Future Warfare Tops Agenda at Tri-Services Defence Course
New Delhi: An in-depth analysis of India’s security challenges and discussions on modern and futuristic warfare will take centre stage at the third edition of the tri-services Future Warfare Course, set to commence at the Manekshaw Centre. This edition, scheduled from February 2 to 25, features an enhanced curriculum covering specialised subjects and domain-specific warfare developments in military operations, according to an official statement released by the Defence Ministry on Monday.
Conducted under the aegis of Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff and in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), the course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of how warfare is being transformed by technology. This necessitates a re-evaluation of existing military thinking, concepts, doctrines, and strategies. Building on the success of the inaugural course held in September 2024, this expanded three-week programme seeks to realise the vision of the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, to prepare officers for the complex challenges of modern warfare.
The course will delve into critical topics, practical demonstrations of emerging technologies, and visits to institutions pivotal to the capabilities of the defence forces. Participants include officers from the three services, ranging from majors to major generals and their equivalents, as well as representatives from the defence industry, including startups, MSMEs, DPSUs, and the private sector. Junior officers will contribute their technical expertise, while senior officers will bring their operational experience and strategic knowledge to the table.
“The Future Warfare course will align operational priorities of the armed forces with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry and enable a free-flowing discussion on the various facets of modern and futuristic warfare,” the official statement said.
A diverse range of experts, including veterans, serving officers, ex-ambassadors, industry professionals, and academic scholars, will ensure a holistic analysis of security challenges. The course will also feature experts in critical and rare earth elements, supply chain vulnerabilities, and regional and global geopolitics, expanding the scope of subjects that need to be studied and analysed by the Defence Forces to plan and conduct future operations.
This initiative underscores the importance of preparing for the evolving landscape of warfare, where technology and innovation play a pivotal role. By fostering collaboration between the military and the defence industry, the course aims to bridge the gap between operational needs and technological advancements, ensuring that India’s defence forces are well-equipped to meet future challenges.