Disruptive technology in Indian Army
Context:
The year 2024 is declared as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption,’ for the Indian Army emphasizing its commitment to leveraging technology to stay ahead in modern warfare.
- It aligns with the concept of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) that aims to integrate disruptive technologies (DT) such as artificial intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, robotics, and space technology into its arsenal.
- As nations like the United States and China make significant strides in DTs, the strategic advantage in future conflicts will depend on a country’s ability to absorb and utilize these technologies effectively.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Security)
Mains Question:
How does the integration of disruptive technologies impact military strategies and operational effectiveness in contemporary warfare? (250 words)
Dimensions of the Article:
- Why is it important?
- What is Disruptive technology?
- Implications of Using Technology in Defence
- Why Have a Strong Armed Forces?
Why is it important?
- In today’s rapidly evolving security environment, technology plays an important role in shaping the outcomes of conflicts.
- Disruptive technologies aims to enhance the operational capabilities, improve situational awareness, and effectively counter emerging threats.
- In army or any armed forces: Integrating disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space technology enhances the Army’s combat capabilities.
- This initiative is essential for maintaining a credible deterrent posture and safeguarding national security interests in an increasingly complex and dynamic geopolitical landscape.
What is Disruptive technology?
- It is an innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate.
- A disruptive technology supersedes an older process, product, or habit.
- Recent disruptive technology examples include e-commerce, online news sites, ride-sharing apps, and GPS systems.
Implications of Using Technology in Defence:
- Enhanced Combat Capabilities: It enables faster decision-making, precision targeting, and improved situational awareness on the battlefield.
- Operational Effectiveness: It allows the Indian Army to adapt to new operational conditions, develop innovative tactics, and respond effectively to emerging threats. It can also optimize its resources and achieve operational objectives with greater efficiency and precision.
- Strategic Advantage: It helps to maintain a credible deterrent posture and project power effectively in the region. By staying ahead in the technological curve, the Army can deter potential adversaries and safeguard national interests in an increasingly contested security environment.
Why Have a Strong Armed Forces?
- Deterrence: A strong armed forces acts as a deterrent against potential adversaries, preventing conflict and ensuring stability in the region.
- Example: Role of NATO in deterring aggression against its member states and the Indian Army’s deterrence posture vis-à-vis regional adversaries.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Armed forces play a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises.
- Example: Deployment of military assets for rescue and relief operations during earthquakes, tsunamis, and other emergencies.
- Global Security: Strong armed forces contribute to global security by participating in peacekeeping missions (UN peacekeeping missions in conflict zones and joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and cooperation among allied nations), counter-terrorism operations, and maritime security initiatives. .
- Safeguarding National Interests: Armed forces protect national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and strategic interests, ensuring the security and well-being of citizens.
- Promoting Stability: It promotes regional stability and deters aggression, reducing the risk of conflict and fostering diplomatic engagement and cooperation among nations.
