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Source-This post on Modern Warfare has been created based on the article “The transformation of war” published in “The Business Standard” on 5 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.
Context- Indian Army celebrates Infantry Day on October 27 to commemorate the contributions of the foot soldiers, the army’s largest fighting arm. On this day, Indian infantry men from such storied battalions as 1st SIKH and 4th KUMAON were airlifted in old Dakota transport in 1947 to counter Pakistani tribal invaders.
The author highlights the fact that due to poor planning in wars like recapture of Srinagar, Baramulla, in 1947 and Haji Pir Pass in 1965 etc., many Indian infantrymen died in vain.
What learnings can the ongoing battle between Russia and Ukraine offer for future warfare?
1) This war is using both the old and new methods of warfare. They are using artillery duels, minefields, and trench warfare deployed in the first world war. Then drones are being used to spot artillery fire which is a new method of warfare.
2) The current war can throw light on some important questions like what won’t change, what is changing fundamentally, and how to apply those insights for future warfare.
3) The war has highlighted the limitations of sheer mass in warfare because by that logic the Russians would have defeated Ukraine long ago as it has a greater number of troops.
4) Around 90 % of the weapons deployed by both sides are from 20th centuary. However, as per many scholars of contemporary war, it is the other 10 per cent that will have a transformational impact on the outcome of war. For ex-Drones
How can drones be used for defense purposes?
1) These can be used for surveillance of enemy positions, or to carry grenades or crude explosives to drop on enemy soldiers.
2) This increase in the number of drones can encourage the development of a new type of army. For ex- there is the air force and there are artillery forces, similarly there will be drone forces in future.
How has the USA prepared itself for new types of warfare?
1) Army Futures Command (AFC)-The USA has set up Army Futures Command (AFC) to prepare the Army for the battlefield of 2040 with projects such as the Robotic Platoon.
2) Functions of AFC- It is the job of the AFC and its 20,000 personnel to develop the technologies and concepts that will enable the Army to deal with the developments in areas such as robotics, quantum computing, hypersonic, directed energy, and AI.
3) Robotic Platoon-This would involve integrating crewed and non-crewed vehicles into a single unit, so that the first contact with the enemy is never made with the infantryman.
The US Army has taken a more proactive step in preparing itself for war in the future. The Indian Army should also try to follow this example.
Question for practice
How can other countries like India prepare themselves for future warfare?
