Lessons from Russia for India

Context: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Strategic failures and success of Russia is providing lessons for the Indian military as well.

What are the key lessons from Russian invasion for Indian miliary?

First, it has revealed the level of effectiveness of Russian tanks. American-built Javelin or Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System have resulted into destruction of several of Russian T-90 tanks.

However, Germans used these tanks effectively during ring World War 2, but they were used along with the infantry. Russia has not used its tanks along with infantry, which is the main reason behind heavy destruction of its tanks.

Second, drones and anti-tank missiles have caused a great devastation among Russian forces.

Emerging technologies like cyber and digital technology, Artificial Intelligence, and UAVs should be used along with the legacy platforms such as fighter planes, warships, and artillery weapons. It will provide the best performance. Emerging tech can provide precision, whereas legacy platforms can launch firepower.

Third, it is well known that Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses should be the foremost requirement for any invading force. However, Russia failed to neutralize Ukrainian air defenses, leading to Russia’s revision of its plan by confining its military operations to Donbas and the Black Sea coast.

Fourth, Russia stretched its military lines thin. It resulted in long lines of communications and military columns that could not be supplied and reinforced.

All these strategic failures led to low morale among Russian forces.

Thus, India should start investing more in sensors, electronic warfare, greater digitization, satellite communications, and unmanned systems. It should be not just for reconnaissance and surveillance, but also for attack missions.

India should also develop greater missile forces to enhance its offensive capabilities.

Source: This post is created based on the article “Lessons from Russia for India” published in The Hindu on 25^th May 2022.