By Invitation | Defence Digitisation

K.S. Rao

Digital transformation is heralding a new age of innovation and revolution in defence forces world over. Riding on advanced defence networks, defence forces across the world are developing a technology-first approach for defence strategy, operations and tactics.

A multitude of digital technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, analytics, robotics, autonomous technologies, cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are changing the nature and imperatives of warfare, bringing in a milieu of asymmetrical warfare where wars are fought both on and off the battlefield, often with a show of strength by flexing the technology muscle. The role of defence digitisation doesn’t end at this, in fact, defence networks and the use of technologies directly impact key defence goals like mission effectiveness, win-ability and deterrence, and helps minimise casualties and collateral damage. Countries like the US, the UK, Israel and Australia have already built formidable defence forces on the back of these disruptive technologies.

India is the world’s second-largest defence force with 1.4 million active personnel. India has been following a well-crafted path for capacity building for its armed forces by manufacturing critical weapons and bringing in modern technology, to be at par with other nations. But our armed forces have been constantly exposed to unanticipated threats emanating from terror strikes, collusive threats from neighbouring countries, and border intrusions across the 15,000 km border area.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) function has been set-up with this view and is charting the course for these changes with the prime objective of bringing out jointness in overall functions of tri-forces while enhancing network security and managing innovation.

India has built expansive and secure defence networks across tri-forces like Naval Communication Network (NCN), Army Radio Engineered Network (AREN), Air Force Cellular Network (AFCEL), and Air Force Network (AFNET). Though we have our defence capabilities in place, many of these, like the AREN and AFNET, are decades old and require an upgrade. Moreover, these networks work in silos.

A Case In Point

Convergence and modernisation of these networks and replacing the old communication networks with digital communications systems will drive innovations in airborne, naval, man-portable, vehicular and stationary communications. Adopting an ICT and digitisation roadmap requires a highly resilient and sophisticated network backbone and the air force communication network becomes important in this entire gamut. Any nation as