Category: drones

Posted on

538:CHINA UNVEILS LYNX ROBOT: BROADER SHIFT TOWARDS UNMANNED WARFARE

Pic Courtesy: Net

 

My Article published on The EurAsian Times Website on 24 Nov 24

 

The Chinese company Deep Robotics recently unveiled the “Lynx ” advanced quadruped robot.” This robot is designed for rugged, off-road environments and showcases its versatility by navigating extreme terrain and performing stunts like backflips and sharp turns. The robot’s robust design allows it to move at high speeds across rugged landscapes, enhancing its utility in real-world applications like disaster response and exploration.​ The robot represents a significant move in China’s broader strategy of embracing unmanned warfare.

 

Lynx Robot

 

Pic Courtesy: Net

 

Deep Robotics, founded in 2017, has made a name for itself with its innovative quadruped robots, and the Lynx represents a leap forward in terms of versatility and performance. The Lynx has all-terrain wheels, allowing it to cover uneven ground easily. Thanks to its waterproof design, it can operate in challenging conditions, including temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C, and in wet environments. The Lynx can autonomously navigate challenging environments for up to 4 hours on a single charge. This robot has garnered attention for its practical applications in search and rescue, mapping, inspection, and potential military uses.

 

Possible Military application.

 

The Lynx robot by Deep Robotics, with its rugged capabilities, mobility, and autonomous navigation of extreme terrains, presents several potential military applications. These features make it suitable for a range of tactical and logistical operations in military contexts, from reconnaissance missions in complex environments to providing logistical support in combat zones.

 

Reconnaissance and Surveillance. The Lynx’s ability to traverse complex environments—such as rough, mountainous terrain or urban rubble—makes it ideal for reconnaissance missions. Its autonomous navigation capabilities allow it to gather intelligence in areas that are too dangerous or difficult for human soldiers to access, providing real-time data without risking lives​.

 

Logistical Support. The robot’s capacity to carry heavy loads and its off-road agility make it a potential asset in logistical operations, particularly in combat zones. It could transport supplies, ammunition, and equipment across uneven terrain, ensuring that military units are well-supplied in challenging environments.​

 

Search and Rescue Operations. Given its versatility and ability to function in extreme conditions, the Lynx could be used in military search and rescue operations. It can be deployed in environments where traditional vehicles may struggle, such as collapsed buildings or hazardous zones after combat.​

 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The robot’s agility, ability to handle rough terrain, and precision could make it a valuable tool in EOD operations. It would allow military personnel to remotely detect and disarm explosives in hostile areas without exposing humans to danger.

 

The Lynx’s robust design and all-terrain features lend it to military applications. As with many advanced robotic systems, its military potential could be seen as a means to reduce human casualties and enhance combat capabilities.

 

Future Warfare with Unmanned Systems

 

Unmanned systems, encompassing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), are rapidly transforming the landscape of modern warfare. With technological advancements, these systems have moved from the periphery of military operations to the forefront, providing unprecedented surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and combat capabilities. This article explores the tactical applications of unmanned systems in future warfare, illustrated with examples, insights from military experts, and a look at the implications for global security.

 

The Evolution of Unmanned Systems. The concept of unmanned systems is not new; however, their application has dramatically evolved over the past two decades. Initially utilised primarily for reconnaissance missions during the Cold War, UAVs gained prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in the U.S. military’s operations in the Middle East. The 2001 invasion of Afghanistan and the subsequent Iraq War marked a turning point where UAVs like the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper became integral to combat operations, enabling real-time intelligence gathering and targeted strikes without risking pilot lives. A 2021 U.S. Defence Innovation Board report states, “Unmanned systems are reshaping how wars are fought, enabling forces to conduct operations with greater precision, efficiency, and reduced risk to personnel” (Defence Innovation Board, 2021).

 

Tactical Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

 

Surveillance and Reconnaissance. One of the primary applications of UAVs is for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The ability to gather intelligence over vast areas without risking human life is invaluable. For example, during the 2012 conflict in Mali, French forces employed UAVs to monitor enemy movements and gather intelligence on insurgent groups. This enabled precise ground operations planning, significantly improving their forces’ effectiveness.

 

Precision Strikes. UAVs have also become crucial in delivering precision strikes against high-value targets. The use of drones for targeted killings has been a controversial yet effective tactic. Israel’s use of UAVs in conflicts, such as the 2006 Lebanon War, demonstrated the effectiveness of drones in both surveillance and combat roles. The Israeli Air Force’s use of the Heron and Hermes UAVs allowed for persistent monitoring and targeted strikes, significantly impacting Hezbollah’s capabilities.

 

Logistics and Resupply. Unmanned systems are also revolutionising military logistics. The U.S. Army has begun to deploy UAVs for logistical support, delivering supplies to frontline troops.  This capability was notably highlighted during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Azerbaijani forces utilised UAVs not only for combat but also for logistical operations, effectively resupplying troops in the field while minimising the risk of ground convoys being attacked.

 

Tactical Applications of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)

 

Combat Support and Logistics Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are increasingly integrated into combat operations. These systems can perform various tasks, including surveillance, logistics, and direct enemy forces engagement. The U.S. Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program exemplifies this trend, as it aims to develop UGVs that can operate alongside manned units to enhance combat effectiveness. The UGVs deployed in recent military exercises have demonstrated their ability to scout ahead of troop formations, providing critical intelligence without endangering soldiers.

 

Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Operations. UGVs are particularly effective in counter-IED operations, where they can safely detect and disarm explosive devices. The U.S. military has employed systems like the PackBot and Talon, successfully reducing casualties among dismounted troops. During operations in Afghanistan, UGVs were instrumental in clearing routes for ground convoys by detecting and neutralising IED threats.

 

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). UGVs are also involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. In the aftermath of natural disasters, these vehicles can be deployed to assess damage, locate survivors, and deliver supplies. For instance, after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, UGVs were used to navigate debris and assess the condition of affected areas, demonstrating their versatility beyond traditional military applications.

 

Future Warfare and the Role of Unmanned Systems.

 

As warfare continues to evolve, the role of unmanned systems will only expand. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into unmanned systems will enhance their capabilities, enabling them to operate autonomously in complex environments. This shift toward autonomy presents both opportunities and challenges for military planners.

 

Enhanced Decision-Making. Integrating AI into unmanned systems will facilitate improved decision-making in combat scenarios. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing commanders with actionable intelligence and recommendations for operations. The future battlefield will be defined by speed and the ability to process information faster than the enemy.

 

Ethical Considerations. However, the increasing reliance on unmanned systems raises significant ethical questions. The use of drones for targeted killings has sparked debate over accountability and the rules of engagement. As military operations become more automated, the question of human oversight becomes critical. Experts argue that while unmanned systems can enhance operational efficiency, they must be governed by strict ethical guidelines to prevent misuse and collateral damage.

 

Global Security Implications. The proliferation of unmanned systems is reshaping global security dynamics. As countries like China and Russia invest heavily in their drone capabilities, the balance of power is shifting. The use of UAVs in conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War and the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea highlights the strategic importance of these systems in contemporary military strategies.

 

China’s Investment in Unmanned Systems

 

China has heavily invested in unmanned systems as part of its broader goal to modernise its military and lead in technological innovation. These investments are spread across several key sectors, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). These technologies have military, commercial, and strategic implications that extend beyond China’s borders.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). China is a global leader in UAV technology, mainly through the success of companies like DJI. DJI dominates the global drone market, controlling up to 70% of the worldwide share. China’s military has also developed advanced UAVs, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. The Wing Loong series, for example, is a family of Chinese UAVs designed for intelligence gathering and targeted strikes. These UAVs are being developed for domestic consumption and export purposes, making China a significant player in the global defence drone market.

 

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). China is making significant strides in developing USVs, which are used for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine detection. These unmanned vessels are seen as cost-effective alternatives to manned naval operations, offering the ability to patrol contested waters like the South China Sea without risking human life. USVs also help maintain a constant presence in strategic maritime regions. These vessels align with China’s broader naval ambitions to assert its presence and power projection capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.​

​

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). China’s investment in UUVs has been critical to its maritime strategy, particularly in the South China Sea and other key waterway areas. These vehicles are essential for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and potentially offensive operations against rival naval forces. China’s UUV technology has evolved to encompass various capabilities, from scientific exploration to military applications, such as the Haisi underwater vehicle series.​

 

Strategic and Military Applications. China’s investments are strategically aimed at bolstering its military capabilities, enhancing its surveillance capabilities, and reducing operational risks. By focusing on unmanned systems, China can maintain a technological edge in surveillance, reconnaissance, and potential combat operations. The country’s Military-Civil Fusion policy further accelerates the integration of civilian technological advances into the military, making these unmanned systems even more pivotal for national defence and global influence.​

 

Global Influence and Export Strategies. China’s dominance in the unmanned systems market has implications for its foreign policy and international influence. While Western countries like the U.S. have stricter export controls on unmanned systems, China’s more flexible approach allows it to export these technologies widely, especially to developing countries. This has led to China’s increasing presence in markets previously dominated by Western companies, positioning it as a critical player in the global defence and technology sectors.

 

China’s strategic investments in unmanned systems are part of a broader national ambition to lead in defence technology while reducing reliance on traditional military platforms. The country’s dominance in the drone market and advancements in USVs and UUVs make unmanned systems a cornerstone of China’s military modernisation efforts and broader geopolitical ambitions. These investments strengthen China’s defence capabilities and enhance its influence across global markets, particularly in rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific and other strategic regions.

 

The increasing use of unmanned systems by state and non-state actors presents a new paradigm in warfare, challenging traditional military doctrines and necessitating a re-evaluation of defence strategies. As nations continue to develop and deploy unmanned systems, it is imperative to strike a balance between leveraging their capabilities and ensuring accountability in their use. These technologies will undoubtedly shape the future of warfare, making it essential for military leaders and policymakers to understand their implications for global security.

 

Your valuable inputs are most welcome.

887
Default rating

Please give a thumbs up if you  like The Post?

 

For regular updates, please register your email here:-

Subscribe

 

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

References:

  1. Aviation Week Network. (2019). UAVs in Mali: The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare. aviationweek.com.
  2. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). (2020). The Future of Unmanned Systems in Global Security. csis.org
  3. Cohen, R. (2021). Logistical Innovations in Warfare: Lessons from the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict. Military Review.
  4. Defence Innovation Board. (2021). The Future of Warfare: Unmanned Systems and Autonomous Operations. defenseinnovationboard.gov
  5. Dunford, J. (2016). Counter-IED Operations: Lessons Learned from Afghanistan. Joint Force Quarterly.
  6. McGhee, J. (2018). The Evolution of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Combat. Air Force Journal.
  7. McRaven, W. A. (2020). The Role of Robotics in Modern Warfare. Military Affairs.
  8. Shay, S. (2019). Drones in Israel’s Military Strategy: A Case Study. Journal of Military Strategy.
  9. Singer, P. W. (2019). Ethics of Drone Warfare: A Contemporary Debate. Ethics & International Affairs.
  10. Walker, W. J. (2022). Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Warfare. Army Command and General Staff College.
  11. Yasuda, T. (2012). The Role of Unmanned Systems in Disaster Response: Case Study of Japan. Disaster Management Journal.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

Posted on

526: Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Via-a-vis Loyal Wingman Concept

 

 

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Concept. MUM-T encompasses the collaborative operation of manned and unmanned systems across various platforms and domains. It can apply to ground, maritime, and air operations. MUM-T emphasises seamless interoperability between manned and unmanned systems, allowing them to work together effectively across various mission profiles. This concept can involve multiple unmanned systems (e.g., UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and unmanned surface vessels) working alongside manned platforms. MUM-T can encompass various mission types, such as surveillance, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat operations, providing commanders with various tactical options.

 

 

Loyal Wingman Concept. The loyal wingman concept refers specifically to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that operate closely with manned fighter jets, providing support and augmenting their capabilities during missions. These UAVs are designed to act as “wingmen” to manned aircraft. Loyal wingman drones are typically designed to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, often using AI to make real-time decisions. They can perform a variety of roles, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions, thus relieving manned aircraft of certain tasks. Loyal wingman drones are often expected to fly in close formation with manned fighters, providing tactical support and enhancing the mission’s overall combat effectiveness.

 

When comparing Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and the Loyal Wingman concept head-to-head, both approaches leverage the collaboration between manned and unmanned systems but differ in their operational dynamics, levels of autonomy, and intended outcomes.

 

Mission Scope and Roles

 

MUM-T: In MUM-T, manned platforms directly command and control unmanned platforms to assist in various roles. MUM-T’s mission scope is broader, encompassing support and offensive capabilities. The Unmanned systems are typically extensions of the manned system’s sensors and weapons.

 

Loyal Wingman: Loyal Wingmen are designed to operate more autonomously, carrying out specific combat-related tasks, such as providing air support, engaging threats, or acting as decoys. They are essentially force multipliers, augmenting the combat power of the manned platform. These drones take on more combat-centric roles, where they can engage in offensive or defensive missions in coordination with human pilots.

 

Coordination/Control & Level of Autonomy

 

MUM-T: In MUM-T operations, unmanned systems rely more on direct control or at least supervision by the operator in the manned platform. The unmanned platforms can execute pre-programmed tasks but are generally controlled in real-time. The unmanned systems may not make complex decisions independently; instead, they execute commands provided by the manned platform. This keeps humans in the loop for crucial decision-making.

 

Loyal Wingman: The concept is based on a distributed coordination model. Loyal Wingmen are designed to operate with higher levels of autonomy. While they still collaborate with human pilots, they can make tactical decisions independently based on mission objectives and AI algorithms. They act like human wingmen, performing tasks such as engaging targets or defending the manned platform without the pilot’s constant input.

 

Primary Objectives

 

MUM-T: MUM-T focuses on enhancing situational awareness and extending operational reach. The unmanned systems help manned platforms by acting as force extenders—flying ahead to scout or gather intelligence, providing targeting data, or executing stand-off attacks to reduce risk to the human crew. The unmanned assets support and amplify the capabilities of the manned aircraft.

 

Loyal Wingman: Loyal Wingman focuses on amplifying combat effectiveness. The drones serve as partners in combat, providing additional firepower, protecting the manned platform, or taking on riskier roles like flying into heavily defended areas or serving as decoys. The objective is to have these drones work in combat formations, improving the lethality and survivability of the overall mission.

 

Combat Scenarios

 

MUM-T: Best suited for missions that involve complex battlefield management, including reconnaissance, data gathering, and precision strikes. It excels in operations where information dominance is critical and human decision-making is essential.

 

Loyal Wingman: More suited for frontline combat missions, where the wingman provides direct combat support and enhances the combat effectiveness of the manned platform. They can take on high-risk missions, allowing the manned aircraft to stay back and command from a safer distance.

 

While the loyal wingman focuses on the relationship between unmanned and manned aircraft, MUM-T provides a more expansive framework for integrating various platforms across different military domains. These concepts represent a shift toward more adaptive, resilient, and capable military forces. The loyal wingman concept and MUM-T are critical to the future of military operations, as they leverage technological advancements to enhance combat effectiveness. 

 

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

 

887
Default rating

Please give a thumbs up if you  like The Post?

 

For regular updates, please register your email here:-

Subscribe

 

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

Posted on

492: INDIAN AIR FORCE CHALLENGES AND FUTURE TRAJECTORY

 

 

My Article published in the News Analytics Journal Jul 2024.

 

 

India faces two nuclear-powered inimical neighbours. China is emerging as a major regional power with the aspiration to be a global power, and her desire to dominate Asia and, finally, the world has implications for India. India’s relations with China have changed from cooperative to competitive to combative. China sees India as a competitor and would like to keep India off-balance. On the other hand, Pakistan remains a security threat and continues to use non-state actors to maintain a situation of unrest. Asymmetric warfare will remain an instrument of its state policy. These two countries have a close and longstanding strategic partnership that includes cooperation even in areas of defence and security. Pakistan openly boasts of collusive support from China in case of a war with India. Due to its unique geographical location and geopolitical environment, India faces a collusive threat with significant chances of military conflict. Therefore, her national interest dictates that the country be able to deter her inimical neighbours from any military misadventure, either singly or collusively.

 

China’s warfare strategy focuses on developing a modern and capable force to support its national security interests and regional/global ambitions. The Chinese forces are undergoing significant modernisation and expansion at a rapid pace, with particular emphasis on developing advanced technologies and capabilities. China’s investment and progress in space-based systems, quantum technology, unmanned platforms, hypersonic weapons, directed energy weapons, etc., will give it surveillance and precision strike capability with lightning speeds.

 

India’s military aspirations must align with its socioeconomic condition and likely threats. The path forward for India is clear: it must enhance its deterrence capability while investing in future war-fighting technologies. With its significant offensive potential and responsiveness, air power is the most crucial arm of military action.  The Indian Air Force (IAF), like air power in the last century, has evolved to reflect changes in technology, doctrine, and strategic priorities. However, it must continuously adapt to the existing and changing environment to build focused capabilities. The IAF will have to create deterrence and be able to dominate the air. The IAF must remain adaptive and agile to win wars in a network-centric battlefield with conflicts varying across the complete threat spectrum. Identifying focus areas and developing assets, platforms, facilitators, and infrastructure is essential. While several issues are vital requirements, the main pillars are trained manpower, combat leadership, combat sustenance resources, and sound strategy. The IAF must focus on capability building and adopt a multidisciplinary and integrated war-fighting approach.

 

 

The IAF should expand its investments in advanced munitions, combat support aircraft, electronic warfare, and physical infrastructure. Boosting the IAF’s fighter force strength should be a top priority, maintaining a balance between quantity and quality. An adequate number of combat support platforms should follow. Air Defence has evolved from point defence to offensive defence, with the spectrum expanding to cater for sub-conventional threats to long-range hypersonic weapons. Appropriate weapons, systems, and networks need to be added. The weapon list should provide various options, including high-tech, long-range smart weapon systems with increased accuracy and assurance. Air combat support and protective infrastructure are essential. The IAF’s networking capability has evolved well and is applied to air defence, air ops planning, maintenance, and logistics functions. However, there is still room for further progress and integration of new inductions.

 

The Indian Air Force, as a technology-intensive service, must continuously incorporate modern, cutting-edge equipment and technology. Technology’s profound influence on air strategy is a significant driver of innovation and evolution. Investing in emerging technologies is necessary and exciting, opening up new possibilities. Future technologies impacting the air war, such as Quantum computing, Hypersonic weapon systems, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Unmanned platforms, Drones and swarm technology, and Network-centric environment / Internet of things/system of systems, are on the horizon. Impetus is also required for some of the existing aviation-related programs like fifth-generation fighters, Transport aircraft (for civil and military requirements), Development of gas turbines and engines, sensors and seekers,  stealth, metallurgy and composites, unmanned platforms and swarms, AI-enabled autonomous systems and long-range vectors.

 

A strategic focus is required for a medium-term and long-term technology plan supported by adequate budget allocation. A suitable ecosystem needs to be developed to harness these dual-use technologies. IAF must define a defence science and technology strategy with a vision to harness technology and convert it into decisive capability. The following focus areas are advocated, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous defence production capability:-

 

    • Situational Awareness & Decision Making. One effect of advanced technology on air warfare is the increased pace and intensity of air operations. In such a scenario, the decision-making process must quickly keep up with the OODA cycle. The three most important contributing factors are high situational awareness, a robust and fast network system for information sharing, and AI-based decision-support systems.

 

    • Space-Based Capabilities. The term airpower has changed to aerospace power, with the aerial warfare envelope expanding to the space domain. Space-based systems and applications are embedded in every aspect of aerial warfare. The involvement of space-based equipment and systems is even more significant in Grey zone warfare. Space-based systems are becoming increasingly crucial in air warfare, providing capabilities such as navigation, targeting, communication, early warning of missile launches and space-based surveillance.  The integration of these systems with air assets is expected to continue, providing new opportunities for crucial offensive and defensive operations.

 

    • Hypersonic Weapons. The development of hypersonic weapons is likely to impact air strategy significantly. Hypersonic weapons provide new opportunities for rapid response and long-range strike capabilities with precision. They also pose new challenges in terms of protection and air defence.  The high speed and unpredictability of hypersonic weapons will require the development of new air defence strategies, as traditional air defence systems may be unable to detect or intercept these weapons. This could lead to the development of new technologies, such as directed energy weapons or advanced sensors, to counter the threat posed by hypersonic weapons. Also, protective infrastructure would be required to withstand these weapons’ destructive power.

 

    • Unmanned Platforms. The use of unmanned platforms and systems is growing in warfare. This shift is expected to continue as technology advances and the capabilities of unmanned systems improve further. Drones of various sizes and capabilities are taking over the tasks of conventional platforms. Their use is spread across the entire spectrum of threats, ranging from sub-conventional and conventional to long-range attacks. Investment in anti-drone systems is also a need of the hour.

 

    • Sixth Generation Aircraft. Sixth-generation aircraft are still in the development phase; however, based on current trends in air technology, sixth-generation aircraft will likely have several key features that will shape air strategy in the future. They are likely to have increased automation with advanced AI and machine learning algorithms that will enable autonomous decision-making and allow them to adapt to changing situations quickly. They would also have enhanced stealth capabilities, making them virtually invisible to radar and other detection systems. Integrated sensor systems in these aircraft will provide comprehensive situational awareness and the ability to engage targets with great precision. Sixth-generation aircraft are expected to significantly impact air strategy in the future, with their advanced capabilities enabling air forces to operate with greater autonomy and strike enemy targets with unprecedented precision and speed. However, as with any new technology, challenges may be associated with introducing sixth-generation aircraft, including developing new tactics, training programs, and support infrastructure to realise their full potential.

 

    • Loyal Wing Man Concept. Both piloted and unmanned platforms have their respective advantages and disadvantages. The thought process for the next generation of platforms is to harness the benefits of both and develop networked systems wherein both can work in an integrated manner. Research is being done in many countries on the “loyal wingman” concept.

 

Indian Air Force has always encouraged the development of indigenous defence production capability, and it is one of its key result areas. It has played an essential role in creating an aerospace ecosystem in India and has been operating indigenously built aircraft and aircraft built in India under licence production. This has given impetus to indigenous industry in the past and will continue to support it in future. The critical thing to remember is that while supporting self-reliance, the minimum level of deterrence capability must always be maintained.

 

 

Perceived threats and challenges to national security, calling for immediate and substantial measures to enhance IAF’s war-fighting capacity and capability. Capability building entails a long gestation period. The IAF should continue prioritising modernisation efforts, including acquiring advanced aircraft, weapons systems, and sensors. This will enable the IAF to maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries and respond effectively to emerging threats. The IAF should concentrate on new areas of capability development, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber warfare, and space-based systems. These capabilities will enhance its ability to conduct various operations, from intelligence gathering to precision strikes. Operational preparedness includes reviewing doctrines, strategy and tactics, organisational structures, human resource adaptation, training, and maintenance and logistics concepts.

 

IAF must think differently to tackle various asymmetric and non-traditional security threats. This would require more innovative, out-of-the-box solutions that leverage the prevalent technology. Overall, the IAF should strive to balance traditional air power capabilities and emerging areas of strategic importance. This will enable the IAF to defend India’s air space and national security interests while contributing to the broader role of nation-building, regional stability and humanitarian assistance.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome.

 

887
Default rating

Please give a thumbs up if you  like The Post?

 

For regular updates, please register here:-

Subscribe

 

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

References

  1. Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd), “Air Power Transformational Challenges India”, Air Power Asia.
  2. Basic Doctrines of the Indian Air Force 1995, 2012 and 2022.
  3. Ashley J Tellis, “Troubles They Come In Battalion”, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2016.
  4. Air Mshl Anil Chopra (Retd), “IAF modernisation challenges ahead”, South Asia defence and strategic review.
  5. Vivek Kapur, “IAF Equipment & Force Structure Requirements to Meet External Threats, 2032”, MPIDSA, 2014.
  6. “Interview with CAS and articles in IAF”, IAF anniversary issue of Chanakya Aerospace, defence and maritime review, 2018.
  7. Gp Capt AK Sachdeva(Retd), “Rebuilding the IAF fighter fleet”, SP’s Aviation issue 2, 2019.
  8. Sanjay Badri-Maharaj, “Indian Air Force at 86: options and challenges”, Vayu V/2018.
  9. Gp Capt J Noronha (Retd), “Strength lies in numbers: Rebuilding the combat fleet of IAF”, Indian Defence Review Oct-Dec 18.
  10. Air Marshal Dhiraj Kukreja, “IAF 2020 and beyond”, Indian Defence Review, Jan – Mar 17.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.