The 12th convocation of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) at Girinagar in Pune witnessed the Defence Minister emphasizing the importance of advanced technology in the defence sector, particularly in the context of non-kinetic warfare. This essay aims to explore what non-kinetic warfare entails, its significance, and relevant details for the IAS exam defence and security segments.
Understanding Non-Kinetic Warfare
Non-kinetic warfare can be categorized into two types: battlefield and over-the-horizon (OTH) critical and emerging technologies (CETs). Battlefield CET refers to technologies specifically designed for warfighting on the battlefield. On the other hand, OTH CET encompasses technologies utilized in the non-kinetic domain, including cyber-physical attacks, influence operations, and big data analytics (BDA).
Non-kinetic warfare involves actions taken against adversaries without direct conventional military engagement. It encompasses various possibilities such as information warfare, cyber warfare, psychological operations, electromagnetic offensives, and cryptographic warfare.
Changed Nature and Character of War
In recent decades, the dynamics and methods of warfare have been undergoing rapid transformation worldwide. The nature of war has become diffused, moving away from direct violence as the primary platform. In addition to traditional surface and air threats, we now face significant challenges in the cyber and space domains.
The emergence of non-kinetic or contactless warfare has underscored the necessity for advanced technology in the defence sector. It is crucial to adapt to changing global perspectives and technological advancements to counter adversaries who possess more advanced technologies.
Importance of Non-Kinetic Warfare
Encouraging innovations in the defence sector is of utmost importance as these innovations have equal relevance and utility in civil applications. Critical and Emerging Technologies (CETs) play a pivotal role in warfighting, and cutting-edge technologies and defence research are closely intertwined. For example, GPS navigation systems, initially developed for defence requirements, have now become an integral part of civilian life.
The increasing global connectivity and the generation of massive amounts of data are key factors underlining the importance of non-kinetic warfare. With a global internet penetration close to 60%, and approximately 5.5 billion unique mobile phone users, a wide array of human activities, from biometrics to politics, are conducted through these devices and platforms. This interconnectedness presents vulnerabilities that can be exploited for influencing, coordinating, and radicalizing individuals across countries, thereby posing significant national security risks.
Non-kinetic warfare has not only affected the military domain but has also weaponized civilian sectors. Examples include the ban on Russian access to semiconductors, export controls against China in semiconductor manufacturing, cyber-attacks on power grids, and disinformation campaigns waged by countries.
The Way Forward
- Self-reliance in the defence sector: Building necessary equipment and platforms with indigenous capabilities is crucial to meet the needs of the Armed Forces. Simultaneously, security requirements of friendly nations should be fulfilled through exports.
- Data policies: Implementing a robust data governance policy within the forces, aligned with the national data governance framework, is essential. This policy should prevent inadvertent leaks of sensitive data by maintaining a firewall between the military and the public interface. Establishing data standards, designated and protected cloud centers, and ensuring effective cybersecurity measures are imperative for future joint operations.
- Hardware security and certification: Thoroughly checking all electronic components for hardware trojans and allowing only certified components for military use is crucial to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities.
Important Points:
- Non-kinetic warfare encompasses actions against adversaries without direct military engagement 💥
- Warfare has transformed into a non-contact and non-kinetic character, with violence no longer being the primary platform 💡
- Cyber and space domains pose significant threats alongside traditional surface and air domains 🌐🛰️
- Advanced technology is crucial in the defence sector to adapt to changing global perspectives and counter adversaries with superior technologies 🚀
- Encouraging innovations in the defence sector is essential, as they have equal relevance in civil applications 💡💼
- Critical and Emerging Technologies (CETs) play a vital role in warfighting and defence research 🔬🔝
- Global connectivity and data generation present vulnerabilities and national security risks 🌍🔓
- Non-kinetic warfare has weaponized civilian sectors, leading to various consequences and risks 🚫💻
- Self-reliance in the defence sector is necessary to meet the Armed Forces’ needs and fulfill security requirements of friendly nations 🇮🇳🌍
- Implementing robust data policies, including data governance and cybersecurity measures, is crucial within the military 📊🔒
- Hardware security and certification are essential to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities 🛡️✅
- Collaboration and exploiting commonalities between ministries can facilitate faster and more efficient delivery of defence requirements 💪🤝
- Common cybersecurity standards need to be established and strictly implemented to ensure coordinated cyber defense measures 🤖🔒
- Exploring consortium methods and leveraging young talent can enhance collaboration and innovation in the defence sector 🤝🔬
Why In News
The Defence Minister emphasizes the critical role of advanced technology in the defence sector, underscoring how the concept of non-kinetic warfare has brought to light the necessity for technological advancements in maintaining national security.
MCQs about The Significance of Non-Kinetic Warfare in the Defence Sector
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What does non-kinetic warfare refer to?
A. Conventional military engagement
B. Actions against adversaries without direct military engagement
C. Battlefield technologies used explicitly on the battlefield
D. Cyber-physical attacks
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What is the significance of non-kinetic warfare?
A. Enhancing conventional military capabilities
B. Reducing the need for advanced technology in the defence sector
C. Highlighting vulnerabilities in global connectivity
D. Restricting the use of cutting-edge technologies in civilian applications
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Why is self-reliance important in the defence sector?
A. To meet the needs of the Armed Forces and fulfill security requirements of friendly nations
B. To limit technological advancements amidst changing global perspectives
C. To promote dependency on other countries for defence equipment
D. To ensure access to superior technologies possessed by adversaries
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How can collaboration and innovation in the defence sector be enhanced?
A. Restricting collaboration to within the Armed Forces
B. Encouraging individual efforts and competition among defence companies
C. Leveraging commonalities of requirements between ministries and exploring consortium methods
D. Outsourcing defence research and development to foreign entities
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