Here's what the Army told Parliament about its preparedness for today's hybrid war

The Indian Army remains fully prepared to address the evolving character of hybrid warfare, which encompasses both kinetic, that is conventional war fighting means, as well as non-kinetic elements like cyber, electronic, information and space enabled dimensions, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence has been told.

In a report tabled by the Committee on March 18, the Army has said that as far as kinetic preparedness is concerned, it maintains a high state of operational readiness along all active borders through sustained training, realistic field exercises, infrastructure development and capability enhancement.

Modernisation efforts include induction of advanced weapon systems, precision munitions, networked communications, surveillance platforms and improved mobility assets. Sustained force modernisation and restructuring initiatives allowed the raising of new structures and organisations. Validation of concepts in theatre-level exercises have enhanced rapid mobilisation and combined arms synergy.

On the non-kinetic front, the Army said that recognising the growing salience of hybrid threats, it has strengthened its capabilities in cyber defence, electronic warfare, spectrum management, counter-drone systems and information operations.

Dedicated cyber and electronic warfare units have been operationalised and secure communication networks have been enhanced to ensure resilience against cyber and electronic attacks. The Army is also leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics and indigenous research and development to enhance situational awareness and decision superiority.

In view of the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems, integrated counter-drone grids and electronic counter-measure systems have been progressively deployed. Emphasis is being placed on indigenous development and induction of niche technologies in coordination with defence research organisations and the industry.

Further, jointness and multi-domain operations is a major focus area. Preparedness is further reinforced through joint training and operational synergy with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The Army is aligned with the national vision for multi-domain operations, ensuring coordinated employment of land, air, cyber, space and information capabilities.

The Army also said that it is on the path of jointness and integration and all three services are working towards one common goal. The Army is enhancing integration through pursuits in common operational planning process, technology development, harmonising intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance resources, aggregating remotely piloted assets, joint standard operating procedures and formulation of joint military civil fusion doctrine.

The Army is enhancing jointness in defence through the integration of Akashteer, command and control system which creates a real time unified and automated picture of the battlefield by integrating with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System.

Civil-military cooperation is an important element of hybrid warfare. The Army works in close coordination with other government agencies and national security stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive response mechanism to hybrid threats, including information warfare and cyber contingencies.

As regards restructuring of the force, the Army said that drawing lessons from the conflicts going around the world and the necessity to carry out multi-domain operations, various transformation and reorganisation steps were undertaken in 2025. The raising of Rudra Brigade, which are combined arms formations that permanently integrate infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, signals, air defence, drones and logistics echelons, represents the most significant structural change in the Indian Army.

Further, Bhairav Battalions, Ashni protons and Shaktimaan Regiments have also been raised. Designed for modern warfare, these specialised units will combine speed, technology and precision firepower.