Integrated theatre commands, AI tech key to future warfare: CDS

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Sunday outlined plans for the armed forces to prepare for future wars, including the development of new war doctrines and a comprehensive vision for 2047.

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Speaking on a podcast hosted by the Ministry of Defence on its official social media channels, Gen Chauhan discussed strategies under the ‘Year of Reforms 2025’ initiative announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The CDS revealed that joint doctrines were being formulated to address multiple facets of modern warfare, including multi-domain operations, airborne and helicopter operations, network-centric warfare, joint communications, conventional missile forces and space operations. He also noted that a joint doctrine on cyber operations had already been released in 2024.

Looking ahead, Gen Chauhan said, “We are working on ‘Vision 2047’ and plan to officially release it by mid-2025.” This long-term plan aims to define the role of the armed forces in 2047 and guide preparations for future conflicts.

As part of the ongoing integration of the three armed forces, the CDS said eight verticals have been identified, encompassing 196 specific tasks. Key short-term goals include improving operational efficiency in communications, air defence, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

An integrated capability development plan is in progress, which will replace the existing ‘long-term integrated perspective plan’. Additionally, a future technology roadmap is being developed, focusing on space warfare, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and lethal autonomous systems. The roadmap will outline how these technologies will be developed and utilised in future conflicts.

The CDS emphasised the importance of creating integrated theatre commands, which would consolidate all warfighting assets within a defined geographical area under a single commander. Presenting a blueprint for these commands to the government remains a priority.

Addressing the changing nature of warfare, Gen Chauhan noted how emerging and disruptive technologies are reshaping conflict dynamics. The armed forces have divided the technology adaptation into three verticals. The first is upgrading existing systems, such as making tanks lighter while maintaining their capabilities. The second is incorporating emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, expected to impact warfare within 5-10 years and thirdly focusing on dual-use and disruptive technologies, which will fundamentally alter warfare.

For this, the CDS office has launched a ‘future warfare course’ and established a future warfare cell to study and prepare for these advancements.

On current improvement targets, the CDS stated that existing weapon systems would be upgraded to enhance their capabilities.