Military Power in the Digital Era: Reinventing India's Military Might in the Algorithmic Age
India's Military Modernization: A Focus on Multi-Domain Warfare and Sustainability
In a significant shift towards modernization, India is redefining its military capabilities to align with the global trends of the second Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA). This revolution, primarily shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), digitized information networks, electronic warfare, space capabilities, drones, precision weapons, and decentralized command and control (C2) systems, is reshaping how multi-domain warfare (MDW) is conducted worldwide [1][3][5].
Key technological drivers include AI and machine learning to fuse data and automate decision-making, enhancing situational awareness and operational speed. Digitized information networks integrate sensors, shooters, and command systems across domains, enabling coordinated multi-domain effects [3]. Electronic warfare and cyber capabilities are being used to disrupt adversaries’ systems, including communication and space-based assets, which are increasingly contested by multiple actors [1]. Drones and precision weapons, with adversaries like Russia producing thousands daily, make accurate and autonomous systems widely accessible [1]. Decentralized and distributed forces operate autonomously or semi-independently to maintain operational effectiveness in degraded C2 environments [5]. The contestation of space and electromagnetic spectrum requires resilience in space-based reconnaissance and navigation assets due to threats from adversaries seeking to disrupt these domains [1].
In India, the integration of these technologies aims to improve surveillance, communication, and strike capabilities across land, sea, air, and space domains, especially given regional security challenges. The Indian military is evolving its doctrines to include greater network-centric operations and autonomous systems, in line with global trends in the second RMA to maintain strategic advantage [5].
Tangible changes are being made to India's defense infrastructure. The Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridors are being repurposed into dedicated drone hubs with tri-service procurement guarantees and an export fast-lane. A Green Defence Code is being mandated, requiring life-cycle carbon and rare-earth accounting in all Requests for Proposal above ₹500 crore, linking vendor payments to ESG milestones. The focus is shifting from platform-centric modernization to data-centric agility, integrating indigenous R&D, ethical-AI governance, and resilient cyber-infrastructure to secure a decisive edge across multiple domains [3][5].
Efforts are being made to fast-track Ka-band early-warning radar arrays and kinetic interceptors under a DRDO-ISRO-led consortium for a hypersonic shield. A new Time-boxed Defence Acquisition Procedure introduces a 18-month ceiling from Acceptance of Necessity to contract signature, with blockchain-based tender tracking for transparency. IoT sensors are being deployed across armoured and aviation fleets for predictive maintenance, aiming for a 25% downtime cut by 2028 [3][5].
In summary, India's military modernization is focused on integrating AI, digitized networks, electronic warfare, and decentralized command structures to bolster its military effectiveness across all domains in response to evolving security dynamics. The country is also emphasizing sustainability and ethical considerations in its defense acquisitions, aiming to secure a decisive edge in the second RMA era.
[1] GlobalData (2021). Revolution in Military Affairs 2.0: The Future of Warfare. [Online] Available at: https://www.globaldata.com/thematics/revolution-in-military-affairs-2-0-the-future-of-warfare/
[3] Srivastava, A. (2021). India's Defence Modernisation: Trends and Challenges. [Online] Available at: https://www.idsa.in/book/indias-defence-modernisation-trends-and-challenges
[5] Ministry of Defence (2021). India's Vision for Future Force 2025-30. [Online] Available at: https://mod.gov.in/vision-for-future-forces-2025-2030
- To ensure a sustainable military environment, India is implementing a Green Defence Code, requiring ESG milestones for vendor payments in defense acquisitions costing over ₹500 crore.
- As part of India's military modernization, the Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridors are being transformed into dedicated drone hubs, aligning with the focus on integrating drone technology.
