India needs to revamp its outlook Army chief Gen Naravane is 100 per cent right when he says that India should start focussing on the capabilities to operate below the threshold of an all-out war while also preparing for conventional war, which is going to be drastically different from what the world has seen. He has spoken about the need to focus on future weapons like laser – something that China is already developing even as we are merely waking up to the idea. In the age of cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, swarms of tactical drones, and hypersonic missiles that will render existing air defence systems useless, the Indian military needs to revamp its outlook and do it very fast.
Some ‘feel good’ advancement The recent big-ticket purchases include six new attack helicopters for the Army – the Apaches. The attack helicopters, which are undoubtedly one of the best in the world, are meant to provide the much-needed close air support to the infantry and the armoured columns. However, the six Apaches are nothing but just show-pieces for the force and a feel-good factor. Even if we add the 22 Indian Air Force (IAF) Apaches to the list and also the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (yet to be ordered) to the firepower, the reality is that attack helicopters work best in an environment of complete air dominance, something that cannot be guaranteed as of now. Even then, downing low-flying helicopters equipped with the best of defence and attack capability is not a tough task anymore with the advent and spread of man-portable air defence systems, or MANPADS, that can take down an aircraft flying at 30,000 ft. Who would know this better than the Houthi rebels who shot down a Saudi Apache helicopter last year? This is not to say that attack helicopters are passé; just that the money can be spent more judiciously. India needs to focus on its ability to strike enemy targets from standoff ranges, surveillance, unmanned combat drones, artificial intelligence, diplomatic power and the strength to cripple the enemy without firing a shot by targeting their banking, power and defence systems. The IAF must focus on capability rather than just pure numbers. Focusing on submarines for sea deniability instead of aircraft carriers, even if required in the long-term power projection play, is not affordable at the moment.
