CDS General Emphasizes Rapid Decision-Making and Tech-Enabled Leadership in Future Warfare

General Chauhan, along with the Vice Chiefs of the three services, was briefed on the course outcomes, and discussions were held on shaping future iterations of the program.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan highlighted the critical need for strategic leaders to enhance decision-making speed in the rapidly evolving, technology-driven battlespace. Speaking at the closing of the first Tri-Services Future Warfare Course, which concluded on 27 September 2024, General Chauhan emphasized that emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Stealth Technology, Hypersonics, and Robotics will dictate the character of future wars.

Focus on Modern Warfare and Emerging Technologies

In his address, General Chauhan explained that today's dynamic security environment, along with the proliferation of niche technologies and the changing nature of warfare, demands that future military leaders be well-versed in modern warfare's complexities. Lessons learned from recent global conflicts underscore the need to prepare military leaders who can grasp the nuances of these evolving threats.

The Future Warfare Course, which aims to shape strategic military leadership, covered key topics such as:

Future warfare trends and their implications

Air and space warfare

Non-kinetic warfare, including cyber operations

Maritime operations

Multi-domain operations, integrating land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains

Key Outcomes of the Course

The week-long course, driven personally by the CDS, yielded significant outcomes, including the development of integrated operational concepts, enhanced joint force capabilities, and the identification of advanced technologies for future battlefields. These elements will be crucial in equipping military leaders to lead multi-domain operations and respond effectively to new and emerging challenges.

Future Courses and Strategic Leadership

General Chauhan, along with the Vice Chiefs of the three services, was briefed on the course outcomes, and discussions were held on shaping future iterations of the program. The rank-agnostic course brought together military officers with service experience ranging from 13 to 30 years, underscoring its focus on tech-enabled leadership across all levels of the military.

The Tri-Services Future Warfare Course seeks to create a cadre of military commanders capable of navigating and dominating the modern battlespace, ensuring India's defence forces remain at the cutting edge of military strategy and technological adaptation.