Grasping the nature of modern warfare

Kartik Bommakanti’s India and Network-Centric Warfare analyses the capabilities of the Indian armed forces when it comes to cyber, electronic, space and quantum technologies and the integration of AI

- Suyash Desai

Network-centric warfare is a military theory that harnesses the power of information technology and leverages the advantages of computing networks in cyber, electronic and space warfare.

With the constant evolution of warfare, the platforms and networks of deterrence and coercion too are evolving. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Palestine war, India’s Operation Sindoor, and the US’s Operation Epic Fury have demonstrated the heightened importance of network-centric warfare (NCW) in achieving information control and dominance to confuse, limit and disable an adversary’s strategic choices and tactical options.

The Observer Research Foundation’s Senior Fellow Kartik Bommakanti’s India and Network-Centric Warfare analyses the Indian armed forces’ capabilities in these technologies. It also provides a framework for integration of cyber, electronic and space technologies into the armed forces, and looks at the integration of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies in specific areas.

Although the volume is largely focused on understanding and explaining the doctrinal, strategic and tactical aspects of India’s network-centric warfare, the author adopts a comparative framework where necessary.

For instance, India’s developments are constantly cross-referenced with those of the US and China, two countries that are flag bearers when it comes to developing these domain capabilities.