By Staff Correspondent
As the world navigates an increasingly digital era, militaries worldwide are experiencing a significant shift towards advanced technologies, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and digital surveillance. These technologies promise to revolutionise warfare, making it more precise, swift, and intelligent. However, their implementation is fraught with challenges and risks, given the complex nature of military operations and the rapid pace of technological advancements.
Implementing these technologies requires careful attention to a host of factors. Key among these are potential issues of quality control management, disruptions in supply chains, increased threats to information security, ethical conundrums, uncertainties around investment, and the challenge of IT integration.
The global semiconductor shortage, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a pressing concern, stalling many emerging technologies dependent on these components. With the rise in cyberattacks, the need to update security measures is escalating, especially as quantum computers develop the capacity to decrypt encrypted data.
Ethical aspects, such as preserving human dignity, privacy, responsibility, and fairness in the application of artificial intelligence and digital surveillance, play a critical role. High capital requirements for research and development, infrastructure, skill development, and regulatory compliance in the field of emerging technologies pose formidable investment challenges.
Despite these hurdles, India’s Armed Forces are making strides in the technological revolution. With 93 military modernisation projects currently underway, budgeted at $18.4 billion, India is investing in various sectors, from long-range weaponry to disruptive technologies and early warning and detection systems.
Recent equipment acquisitions include a consignment of 70,000 AK 203 assault rifles and a planned purchase of 200 K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Navy are also embracing emerging technologies, with plans for autonomous Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV) and initiatives to foster Innovations For Defence Excellence (iDEX).
Navigating the challenges posed by these technologies is a priority for India’s Armed Forces. This involves investing in technological innovation, promoting self-reliance in the defence sector, and bolstering diplomatic alliances and partnership structures. Strategic partnerships are crucial here, especially with the United States.
The defence trade relationship between India and the U.S. has strengthened. A landmark deal between the two nations has General Electric (GE) manufacturing military jet engines in India, collaborating with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned company. This agreement marks a significant transfer of U.S. jet engine technology. India has also pledged to purchase MQ-98 SeaGuardian drones from U.S. manufacturer General Atomics (GA), a move set to significantly enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Additionally, the U.S. and India have established a bilateral forum, INDUS-X, to facilitate joint innovation on defence technologies and expedite the integration of India’s emerging private sector defence industry with the U.S. defence sector. This collaboration allows U.S. naval vessels to undergo servicing and significant repairs at Indian shipyards.
In non-defence sectors, U.S. companies are making considerable investments in India. Micron Technology and Applied Materials invest in semiconductor assembly and test facilities, while Lam Research is launching a training program for 60,000 Indian engineers. Beyond this, collaboration extends to renewable energy, critical minerals, telecommunications, quantum computing, and healthcare, indicating a broadening partnership across multiple sectors.
India is actively developing new doctrines and standards to align with strategic needs and the evolving nature of warfare, including efforts to defuse border tensions and implement confidence-building measures.
The Indian military is positioning itself to gain an advantage in the technological arms race, preparing for a future battlefield dominated by technology. The government is committed to providing the necessary support to ensure the Armed Forces are ready for these upcoming challenges. In this strategy, strengthening partnerships, particularly with the U.S., is pivotal and is seen as an increasingly important ally for India as it navigates its technological transformation.
