Integrating Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) in the Indian Armed Forces

The nature of wars remains constant, while their character evolves as per the technologies of the respective times. The character of contemporary and future wars is primarily going to be an attribute of the military application of emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), achieved through seamless integration. The integration encompasses identifying and prioritising EDTs to enable a focused approach. Militaries ought to factor in a doctrinal rethink and an organisational revamp, condition the human resources and proceed in a graduated manner, which includes building upon the existing legacy system, till their phasing-out. Ultimately, a superior strategy, combined with the successful integration of technology into an organisational structure and doctrine, is what shall lead to success in warfare. This article covers the above-mentioned facets with respect to the Indian Armed Forces. The arguments in this article cover the contemporary and futuristic threat perception, to justify the doctrinal, structural, cognitive and strategic recommendations towards policy formulation.