Modern Battles: From Missiles to Misinformation

War has never been a desirable path for humanity.

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While armed conflicts between nations have long brought destruction and suffering, a more subtle yet potentially more dangerous form of warfare has emerged in the digital era. Today's battlefield exists not only in airstrips and land but also across our smartphone screens. This article explores two modern types of warfare: the conventional kind involving technologies like drones and missiles, and the more pervasive digital war waged through misinformation on social media. While both are powerful and complex, the second often goes unnoticed-and in many ways, it poses an even greater threat to democratic societies. With India as a focal point, this piece draws on global developments and credible sources to analyze the dangers and potential safeguards in this evolving conflict.

In the fast-changing landscape of modern combat, technological advancements have dramatically altered how wars are fought. Drones-also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)-have become essential tools in military arsenals across the globe. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors, and real-time data links, drones allow for precision surveillance and targeted strikes without risking human lives of the drone operator. The integration of artificial intelligence enables autonomous decision-making in drone swarms, as demonstrated by the U.S. military, which has tested drones that can operate collectively to overwhelm enemy defenses. Similarly, Israel has relied on UAVs for tactical operations, making them a cornerstone of its defense strategy.