Army Chief: Modern Warfare Defined by the 5Cs
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New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), articulated on Thursday that modern conflicts are progressively centered on realizing political objectives through non-military channels, while military tactics are evolving to integrate cutting-edge technological innovations.
He characterized modern warfare as a continuum of 5Cs: Competition, Crisis, Confrontation, Conflict, and Combat, merging statecraft and diplomacy with both kinetic and non-kinetic maneuvers.
The COAS addressed attendees at the 26th Doctrine and Strategy Seminar (DSS) held in Mhow on the same day. This two-day seminar, themed ‘Need for Adaptive Doctrines/Operational Philosophy for Indian Army in View of Recent Conflicts and Technology Infusion in Warfare’, was organized at the Army War College.
Reflecting on insights from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the COAS pinpointed crucial lessons: the significance of Combined Arms Operations, the application of asymmetric tactics, and the enhancement of Civil-Military Integration. These lessons highlight the necessity for military leaders to function seamlessly within the broader DIME T framework. The COAS also mentioned the ongoing Decade of Transformation (2023-2032) as a move toward achieving this integrated approach.
The Army Chief praised the thorough examination of strategic and operational matters, stressing the urgent need for transformation and adaptation in response to the shifting dynamics of warfare.
The COAS underlined the defining traits of 5th-generation warfare, which include non-kinetic military operations such as disinformation, cyber-attacks, and the deployment of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. He emphasized that while new forms of warfare are emerging, earlier generations still hold significance, with both non-contact and non-kinetic strategies being woven into military planning.
In discussing national security challenges, the COAS addressed the intricacies of Grey Zone operations, the dual-front challenge, and the necessity for a convergence of land, maritime, and air strategies to safeguard India's interests in the Indo-Pacific region. As adversaries increasingly utilize hybrid tactics, the Indian Army must adapt its doctrines to effectively counter multifaceted threats posed by both state and non-state entities.
The COAS asserted that military doctrines should be flexible, fostering unity of effort while nurturing individual judgment. Technology, such as artificial intelligence, precision warfare, and cyber capabilities, must be integrated to facilitate multi-domain operations. He stressed the importance of military leaders swiftly adapting to technological challenges at the front lines and promoting institutional agility in the development and deployment of new technologies.
Regarding the role of leadership, the COAS underscored its critical importance in military adaptation. Strong and flexible leadership is vital to surmount challenges in doctrine and technology. The COAS also called for a decrease in excessive doctrinal rigidity, advocating for enhanced agility, decentralization, and swift decision-making, particularly at the tactical level.
In conclusion, the COAS urged for the formulation of adaptive doctrines that encompass dynamic threat analyses, technology integration, realistic training, and wargaming. These doctrines should encourage jointness, interoperability with allied forces, and seamless collaboration between civilian and military sectors, leveraging innovations from the private sector for military applications.
