows, so does the risk of cyber threats. The Army must implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and operational systems.
The focus on AI, quantum computing, robotics and other emerging technologies will enhance the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness, operational flexibility and strategic deterrence. By investing in innovation, the Army is paving the way for a more resilient, capable and future-ready force
Preparing for Future Battlefields: Technologically Advanced Force
The Indian Army is not simply preparing for future warfare, it is shaping it. As the geopolitical landscape becomes more complex, especially with nuclear threats from neighbouring countries, the Army must be ready to face a wide range of security challenges. This includes conventional warfare, counterinsurgency, cyber-attacks and the potential for nuclear conflict.
The Army’s modernisation efforts aim to create a force that is not only technologically advanced but also agile, specialised, and capable of dealing with multiple simultaneous threats. Whether it is a ‘two-front war’ scenario or complex peacekeeping operations, the Army’s technological transformation will be key to ensuring India’s defence capabilities remain robust and credible.
Strategic Vision: Achieving Multi-Domain Superiority
The Indian Army’s vision for the future is not limited to just upgrading its technology. It aims to become a force capable of operating seamlessly across all domains — land, air, cyber and space. Key strategic goals include:
- Theaterisation: Reorganising command structures for integrated operations across different branches of the armed forces.
- Data-Centric Operations: Leveraging technology to drive data-driven decision-making and improve operational efficiency.
- Jointness and Integration: Promoting synergy between the Army, Navy and Air Force to ensure cohesive operational capabilities.
Conclusion: Necessity of Technological Transformation
The modernisation of the Indian Army is not a choice — it is an absolute necessity. To maintain its position as a regional – and eventually global – military powerhouse, the Army must embrace technological advancements and ensure it stays ahead of potential adversaries. The focus on AI, quantum computing, robotics and other emerging technologies will enhance the Army’s combat effectiveness, operational flexibility and strategic deterrence. By staying ahead of technological trends and investing in innovation, the Army is paving the way for a more resilient, capable and future-ready force.
–The writer is a globally cited defence analyst based in New Zealand. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
