Indian Army Enhances Non-Kinetic Warfare Capabilities, Parliamentary Panel Informed

The Indian Army has substantially enhanced its capabilities in non-kinetic domains, including cyber warfare, electronic warfare, information operations, and electromagnetic spectrum management, the defense ministry informed a Parliamentary panel. This strategic enhancement strengthens the army's capacity to conduct operations across these crucial non-conventional fronts, bolstering national security in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

To maximize operational effectiveness, the army is integrating the counter-drone capabilities of all three services. Dedicated cyber units are focused on securing critical networks and conducting offensive cyber operations, while electronic warfare units are being equipped with advanced systems to achieve spectrum dominance. The ministry highlighted the establishment of a unified counter-unmanned aerial system grid as a key objective.

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Dedicated cyber units focus on securing critical networks and conducting cyber operations. Electronic Warfare units are being equipped with advanced systems for spectrum dominance and the Indian Army is integrating counter-drone capabilities across all stakeholders to establish a unified counter-unmanned aerial system grid.

The panel was also briefed on India's broader military reforms, outlined in the Defence Forces Vision 2047 roadmap. This vision aims to prepare the armed forces for future battlefield challenges by 2047, the centenary of India's independence. Key initiatives include the proposed creation of a drone force, a data force, and a defense geospatial agency. Furthermore, the roadmap seeks to establish a space command, a cyber-command, a cognitive warfare action force, and a national air defense shield under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, acknowledging the rapid evolution of warfare due to technological advancements.

Information operations have been refined to counter adversarial narratives in the cognitive domain, ensuring readiness to address hybrid warfare challenges through indigenous technology, artificial intelligence, and specialized training. On the kinetic front, modernization of infantry, mechanized forces, artillery, and aviation assets has improved responsiveness and lethality. The army is also augmenting its long-range precision strike capabilities, supported by robust Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Post-Strike Damage Assessment (PSDA). Induction of hard-kill kinetic responses against hostile Unmanned Aerial Systems, including Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), is also underway.

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Emphasis on indigenous technology, artificial intelligence and specialised training is ensuring readiness to address the evolving challenges of hybrid warfare in a comprehensive and integrated manner.