Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized the government’s commitment to developing an ‘Adaptive Defence’ strategy to address the complex and evolving security challenges faced by India.
About Adaptive Defence:
- What it is:
-
- Adaptive Defence refers to a strategic approach where military and defence systems evolve continuously to counter dynamic and emerging threats proactively.
- Need for Adaptive Defence:
-
- Changing nature of threats: Shift from traditional warfare to hybrid and grey-zone threats like cyber-attacks, terrorism, and information warfare.
- Technological evolution: Rapid advances in AI, drones, swarm technologies, and quantum computing demand agile responses.
- Geopolitical uncertainty: Increased cross-border tensions and global interdependence require a responsive and collaborative defence strategy.
- Key features:
-
- Proactive and anticipatory: Focus on predicting future threats and preparing in advance.
- Integration of emerging technologies: Use of AI, drones, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity tools.
- Strategic flexibility: Adaptation at tactical and operational levels for changing scenarios.
- Collaboration and jointness: Integration among the armed forces and collaboration with global defence systems.
- Focus on self-reliance: Promoting indigenous defence manufacturing under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus
- General Studies Paper II (Governance and International Relations)
- Role of technology in governance and defence diplomacy.
- India’s collaborations and partnerships in defence production.
- General Studies Paper III (Security)
- Challenges to internal and external security, including hybrid and grey-zone warfare.
- Defence modernization and indigenous manufacturing.
- Role of AI and cybersecurity in national security.
- Essay
- Topics on national security, technology in warfare, and self-reliance in defence.
- Ethics Paper IV
- Ethical dimensions of advanced military technologies like AI in warfare.
