Indian Defence Research for Future War-

Weapons

Dr Himanshu Shekhar
Sc ‘G’, DRDO

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 Preface
This book is written for making a roadmap for Indian Defence Research to
meet the future challenges. The book has used secondary data to assess
global trend of future weapons and identify weapons by India to tackle
adversaries. Final chapter enlists all the weapon technologies which are
relevant for India in near and far future, for research and production.
Aatmanirbharta in Defence is possible with indigenous research and their
successful conversion to produced stores. Without going in various details
of logistics, regulations, provisions, and interactions between various Indian
stakeholders, the book is focused on identification of technologies, on
which Indian defence research eco-system should concentrate.
It is also clear that research is not production of items. Research can make
technology available, but aatmanirbharta can come by active participation
of production agencies, only. The requirement is spelt out in the book and
this can be helpful in shaping the future of Indian Defence Research. Indian
Defence Research has attained significant technological knowhow and
know-why, but their conversion to product has no existing ways and means.
If production agencies are not willing to reap the benefits of Indigenous
research output, Aatmanirbhar Production will continue to be largely
dependent on foreign supplies.
The study compiled in this book is mainly to understand and enumerate the
future requirements of weapons by India and tasks to be tackled by Indian
Research Eco-system to make these aspirations a reality in time to come. At
first, the current capabilities of Indian Defence Research Eco-system is
assessed in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 has a brief account of History of Wars in
India to understand reasons of victory. The main aim is to understand the
role of weapons, strategy and leadership in such battles. The evolution of
war and future of war in the World is deliberated in Chapter 3. It further
elaborates requirement of weapon in future and attempts by various
countries to get advanced, modernized weapons for future warfare. Chapter
4 enumerates enemies of India and its requirement of weapon for each
sector. After getting global trend and requirement of weapon by India, final

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Chapter (Chapter 5) enumerates various weapons which Indian Defence
Research Eco-system must investigate for development for India to fight
future wars, as no country is going to give advanced weapons, no matter
how much payment is made for the same.
I hope that this book will be helpful in deciding trajectory of Indian Defence
Research for meeting the aspirations of India for fighting any probable war
in future, against all known and unknown adversary. This book will be a
good reading materials for students, professors, academicians, researchers,
weapon producers, weapon users, weapon developers, industry-partners,
entrepreneurs, government officials, policy makers, and other researchers. I
solicit feedback from all to judge the efficacy and lacunae of my literary
exercise.

Dr Himanshu Shekhar
Place: Delhi​ ​Date: 20.07.2023

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 Contents
Chapter 1 Defence Research in India
1.1 ​Importance of Indian Defence Research (IDR)
1.2 ​Beginning of Indigenous Defence Research (IDR)
1.3 ​Defence Research to Production Dilemma
1.4 ​Backward Integration of Defence Research
1.5 ​Progress of Indigenous Defence Research (IDR)
1.6 ​Future of Indigenous Defence Research (IDR)
1.7 ​Research Methodology and Outline
Chapter 2 History of War Winning Strategy in India
2.1 ​Mythological Wars
2.2 ​Historical Wars in India (Before 1947)
2.3 ​War in Independent India (1947-2023)
2.4 ​Reasons for Victory
Chapter 3 Global trend of Future Wars and Weapons
3.1 ​Evolution of Wars
3.2 ​Nature of Future Wars
3.3 ​Nature of Future War-Weapons
3.4 ​Global Research on Weapons of Future
Chapter 4 Future Weapons Needed by India
4.1 ​Weapons for Borders
4.2 ​Weapons against Terrorists/Insurgents
4.3 ​Weapon for Rioters
4.4 ​Weapon for Natural Calamities
4.5 ​Weapon against Hackers
Chapter 5 Defence Research for Aatmanirbhar Bharat
5.1 ​Research on Conventional Weapons

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 5.1.1 ​Automatic Weapon
5.1.2 ​Light Tank
5.1.3 ​Soldier as a System
5.1.4 ​Non-Lethal Weapons
5.2 ​Research on Advanced Weapons
5.2.1 ​Autonomous Weapon
5.2.2 ​Hypersonic Weapon
5.2.3 ​Direct Energy Weapon (DEW)
5.2.4 ​Network Centric Warfare (NCW)
5.3 ​Weapons from Disruptive Technology
5.3.1 ​Information Warfare (IW)
5.3.2 ​Cyber Warfare
5.3.3 ​3D Printing Technology
5.3.4 ​Space based Weapon
5.3.5 ​Block chain as Weapon
5.3.6 ​Quantum Computing as Weapon
5.3.7 ​Digital Twin as Weapon
5.3.8 ​Internet of Things (IoT) as Weapon
5.3.9 ​5G Technology for Weapon

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 List of Figures

Figure 1. Phases of Development of DRDO

Figure 2. Types of Projects taken by Academia
Figure 3. Reasons for Poor State of Indigenous Defence Research
Figure 4. Factors for Deciding Future of Defence Research
Figure 5. Escalation Levels as Per Friedrich Glasl
Figure 6. Different Types of Evolving Warfare
Figure 7. Challenges for Design of Future War-Weapons
Figure 8. Domains of Research for Future War-Weapons
Figure 9. Weapons for Fighting Cyber- Enemies
Figure 10. Features of Direct Energy Weapon
Figure 11 Basic Features of Information Warfare
Figure 12 Characteristics of Block Chain
Figure 13. Probable Use of IoT in Defence Domain

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 List of Abbreviations

AI: Artificial Intelligence

A-SAT: Anti Satellite Missile
ATGM: Anti-Tank Guided Missile
C2W: Command and Control Warfare
CCD: Charge Coupled Device
CCTV: Close Circuit Television
CED: Conducted Energy Device
CW: Cyber Warfare
DAC: Defence Acquisition Council
DEW: Direct Energy Weapon
DPSU: Defence Public Sector Undertaking
DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organization
DSO: Defence Science Organization
DTDP: Directorate of Technology Development and Production
DW: Psychological Warfare
EIW: Economic Information Warfare
EMP: Electromagnetic Pulse
EW: Electronic Warfare
F-INSAS: Future Infantry Soldier as a System
GDP: Gross Domestic Product
HERF: High Energy Radio Frequency
HSTDV: Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle
HuJI: Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islamia
HW: Hackers Warfare

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IBW: Intelligent-Based Warfare
IDR: Indian Defence Research
IDS: Integrated Defence Staff
IED: Improvised Explosive Devices
IGMDP: Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
IoT: Internet of Things
IPKF: Indian Peace Keeping Force
IPR: Intellectual Property Right
IR: Infrared
IW: Information warfare
LCA: Light Combat Aircraft
LFG: Light Field Gun
MANPADS: Man Portable Air Defence System
MBT: Main Battle Tank
ML: Machine Learning
NCW: Network Centric Warfare
NEC: Network Enabled Capacity
NFT: Non Fungible Tokens
NLOS: Non-Line of Sight
NVD: Night Vision Device
PNT: Position, Navigation and Timing
SPV: Special Purpose Vehicle
SWDT: Special Weapon Development Team
UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
UGS: Unmanned Ground System

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UK: United Kingdom
ULFA: United Liberation Front of Assam
USA: United States of America

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Chapter 1 Defence Research in India

Right from beginning in 1958, with formation of Defence Research and

Development Organization (DRDO), till current date, the defence research
has not got correct status of a valuable partner. This chapter tries to
highlight main activities of DRDO in terms of its progress and major
indigenous products. It also dwell upon role of academia, industry and
military counterparts in conducting fruitful defence research.

1.1 Importance of Indian Defence Research (IDR)

India is a thriving economy with rapid annual growth of above 6.0% in

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in 2022-23. It is worth noting that rise for
the world is only 2.9%, only. India is fifth largest economy by nominal GDP
and third largest by purchase power parity. However, per capita values are
not very impressive, because Indian population is the highest in the world.
For the year 2022-23, export and import are $770.18 bn and $892.18 bn,
respectively. As far as Defence sector is concerned, as per Global Firepower
Index, India is fourth after USA, Russia and China, in the list of 145
countries. To maintain the high ranking, indigenous defence research
institutions must be strong to support concept of self-reliance in defence
production. As a relevant example, acquisition of power can be viewed
from historical perspective.

If rise of Germany in first quarter of 20th century is reviewed, it is able to

take up entire western world in both the World Wars through military
industry in the country. A well-developed research and development set-up,
the indigenous production of weapons and building superiority over its
rivals has been the pillars of the power, in the strength of Germany. This is
being practiced by America, Russia, France, and China, now. A country,
which has to lead the world, which has to stand alone against the world and
which has to support the world definitely require indigenous production of
war-weapons. India is also aspiring to be heard, recognized and established,

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as a major force to reckon with. It requires indigenous defence production,
which must be fuelled by indigenous defence research.
In case of conflict or war, the dependence on foreign countries for supply of
weapons or their components and consumables may result in choking of
supply, unavailability of parts in time, paying higher price, restricted supply,
etc, which ultimately leads to poor preparedness for war. An aircraft can be
grounded, if life-saving, low cost infra-red flares, for protection against heat
seeking missiles are not available in adequate quantity. Such operational
problems are envisaged and production based on indigenous research is the
only and the best feasible and viable alternative to offset this.
The weapon market is very dynamic and creating a production base, alone
is not sufficient, in larger interest of the country. It is very clear that
weapons are developed in many versions and in absence of technological
understanding and design of weapons, it is difficult to develop next version
or carry out minor modifications in the weapons. Overall, it is very clear
that indigenous research is although a time consuming exercise for the first
version but gained experience can be very well converted into the next
version of the product, with minor innovation and upgradation, at a faster
pace. This results in saving of procurement cost and in many situations,
indigenous production is cheaper than foreign supplies.
Indian weapon production set up has 9 DPSUs (Defence Public Sector
Undertakings), 7 production units created after corporatization of 41
ordnance factories, more than 52 laboratories under Defence Research and
Development Organization and a relative small private defence industries.
This has a workforce of around 20000 people and has produced military
equipment of $15 bn, by 2023. India is currently second largest importer in
the world after Saudi Arabia.
India has designed and developed many systems like small arms, Light
Field Guns (LFG), Tanks, Foreign Fighter Aircrafts under Licence,
Submarines, Fighters, Sonars, Torpedoes, Missiles, Artillery Guns, Radars,
Mines, etc. However, production has been delayed or non-existent, due to
poor synergy with industry and production agencies. More than this, no

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cutting edge technology is claimed, which gives a leverage to export the
items. The defence indigenization is not able to support the self-reliance
movement or make-in India movement adequately. As a result of this the
imports are not reducing to the extent, possible.
In last 7-8 years, a positive environment is created for indigenous
production of weapons, defence platforms and fighting systems, through
various initiatives. As per latest report by SIPRI, the arm’s import by India
during 2013-17 to 2018-22 has declined by 11%. The onus of not producing
these weapons, platforms, and systems in house, largely lies with erstwhile
ordnance factories, DPSUs and private industries, which have not come up
to the expectations. The incessant time overrun and cost escalations have
reduced reliability of Indian system, relegating it to the acquiring them
through direct procurement or licensed production.
It is apt to compare the success displayed by China in this direction, which
can be copied for fruitful results in time to come. China and Indian in early
60s got many weapons from Soviet Russia, like Sukhoi 7, Tanks, Artillery
Guns, Air Defence Radars, etc. By 1980s, brushing the issue of Intellectual
Property Rights (IPR) aside, China reverse engineered Soviet Mig 21 and
made their own F7M. This was exported by China to Pakistan, Bangladesh
and Sri Lanka as F7P. Similarly Soviet Su27 became J11, Israeli Lavi
became J10 and US F22 became 5th generation stealth fighter J20. So
indigenization is the only way to progressing defence sector. Chinese
military budget for 2023-24 is announced as $225 bn, which is 7.2%
increase from previous year. Compared to this India has allocated only
$72.6 bn for current year. Such change require substantial allocation of
budget. India must increase allotment for defence from 1.52% of GDP to at
least 3.0%.
While production is one of the major requirement for self-reliance in
defence stores, the book concentrates largely on establishing the importance
of indigenous research. The evolution of defence research and current status
is analysed, first to understand that policies and government support is in
place. There is requirement of a synergy between various stakeholders, a
reduction in conventional blame-game activity, an abolition of foreign travel

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in guise of foreign procurement, a moratorium to use indigenous arms and
above all, commitment from armed forces for indigenous products. An
attempt is made to establish these aspects in the book.

1.2 Beginning of Indigenous Defence Research (IDR)

Before independence, Defence Research in India was non-existent, but

production facilities for many components were established in colonial
period. For example, Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu was established in 1904
in the hilly region of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu for manufacture of different types
of quality propellants for different ammunition. The site was selected due to
various leverages offered by good climatic condition suitable for propellant
manufacture, own reservoir for water supply, and Madras Regimental
Centre which is located about 5 kilometres for the security. However, it was
a production facility and research facility was yet to be established. Most of
the weapons for use in India were imported and research on new weapons
or platforms were considered futile at that time.
The need for creation of research facility for Defence is summarized in a
Book entitled “Institutions that Shaped Modern India: DRDO” by Ravi
Kumar Gupta. The book enumerates good scientific and technological
achievements of India despite detrimental damages caused during colonial
period, by destruction of cities, temples, wealth, academia, tradition, culture
and knowledge. The book enlists wide ranging application of science and
technology in various civil structures like Khajuraho, Helebeedu, Modhera,
Virupaksha and Meenakshi temples, caves of Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta.
Other domain of expertise present in India included the metallurgy of the
Ashoka pillar and other structures and weapons/canons and detailed
descriptions of plastic surgery and related medical procedures. However,
there is wide spread underestimation of technological advancements of
India by Western/leftist historian, which was endorsed, unfortunately, by
India and Professor P.M.S. Blackett of Manchester University was hired or
better to say given all responsibilities to advice and formulate a system for
creating defence research and Development in India. The book attributed a

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decade-long delay in formulation of Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO) to the impediments caused by Mr Blackett.
Minimization of dependence on foreign defence equipment and
restructuring of military manpower framework was said to be divided into
two parts. Short term measures to be effective within 18 months and long
term measures to take many decades. Such pessimistic picture to undermine
capabilities of India was not only derogatory but a result of political
influence in science and technology domain. Blackett enforced his ideas of
production of previous generation weapons and non-investment in applied
research or modern technologies, institutions were created and encouraged
to work in silos, defence industries became ‘exclusive’ state controlled
entities and defence scientific institutions led by brilliant scientists
unfortunately became rigidly vertical institutions while the private industry
has still been kept at a safe distance. Creating an insular system was
probably a deliberate attempt to slow down the indigenization effort by
nascent India. The book has presented a very strong view on the progress in
initial days about indigenous defence research and also stated the present
situation as the natural outcome of wrong decisions. A crazy idea of
‘conversion’ to produce coffee percolators in ordnance factories, was also
mentioned in the book.
The book has enumerated the chronology in a very exhaustive way.
Professor Daulat Singh Kothari, University of Delhi, was made Scientific
Advisor to the Ministry of Defence in May 1948. Due to focus on several
other country building measures and poor importance to Defence, there was
no full-time cabinet rank Defence Minister between May 1952 and April
1957. Mr V.K. Menon assumed charge of Defence Minister in 1957 and did
a lot of work for promoting Indigenous Defence Research Eco-system. In
1956, an organization called Defence Science Organization was formed for
initiating studies and development of futuristic weapon systems. It was
headed by Dr B.N. Singh and a Special Weapon Development Team
(SWDT) to study and development of guided missiles was created at
Metcalfe House, Delhi. The team worked on development of Anti-Tank
Guided Missile (ATGM). The book reveals how DRDO’s growth/progress

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was hampered by bureaucratic apathy and politico-bureaucratic aims which
often resulted in DRDO’s innovative projects being dumped so that the
required weapon/system could be imported with large kickbacks.

Figure 1. Phases of Development of DRDO

DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already
functioning Technical Development Establishment of the Indian Army and
the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the
Defence Science Organisation (DSO). It was in Metcalfe House, Delhi in
the barracks, vacated by World War-II Soldiers. At that time, there were
only 10 organizations and chronology of development of DRDO is given as
Figure 1 . Up till 1970, the inspection responsibility gave an insight into
various war-systems and a phase of reverse engineering started at that time.
With a mixed basket of success and failures, the reverse engineering phase
is converted to ab-initio design of systems by 1983 with launch of IGMDP
(Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme). Till 1990, many
programmes for the development of platforms and weapons, like Pinaka,
Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – Tejas, etc
were taken by DRDO. Through many challenges, design to realization
phase was slowly perfected and intricacies of testing, evaluation, inspection
and induction were understood. Between 2000 and 2010, deliveries of these
systems, though delayed but took place. After 2010, it was a phase, when all
building blocks for design of platforms and weapon system became
available to DRDO, which reduced the cycle time drastically, for design,
development and realization. After 2015, it became a phase of delivery,
where many systems have got quick induction into services. DRDO has
been taking delivery oriented projects, but the delivery at many times is not
aligned with the aspirations of the services. The old tag of delayed delivery
is always mentioned, while quoting DRDO. Overall, DRDO may be

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delivering systems, now at a faster pace, but the old legacy is not forgotten
for DRDO. It is stated that ASAT (Anti-Satellite Missile Test: 2019) is
developed in less than one year time.
In last decade DRDO has made significant contribution in development of
various defence related indigenous technology. However, DRDO has been
mandated to conduct research and not production. The entire set up is
created with that objective. Treating DRDO has a producer or considering it
as industry is one of the major flaws in all sort of criticisms. It is similar to
expecting an alligator to pluck mangoes from a tree, for which a monkey is
required. Alligators are supposed to cross a river, efficiently and if a mango
tree lies on the either side of the river, the monkeys should be transported to
the other side, and motivated or provided support to get the mangoes. A
synergy required between alligator and monkey is missing and all outside
agencies including retired military experts, unconnected academic brats, and
independent renowned researchers, and attacking media, always consider
alligators and monkeys together and criticise them.

1.3 Defence Research to Production Dilemma

Since industry is next stakeholder in Defence Research, the Blackett

formulation kept them away and the system has failed to give desired
results. As industries are blamed for concentrating more on profit and steer
business with economic impetus, the less lucrative defence production is
always relegated to secondary position. The defence has small volume of
specialized production, it makes setting an automated production line or
supply chain creation unviable. This bolsters the prices quoted by industry,
thereby making any offer from abroad, more lucrative and cost competitive.
I also remember (1996) a case, where central metallic core with shaped
surfaces, was needed for casting polymeric material. The drawing were
prepared and forwarded to all the leading giants of Indian industries
including L&T, Godrej, etc. Many of these industries refused to enter in this
area. The most interesting reply was received from L&T. It was stated that
the company did not entertain an order less than Rs 3 Crores. Later on two

16
such cores were realized from relatively smaller firms. One of the firm is
non-existent, now. This causes problem of continuity of production, when
larger firms refuse and smaller firms has uncertain future.
I am remembering (1999) a case, where spiral winding metal tubes were
needed for one of the defence requirements. When approached, the first
inquiry was to know the length in kilometres, required. Actually, one tube
was around 1 metres long and at most 100 such tubes were needed,
including 50 redundant tubes. Definitely they will not add up to even one
kilometres. So, an MSME was developed for this requirement and
obviously, the cost was higher. The continuous support after development
could not be ensured from that firm.
I also remember (2014) a case, where around 2000 numbers of small 1.8
mm thick sheet metal rectangular box of cross-sectional dimension as 2 inch
by 1 inch and length of 8 inches were required, preferably through deep
drawing process. Many companies were approached, including M/s Bharat
Forge, M/s Metalkraft, etc. All refused, as it needed some small
manufacturing research and risk in terms of time, money, effort and creation
of infrastructure for national security or defence requirement, could not be
justified in their framework of business. Finally, a small firm is developed,
which does not have facility for proper heat treatment, but was willingness
to invest time, energy and resources in development of this product, was
placed order. Again continuity of order became a grey area.
Overall, the industries which can produce are not willing and which are
small has no research backing. Now conversion of research into viable
production is still non-existent. It may be an issue of logistics, legislation,
governance, mind-set, mismanagement, divergence and probably
institutional rigidity, which is keeping Indian industry away from defence
research. Big industries are not willing to invest in research, even to the
tune of 1% of their business and small companies cannot do research. So,
status quo is maintained, till government forces big companies to invest in
research domain to produce defence stores in-house.

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Defence industries in India are of two types – one is Defence Public Sector
Undertaking (DPSU) and Second in Private Industry. Most of the DPSU are
producing defence products, based on transfer of technology from abroad.
The transfer of technology is such that neither knowhow is given nor know
why. DPSU work as per the guidelines provided in document, as a bonded
labour provided and product improvements, suiting to Indian environment is
beyond their scope. Rather than graduating to lead system integrators, they
are handcuffed with licensed production, only. The second sector is private
industry, which is unconnected with national strategy security of defence
needs. They are kept aloof and they don’t care. On the other side, getting
from abroad is preferred as compared to getting defence stores from Indian
private industries due to various reasons.
Government has initiated many schemes, but all initiatives like iDEX,
Defence Corridor, Capital allocation in budget, Special purpose vehicle
(SPV) model of procurement, 4 Positive indigenization lists, launch of
SRIJAN portal, relaxation of FDI to 74% through automatic route, Defence
production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 and Corporatization of
Ordnance Factory Board, etc are aimed at achieving self-reliance in
production and research is not mentioned, even obliquely.

1.4 Backward Integration of Defence Research

Since defence research was made insular, right from conception, the
academia has looked at this sector with scepticism. They were never made
party to development and their capability in doing production oriented
research without funding is also doubtful. Self-motivation has become
Shelf-motivation. Most of the academic institutions are look outwards, to
get some projects and funding. Project may be for faculty and students for
meeting their statutory requirement of acquiring qualification. The funding
is for institution and individuals to get high rating for the institution in NAB
ranking. Defence research is also one such area, of funding.
Although academia is considered, the main pillar of any research. Literature
survey is one of the important tool, which can only pave direction of

18
research for the future. This role is to be executed by academia only.
However, in India, Academia is also west-oriented. The faculty members
are more interested in their sabbatical abroad and also in search of funding
from abroad, where les questions are asked. If sequence of preference, in
which academia takes projects are made, foreign firms or institute or
government are considered the first choice ( Figure 2 ). Since sanction of
project is relatively easier with foreign agencies, due to less paper formality,
less filling of information on forms, less number of appendixes of static
information to be attached, they are preferred. In such preferences, foremost
comes the projects, where scope for long term foreign deputation is
possible. The funding alone projects are secondary.

Figure 2. Types of Projects taken by Academia

The next in line, are projects from Indian Industries, which are to solve their
product related queries or lacuna. Most of the time, preference is given to
analysis projects, where colourful drawings generated from CAD, FEM or
CFD tools are presented as output in the form of a report. A relatively least
priority of project is given to product improvement related projects, where
some improvement in process, product and parameters are required by
academia. Getting project from any government agency is very cumbersome
and is the least priority of any academic institution, due to large amount of
static and dynamic information sought. So, project from government is most
governed by the liaison. Those who have, will get. Second type of project

19
sought from government agencies is for paper publication, where some
office-bearer at the government office has to pursue his academic interest
(higher education). Academia helps and get helped in turn.
Out of this entire gamut of activities, defence research is small part of
government system. Role of academia is probably abolished completely.
Independent literature survey is missing link in Academia. Literature survey
is the first part of project work and is conducted after project sanction. In
such scenario, academia and independent researchers can be a good feeder
to undertake future direction of defence production and they have potential
to shape the direction of defence research, too. In fact, academic input is the
main thing, which must precede any future defence research. Unfortunately,
defence research in India is left to DRDO and Academia is looking towards
DRDO for giving them some projects and funding.
DRDO is also utilizing academia as an ancillary and out of the fence object.
Academia is involved in various boards, for review, promotion, assessment
and analysis of products and concepts. This is as per the statutory
requirement and the academic representative is mostly acting as a paper
stamp. However, sometimes they try to push their expertise to gain some
projects from DRDO, which may be related to current defence research. If
they don’t get the project, repetitively, they become critical of DRDO.
Those who does not get become vocal and those who get become silent.
Retaliatory note of descents are published by many academic experts in
open domain.
DRDO needs stamping of getting their work reviewed by an academician
and the role of academia is limited to this domain, only. In such situation
looking at academia as a backward support system of defence system is next
to impossible.

1.5 Progress of Indigenous Defence Research (IDR)

Current state of indigenous research, development and production has many

concerns. In a research paper entitled “Military Indianisation: Are we

20
heading the right way?” in the “Observer Research Foundation”, six main
drawbacks ( Figure 3 ) are stated for the poor level of indigenous and self-
reliant production of indigenous defence products.
Neither industry nor any other organization has any magic wand, which can
result in indigenization, by merely stating this word. Country has to
promulgate a policy and activate stakeholders, to get industries on board. If
indigenization of military is not considered as mandate by industry, no
fruitful and directed action is possible. The DRDO as innovator, DPSU as
non-interested producer and private industry as unconnected entity are not
integrated for achieving a common goal of indigenization. Although there is
a department of defence production in ministry of defence, the coordination
with private sector is missing. Additionally, the number of “Make” category
of projects are less than 5% of total projects in last 3 years. The project
management is also faulty and fictitious. The decoupling of strategic and
other projects are non-existent. The so called production agencies are also
engaged in bulk licensed production and are not trying to become lead
system integrators. The comparison of spending on defence research and
development by India, USA and China are $2 bn, $96 bn and $32 bn,
respectively. With such meagre budget, and continuous bickering about
poor performance of DRDO, it is not expected to get favourable result of
production, integration, and synergetic development. These 6 causes are
responsible for poor performance of entire activities of modern and
advanced weapon development in India.

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 Figure 3. Reasons for Poor State of Indigenous Defence Research

However, recently, many modifications are taken up and the system is

improving significantly. The western height of mountain warfare is limited
to Alpine (based on Alps, 8000 ft) category, while Indian armed forces are
equipped with weapons of Himalayan Category to fight a war at 22000 feet.
The western definition of high altitude warfare has thus shattered. DRDO
has made some commendable contributions to ameliorate conditions for our
troops deployed at almost thrice the Alpine height. In order to achieve this,
many changes have taken place in recent times, after many review
committees are formed and suggestions were implemented.
New institutions like Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), Chief of
Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Joint Tri-Service Command and Strategic
Forces Command, have come up for integrating various requirements. A
fully operational system is yet to come, which can tackling the ongoing
problems of joint-ness in the armed forces as well as intra-departmental
coordination, rationalised budgeting, integrated planning, manpower and
many other related areas.

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Self-reliance in two sectors are vital – (i) Weapon Manufacturing and (ii)
Defence Technology Development. DRDO has tried to solve the second part
but realizable products based on indigenous efforts are very few. Among the
notable achievements by DRDO are indigenised technologies like ballistic
sciences, aerospace engineering, avionics, heavy engineering, propulsion
engineering, missiles, naval systems, communication systems, explosive
engineering, pyrotechnic devices, marine engineering and life sciences,
among others. Still, India is importing Arms.

1.6 Future of Indigenous Defence Research (IDR)

Future of Indigenous Defence Research is an aspirational and speculative

strata, which may be created with lot of confusion, vagueness and
incompleteness. As future is unknown and requirements may change with
sudden disruptors, the dynamics of Defence Research needs correct,
complete or comprehensive assessment of enemies. The assessment of
national security concerns and changing nature of the same may be useful in
deciding the future. The direction of defence research for a country is
governed by the 6 parameters ( Figure 4 ) and the same is valid for future of
defence research in India. Dependent on assessment of threat perception,
and in alignment with the “No First Attack” doctrine of India, the future of
Indigenous research will evolve.
Although technology is the biggest driver and any future technology is
dependent on the capability of the country in terms of advancements,
modernization and innovation. The problems are known but the major
concern is development of proper, specific, apt, completer and exhaustive
solution for the same, to mitigate, neutralize, passivate, or offset the
identified threats to future natural security. Any listing will be based on
current perception of threat and will not be complete and sacrosanct for all
situations, but it is must to understand that this future predictions are based
on present and it is volatile, dynamic and likely to be changed.

23
 Figure 4. Factors for Deciding Future of Defence Research

As defence research is always future oriented and it will materialize in

production of items in time to come, the factors must be considered from
than angle and not with an angle to produce the item immediately. Future
of defence research will be governed by global disruptors and the response
that India is planning for such disruptors. Economic recession, pandemic,
Russia-Ukraine war are some of the recent disruptors, which shaped the
ongoing defence research in different countries. In India also, assessment of
future global disruptors and their counter-measures will shape the
orientation of defence research. The natural calamities are also national
security concerns and although, it may not be considered relevant for armed
forces, but deployment of armed forces in rescue operations require
equipping them with correct resources in terms of communication
equipment, quick transportation infrastructure creation means and
deployment of relief measures. There are many financial destabilizers,
which cripples economy of a country. Circulation of fake currency, financial
irregularities and scams, financial bias etc may have detrimental effect on

24
nation. That needs different type of weapons. Escalation of land and sea
borders and inland separatist movements require more sophisticated
weapons and concepts, on which Indian defence research may base their
approach. The cyber-crime, and hacking are another areas of concern for
future defence research. These all will be deliberated in different chapters,
and along with global trend, final chapter concentrates on new advanced
weapons, on which Indian Defence Research has to focus, currently and
also in future. However, this assessment is based on present and is likely to
get revised with time, situation, location and strategy for national security.
Looking at a wider picture of national security, a strategy is needed, which
is larger than requirements of soldiers alone. Nation is in dire need of
technologies in many sectors and synergy of research with backward and
forward partners is necessary. The gap exists in small domain of entire
defence network and many other areas are untouched. The nascent areas
must be tapped and weapons must be identified now to combat those new
areas, emerging areas, future areas and predictable areas. The research work
will review various war winning strategy and future of weapon, as
conceived by different countries to arrive at a list of weapons, which India
should develop in future and on which defence research must start now to
make it a reality, whenever they are required. The research must precede the
point of need.

1.7 Research Methodology and Outline

The book is written after exhaustive research on various aspects of future

wars and probable weapons with which they will be fought. The research is
conducted through secondary data analysis, which is collected from books,
papers, articles, reports and surveys. As secondary data is considered as
input, despite analysing them in unbiased way, there are always chances of
inherent bias introduced by the original data collector. Not with standing
this fact, it is attempted to be presenting views and not the conclusion in the
book. Conclusion is always left to the readers to conceive, evolve,
formulate, explore, exploit and finalize.

25
The main hypothesis around which entire activity of data collation, analysis
and formulation of opinion is revolving is as follows:
“India Defence Research has to field New Weapons to Fight Future
Wars.”
After finalizing the hypothesis, it became very simple to formulate the
chapters and direction of research to finalize the outline of book, which is
populated to complete the study. The entire exercise is carried out for
understanding one facet of India, which is Defence Research Eco-system.
The entire book is conceived in the following chapters:
Chapter 1. ​Defence Research in India
Chapter 2. ​History of War Winning Strategy in India
Chapter 3. ​Global trend of Future Wars and Weapons
Chapter 4. ​Future Weapons Needed by India
Chapter 5. ​Defence Research for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

26
Chapter 2 History of War Winning Strategy in India

This chapter compiles various wars fought in mythological, pre-historic,

ancient and modern period. The aim is not to give a complete enlisting o all
the wars, but main objective is to make role of weapons significant, over
other war winning factors, like strategy, leadership, size of army, patience
displayed, timing for attack, etc. These wars give a fair account of insight
into Indian mentality of fighting a war, which is imbibed in the culture.

2.1 Mythological Wars

Indian mythological tales are flooded with war weapons. The Sudarshan
Chakra of God Vishnu was invincible. The creation of a perpetual circular
motion in a device with attached knife at its periphery, has been a viable
design. To fight Demon Vruttasur, Indra, the King of Heaven needed Vajra
made of bones of Saint Dadhichi. Although, there are always some point of
doubt, but science has proven that bones are really very strong. God Shiva
gave power to a demon to burn any object, on which he will keep his hand.
Technology of some igniferous material might have been passed to the
demon by God Shiva. There are many such incidences, which can be
explained with the help of science. These weapons are yet to come, as most
of them were energy devices, while currently we are thinking more about
the material based devices. Somehow if energy can be tamed as is possible
with nuclear devices, large energy density or power density weapons can be
conceived.
Coming to the era of Ramayana, it is clear that war-wining strategies
changed significantly, with rise in importance of weapons. There are many
mentions of Demons in Ramayana, and they have capabilities to fly. The
flying gives advantage of looking at the battlefield from third dimension.
Killing such flying objects requires stand-off weapon capabilities. Another
capability available with demons is changing their outlook, which in
modern term may be same as camouflaging. These capabilities are said to

27
be displayed in Ramayana by Maricha (Golden Deer), Shurpanakha
(Beautiful lady), Demon Ravan (Saint), etc. the Pushpak Viman, available
with Demon Ravan is equivalent to modern day fighting or carrier aircraft.
Although, detailed description of various weapons are not given, but it is
stated that many saints have given different types of weapons to Ram.
Utilization of these weapons for winning war is not conclusively established
in the final war of Ramayan, but many war winning strategies are displayed.
Compared to Ramayan, the description of war and war-weapon is given in a
better way in Epic Mahabharat. In the description of war, various special
weapons are mentioned with specific effects. One weapon called
Narayanastra is stated to have power to destroy any fighting person, but is
harmless to submissive persons. Similarly, Agneyastra (Weapon of Fire),
Varunastra (Weapon of Water), Sammohanastra (Weapon of
Mesmerisation), etc are also mention as major weapons. This epic is story
of war between Kauravas and Pandavas. The war was won by Pandavas,
with less number of army. Definitely, this established the importance of
various weapons available to Pandanas and their better war strategies.
Most of the mentioned weapons are not developed by Ram or Pandavas, but
they were acquired or given by their developers. It is very clear that in those
eras, weapon research and production were controlled by single units. Users
were given weapon in limited quantity. Of course, in those eras, weapons
are not sold or given in lieu of money, but are given free of cost, for
betterment of society, as a whole. It is mentioned that Karna has a special
lethal weapon, which can be used only once. It is very clear that only one
such weapon was given to Karna by God Surya. He kept that for killing
Arjun, but has to use it against Demon Ghatotkach, son of Bhim. In addition
to this, another weapon given by Saint Parsuram to Karna, but with a curse
to forget the method to project it, in need. This clearly indicates that there is
a process of firing such specialized weapons, which may be scrambled, on
demand by the developer.
One more interesting story was about use of Brahmastra, another deadly
weapon. Ashwathama, son of Guru Dronacharya used Brahmastra, on the
army of Pandavas, after death of his father Guru Dronacharya. To stop

28
devastation, Arjun used another Brahmastra, with intension to passivate the
Brahmastra of Ashwathama. As collision of two Brahmastra can result in
deadly consequences, both were requested to return their specialized
weapons. Arjun got his special weapon returned, but Ashwathama failed to
do so, because he was not knowing the technique to execute return of
Brahmastra. This instance clearly indicates that it is not firing this special
weapons, which is learnt, but there are processes in place to return the
already fired weapons. Such capabilities are rarely available in current
situation.
Whatever may be the mythological content, both the epics described war-
weapons in great detail, in terms of their capabilities. Ram and Pandavas,
both sides acquired many weapons, which resulted in their victory in war.
However, it is clear that weapon research and production was unified in
those eras and users were given weapon for societal cause after
confirmation of no violation of human rights and adherence to good
practices.

2.2 Historical Wars in India (Before 1947)

Although many wars are fought in India, but a chronological history is

available from the era of Just before Maurya Dynasty. A brief of some of
the major wars and their war-weapons, are reviewed, to understand the
factors responsible for victory. Although there are cases and situations when
valour of leader, logistics of fight, troop formation, support from nature or
weather, incoherence amongst soldiers and some strategic factors do
contribute, but main attention is focused on those wars, where weapons
played an important role. Although all wars, occurred in India, are
reviewed, but mention of some of the important wars and their winning
strategies are presented, to establish importance of weapons and support the
claim of conducting defence research to continuously update the weapons,
in line with targeted enemy, battlefield situations and flexibility in changing
strategy during battle.

29
Battle of Jhelum in 326 BC between Alexander and Porus was probably the
first battle, to mention in the history of India. Porus had an army of 20000-
25000 infantry, 2500 cavalry, 600 chariots and 150 elephants. Alexander
had 15000 cavalry and around 120000 arches and infantry. It is said that
Greek army was equipped with Ballista and catapult, both invented by
Phillips, the father by Alexander. Both were used to project high payloads to
longer distances. The large boulders and long sharp arrows hurled, in a
stand-off war is always advantageous, for minimum self-injury. Greek
formation had infantry in the front protected by overlapping large shield, on
top in tortoise formation. The soldiers in the front were equipped with 24
feet long spears in tight formation to counter any frontal kinetic attack,
including horse or man. The side flanks had archers and rear portion had
cavalry. This was a unique formation, which won against all the wars and
had positive impact in War of Jhelum, too. Then Porus attacked with war-
elephant. Greeks were not aware of this form of warfare, but after studying
they identified the vulnerable area of elephant as sides and back area. The
formation was changed to have 7-8 feet space at regular interval in the
formation, so that elephant can be funnelled in, trapped and killed. This
change of strategy also worked and war-elephants were also defeated.
During the battle, it was raining heavily and river Jhelum was overflowing.
To cross it, Alexander sent a part of his force 20 km upstream, where some
elevated rocks were projecting out in the riverbed. A part of his army
crossed it and in spite of loss of 200 soldiers, his army was positioned
behind army of Porus for any counter-attack on enemy. The rain has created
an adverse situation for Porus, as chariots became ineffective and stuck in
mud. The army of Porus was using very big bows, one end of which used to
rest on ground for projecting arrows. The rain has made this system also
defunct. Overall, Alexander won because of superior and flexible strategies
and the war weapons superiority.
Battle of Tarain in 1191 and 1192, between Gori and Prithviraj Chauhan
was another major war. War in 1191 was won by Prithviraj, but being
ethical, no attack was made on defeated army. Gori returned but again
assembled more forces and attacked in 1192. Prithvi raj had become causal

30
by then. The major fighting generals were non-available to him. He has
developed animosity with other Rajput neighbours. Ill-preparation and
incoherence in all ranks of Rajputs were obvious. In 1192, Gori changed the
tactics and rather than engaging directly, he made his soldiers to have night
attack by firing arrows. The soldiers used to fire and return to their camps
without actually engaging with the enemies. This happened 4 times and
Rajputs were completely confused. Actual attack happened fifth times and
Rajputs were defeated out of confusion. Role of firing without actual
engagement is main outcomes of a new war strategy.
The first battle of Panipat in 1526 established Mughal Dynasty in India.
This was a war between Baber and Ibrahim Lodi. Baber had several weapon
superiority, displayed aptly during the war. Double curved composite bow
for firing shots on the move to inflict injury up to 70 yards was employed as
a distraction and initial diversion. Additionally, Baber had more than two
dozen Kazans or heavy mortars, which projects burning pieces to lofted
trajectory. He had 40-50 Zarbzans or light cannons and 1000 flintcock rifles.
Overall, on weapon front, Baber had strategic superiority. An unexpected
advantage came from these weapons in the form of disillusionment of war-
elephants. These weapons were making sound and fire simultaneously,
which scared the elephants and they turned and charged towards their own
army. Own soldiers of Ibrahim Lodi were crushed. Overall attack from front
and both sides simultaneously, was also a great part of winning strategy by
Baber. War of Khanua in 1927 against Rana Sanga is won by Baber due to
availability of cannons.
In fact, the superiority of Mughal cavalry by employing their cannon was
quashed in the battle of Haldighati, in 1576, because of narrow passages.
The most powerful weapon in this war was elephant. Mughal army was
larger in numbers, but no one could win this battle. So, cannons played an
important role in victory of Mughals, in initial battles. The ancient Indian
relied more on elephant warfare, but battle of Jhelum and Battle of Panipat
had established that they can be defeated by simple techniques. While
Alexander thought of attacking the side and back of elephant by allowing
them to enter their troop formations, Baber turned their direction of attack

31
to change the fate of war. Elephant had been a Great War weapon and
modern day tanks have been a replica of the same with fortification for
more protection and superior mobility.
Many wars area won due to superior strategy by the leaders and bigger
numbers of men in the troop. In the battle of Chausa in 1529, Sher Shah
Suri defeated Humayun, because of medically unfit Mughal Soldiers, able
leadership qualities, specific battlefield formations and timing of attack.
Similarly second battle of Panipat in 1556 was won by Bairam Khan against
Hemu, by outnumbering in head-count.
The battle of Talikota in 1565 between Afghan and Marathas had many
unique and contrasting characteristics. Marathas were not using any body
armour. They used to fight in turban and loin cloth. Marathas were using 6
feet long spears and short swords. Contrary to this Afghans were using 16
feet long spears for an advantage of first attack and stand-off capability.
Marathas have bamboo bows, which can hurl arrows up to 70 yards
distance. Contrary to this, Afghans were using composite bows and metal
arrows for more lethality. Marathas have war-elephants, while Afghans have
600 latest cannon primed and filled with copper, which on hurling acted as
splinters to inflict injury. Instead of this, Maratha king was having tray of
gold with him, for rewarding the brave soldiers immediately. Maratha have
small country bred ponies, deployed in war against the Arab steeds. Overall
war equipment, war weapons and war logistics, coupled with old war leader
on Maratha side led to their defeat.
In 1658, Aurangzeb defeated Dara in the battle of Samugarh, because of
miscalculations by Dara assuming that opponent will not cross Chambal.
When Aurangzrb crossed, Dara left behind cannons and receded to Agra.
Shifting war zone near Agra was another mistake by Dara. Being impatient
in attacking and searching a quick end of war has resulted Dara heavily.
Being a hot summer, the heat stricken soldiers plight was not understood by
him. Overall, giving cannons free of cost to enemy may be considered a
bigger mistake, in addition to other mistakes of poor leadership.

32
Battle of Sinhgarh in 1670 was another example of utility of animals in
wars. The fort at Kondhana is 25 kilometres from Pune and it has a
perimeter of around 2 miles with three sides having 40 feet high cliffs. On
eastern side at north and south two openings or great doors (Kalyan door
and Pune door) were there. One of these doors was to be opening by
Marathas for entry of their troop to execute a victory. The fort was under
Mughals and rather than concentrating on doors, the cliff side was targeted
by Maratha chieftain. It is said that with the help of giant monster lizard,
which is tied with a rope, one soldier climbed up the cliff, which was not
guarded heavily, assuming invincibility from that side. After that ropes were
thrown down for more soldiers to enter the fort. After fierce battle, the
Kalyan Gate was opened from inside for entry of Marathas. Finally, the fort
was won. Use of giant monster lizard in climbing the heights of cliff was a
new war weapon.
War of Palkhed in 1728, established that agility, swiftness and speed of Baji
Rao I has outmanoeuvred large army, heavy guns and vast administrative
train of Nizams. They could not keep pace with his movement. During the
attack, Nizams crossed river Godavari and reached Palkhed. However, they
have to retreat, leaving behind guns and heavy war weapons. In fact
Marathas won an army three times their size through a series of manoeuvres
without fighting.
Although Battle of Palashi, in 1757 is associated with a traitor Mir Jafar,
who betrayed Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah of Bengal, against British, there is
one more war-weapon related requirement, which was significantly
mentioned in some of the text. There was almost stagnancy in the war and
no side was having any advantage, but suddenly it rained. The Nawab army
forgot to bring Tarpaulin to cover weaponry. This made them ineffective
after rain and firing was not possible by these. Assuming the same fate of
British weapons, attack was made but the other side was probably well-
equipped. Their cannons operated and attack by army of Nawab was
countered and defended. Wrong war manoeuvers, implanted by Mir Jafar
were major reasons for mismanagement by Indian side.

33
The third battle of Panipat in 1761 between Maratha and Ahmed Shah
Abdali is won by Abdali due to larger fighting force, more discipline
amongst forces and more cohesive forces. In addition to this Marathas have
40000 cavalry, 15000 troops, 200 pieces of artillery, along with 15000-
20000 ladies and children. The extra non-fighting humans were making
pace of movement slower and discipline poor. The troop was made of many
small-small battalions, each of which were not working in coherence with
each other. The importance of discipline was also reiterated during win of
British in Battle of Buxar in 1763. Well-drilled and well-trained British won
despite having only one-fourth army in size.
Another Great War weapon was rockets, which were displayed in wars of
Mysore. During 1767 to 1799, battle continued, which ultimately
culminated into defeat of Tipu again augmented by a traitor Mir Sadiq. Tipu
won initial wars and had many conflict free years. Tipu had rockets, with a
range of 2 kilometres. It contained metal rods for direction control. It
explodes in air or on ground, making it one of the deadly weapons of times.
Some unexploded rockets were taken by William Congreve to England to
investigate it, resulting in a large series of rockets, later after exhaustive
research activity.

2.3 War in Independent India (1947-2023)

India has fought many wars after gaining independence on 15 Aug 1947.
The idea of reviewing the wars in Independent India is to assess the
importance of weapons and their changing dimensions and direction of
wars. In fact, while trying to maintain good relation with all its neighbour,
India is inadvertently engaged with certain disputes, which resulted in low
intensity conflicts, skirmishes, attacks, insurgency, bomb blasts, isolated
acts of terrorism and in some extreme cases, wars. Most of the situations
have not resulted in any form of victors or losers, but a trend towards use of
new kind of weapons is worth assessment, so that suitable counter-measures
to contain devastation by such weapons are made available in future. First a

34
look at stand-offs with different neighbours, followed by internal disturbing
events, against which war is inevitable.

Pakistan
Immediately, after getting independence, India was thrown into helm of war
with the newly created neighbour Pakistan in 1947-48, over possession of
Princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. An armed insurgency by Pakistan is
countered by Indian Army, which was deployed at the behest of Maharaja
Hari Singh. It was not a direct fight between India and Pakistan, as
nationality of insurgents were not clearly defined. The war ended after
intervention of United Nations, and two segments of Indian Kashmir and
Pakistani Kashmir were created. There were no winners or losers in this war
and negotiated settlement was made effective.
Pakistan has been a permanent trouble maker for India. It entered into a full-
fledged war with India in 1965, in the Kashmir region, which is a
permanent bone of contention between two nations, which got freedom
from colonial rule together and which shared unresolved border issue with
each other till date. All three wings of armed forces displayed their might,
but victory was illusive. It is not clear, who has advanced more in other’s
territory. The war ended with Tashkent Agreement, which restored the
border to status prior to war.
One of the decisive wars, which India fought took place in 1971. Actually,
this was not a war, but salvaging the Indian resources from refugees of East
Pakistan, who were opposed to the repression and oppression by mainland
Pakistan of South. Although, these two regions were culturally different and
have different regions but were made part of each other, due to their
common religion. In East Pakistan, Bengali was lingua franca, but
imposition of Urdu, made situation worse and revolt erupted. India
supported the so called liberation forces of East Pakistan and defeated West
Pakistan Forces, resulting in formation of a new country called Bangladesh.
Another armed conflict with Pakistan took place in 1999, popularly known
as Kargil War. This also took place in Jammu and Kashmir Sector. The fight

35
was intense using artillery shells, tactical rockets, air strikes, precision strike
weapons, and combat means. India got area evicted from intruders, resulting
in defeat of Pakistan. The reason of war is stated to be Pakistan’s intension
to attract attention of the world toward unsettled dispute with India in
Kashmir sector and get the table turned towards it favour. However, it failed
miserably. Neither issue was highlighted more nor could victory be
achieved by Pakistan.
India is regularly blaming Pakistan for various terrorist and insurgent
activities, which is covered later.

China
The Sino-India war of 1962 was a decisive war, resulting in defeat of India.
Both India and China got independence, almost together, with China getting
it 2 years after India. Communication during 1947 to 1949 indicated that
both the countries have difference of opinion, despite having alignment for
the principle of Panchsheel in June 1954. The border dispute and accession
of Tibet by China are main reasons of War. In terms of ongoing geo-
political interplay, assertion of dominance by China, Perceived alignment of
India with USA and difference in perception of McMohan Line by both are
main reasons of War. India was unprepared, in terms of deployment, high
altitude fighting weapons and engagement parameters of war. This was
elaborated and isolated acts of bravery by Indians were the only solace.
Although, relation between China and India remained strained but they
were engaged actively through trade. However, border issues kept creeping
in. There were reported confrontations in 2014 and 2017. However, the
most significant latest engagement took place in 2020 in the Galwan Valley,
60 kilometre north of the city of Ladhakh. It was multipronged military
build-up on the Chinese side, including the Naku La in Sikkim. The reason
for this skirmish may be cited as insistence of Pakistan in the backdrop of
abrogation of Article 370 by India and / or Chinese ambition to reshape line
of actual control in its favour. India stood to the occasion by holding ground
and countering China. It has not blown out of proportion and both sides
came to negotiation table, but matter is still unresolved.

36
Bangladesh
Border disputes with Bangladesh started after formation of Bangladesh in
1971. But India does not a full-fledged war with Bangladesh. It is restrain
that India has displayed, which has avoided war till date. Connection
between mainland-India with North-East States is through a Chicken-neck,
near Sikkim, which is a small corridor. If passage through mainland
Bangladesh is made available, the distance will shorten and it will open new
avenues for development of north-east states. However, this is denied time
and again by Bangladesh.
In this direction, an idea was mooted in 2018, which is popularly called “3
Bigha Corridor”. This is to create a narrow strip of land, which measures 3
bighas in size to connect mainland of India with North East States, through
Bangladesh territory. A direct route will provide a land route, reduce travel
time, enhance trade, motivate north-east states to align and develop with
main part of India. The idea has gone to cold box and probably more
campaigning is required from India to negotiate territorial sovereignty,
security, and coordination between multiple administrative bodies of
Bangladesh.
Although border dispute with Bangladesh has not risen to alarming
situation, but it existed and India has been practising restraints, despite
being a superior partner. The land border of India with Bangladesh is 4156
kilometres and there are alternate views in terms of enclaves, adverse
possessions, and vaguely demarcated stretches in riverine border of Bay of
Bengal. Sporadic clashes and tension do take place but it has never been
converted into a war like scenario. Security, cross-border trade, and the
livelihoods of the border population is affected by such border disputes.
Porous border between both the countries result in free movement of
people, water disputes and cross-border terrorism. The illegal migration of
people towards, due to economic disparity across border, has social,
economic, and political ramifications. The water dispute has different
dimension altogether. Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, are crucial for
irrigation, drinking water, and sustenance of ecosystems in both countries.

37
Any diversion of water may result in water crisis and Bangladesh is
objecting to Farakka Dam on the Ganga, due to which water is diverted by
India. India has accused Bangladesh of harbouring and providing safe haven
to insurgent groups like the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and
Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI), which have carried out attacks in India.
On the other hand, Bangladesh has expressed concerns about separatist
groups planning attacks from Indian territories.
Although no war has taken place between these two asymmetric countries,
but there are many unresolved issues, which needs attention of both the
parties.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is inhabited by Buddhist Sinhalese and Hindu Tamils. These two
communities had been fighting for dominance in various regions,
administration and governance. After getting independence in 1948, English
remained national language of Sri Lanka, but after two decades of Christian
elites ruling the country, Sinhalese felt a need to make their language
official, for better job prospects and power. This was done by government,
but Tamil population felt the pinch and demanded local autonomy. The
protest turned violent and from mid 1950s, when economy slowed down,
the competition for wealth and work intensified the conflict. The reduction
of seats in University and protection of Buddhist by state made Tamil
population more aggressive. By 1970s, they started asking for independent
state. Although Tamil was made official language in Tamil-majority areas,
but clash of Tamil youth with security forces continues. In 1983, the
violence took lot of life on either side, which continued till 1985.
As Tamil population had origin in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, India felt a
need to intervene. In 1987, Security forces of Sri Lanka contained Tamil
rebellions into Jaffna, but speculating retaliation, then president of Sri
Lanka struck a deal with India to deploy Indian Peace Keeping Forces
(IPKF) in Sri Lanka. It was not a war between India and Sri Lanka. It was
just to help Sri Lanka in maintaining peace and control the Indian interest of
safeguarding Tamil population. However, the move failed and both

38
Sinhalese and Tamil opposed deployment of IPKF. Additionally, fearing
enhancement in influence of India in Sri Lanka, Marxist led JVP and
Muslim expressed conflict of interest forcefully, for the removal of IPKF.
Finally IPKF was withdrawn in March 1990. President Premadasa, who was
elected on the promise of withdrawal of IPKF and who did so, was
assassinated in 1993. The war within Sri Lanka continued and India had no
role to play in this, after that failed IPKF imbroglio.
Overall, being emotional for their people and interfering into internal matter
of a country has caused much damage to the reputation of India. Although it
was not a defeat per se, but the nature of engagement was not very
encouraging.

Other Causes seeking a Fight

It is not neighbours alone, the insurgents, terrorists and non-state actors are
also attacking India in isolated fashion. Handling them require different
types of weapons and probably identification of such entities is a major
challenges. Once enemy is known, suitable remedial measures can be taken
to get rid of them. A review is presented in Chapter 4.

2.4 Reasons for Victory

More than reason for victory, which is illusive in many cases, it is the
reason for war, which is more significant to deliberate, to stop such
occurrences. However, considering the limitation of current research, where
attention is focused on types of weapons and their role in decisive win is
main objective, the reason for victory, if at all it occurred, in various wars is
enlisted here:
➢ Pandavas won the battle of Mahabharat, because they have
knowledge of advanced weapons and also knowledge of using
them in all respect.
➢ In the battle of Jhelum, Alexander won due to following reasons:

39
 ✓ Because of rain, the large bow used by the Army of
Porus, which is rested on ground for projection of arrow,
could not be effective.
✓ Rain has made chariots ineffective to move.
✓ Alexander is in possession of two equipment for long
distance attack – Ballista and Catapult. They were the
game-changers.
✓ Formation of Greek troop was offensive and flexible to
accommodate changing scenario of war by deployment of
elephant by opponent.
➢ In the first battle of Panipat in 1526 or in the Battle of Khanwa
(1927), Founder of Mughal Dynasty in India, Babar won because
he had Cannons. A superior weapon is always good to win a war.
However, betrayal by Indians to their existing rulers was also one
of the reasons, cited for victory of Babar.
➢ Developing an innovative technique to fight against the probably
invincible war-elephant through attack at back and through turning
their direction had been amply displayed as a war winning strategy.
➢ Use of giant monster lizard for scaling cliffs is a major input for
creating new war-weapons. In fact, it is said that for attacking
Lanka, Ram used troops of monkeys for climbing cliffs, of the fort,
effortlessly, without any further scaffolding or implement.
➢ In ancient wars, rivers have played important roles and the side
taking advantage of this in adopting strategy suitably has generally
won. To mention a few, Jhelum, Ghaghara, Chambal, Godavari had
been witness to many ancient wars in India.
➢ It is not war-weapons alone, but the auxiliary equipment like
body armour, tarpaulin, in case of any rain to cover the cannons, etc
have also been factors in many wars.
➢ Rockets used by the battle of Mysore by Tipu had been an
advance war weapon, which could hold British back for quite long
to capture the state of Mysore.
➢ China won war in 1962, against India because they were more
prepared in terms of high altitude warfare, through apparels and

40
 weapons. Indians were caught unaware and damage was done
before a strategy could be implemented.
➢ India won war in 1971, against Pakistan, due to superior fighting
platforms and vehicles, along with all round coordinated attacks.
After going through various reasons, due to which wars are won, it is clear
that availability of superior weapons have been one of the major factors for
victory. As time progress, advancement of technology has changed form of
weapons and from handheld to projected weapon to energy weapons is the
progress. On other front, rather than war in physical dimension, it is now
shifting in cognitive and psychological domain. The hard power conflict is
relegated to more sophisticated soft power and now, smart power is
advocated as major force to reckon with, in any victory.

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Chapter 3 Global trend of Future Wars and Weapons

After reviewing various wars in India, it is clear that war-weapons played

major role in establishing a side victorious. However, they represent past
and future does not need similar weapons. Keeping pace with the
technology, it is better to install a defence research set-up to augment the
fighting forces to make them competent and relevant for future wars.
Definitely fighting on the back of an elephant, or riding on a chariot, or
galloping on heavy built steeds, is definitely not going to help. The
conventional auxiliary systems like tarpaulin, or body armour needs
modernization. In addition to this cannons, rockets also need innovative
components. Overall, requirement of future is to be tackled with future
technology, which is currently non-available. India must fuel its defence
research capabilities adequately to match the future weapons. This chapter
tries to get the view of world towards future war-weapons, so that future of
Indian Defence Research can be decided, as compiled in the next Chapter.
Current chapter is on assessment of current world order towards future of
war-weapons.

3.1 Evolution of Wars

Evolution of war is a philosophical area, but this gives a clear attack of

existing technologies in manufacture of weapons. The purpose of war is
generally creation and expansion of personal or community assets.
Although escalation levels of wars from the feeling of discomfort is a
different subject and it also affects type of engagement and type of counter-
equipment for each level. The escalation levels are created by Friedrich
Glasl and it has 9 levels ( Figure 5 ).

42
 Figure 5. Escalation Levels as Per Friedrich Glasl

The first three levels constitutes Win-Win level, where everything is open
and both parties can compromise, retrace, or escalate to next higher level.
Agreeing to all the opinions, is not prerogative and there are always scope
for difference of opinion. This may cause tension and hardening of stands.
If both parties takes hard stands, it becomes problematic, else it results in
one party accepting the opinion of other. The next level of escalation is loud
arguments, resulting in abusive languages and calling names. This
invariably diverts from the main issue and diverts to personal attacks or
attack on legacy faults. Again, this stage can also be resolved, if both party
restrict to main issue and has patience to listen to opinion of other party. The
third stage is initiation of some deeds or work, in addition to throwing
verbal non-lethal or infectious weapons.
The next three levels constitutes Win-Lose situation, where victors and
losers are finalized. Now both parties go for strengthening their position
through alliances, and creating allies, to support their opinion. This is a long
process, but it is executed to make other party weak. During World Wars,
this level of group prior to war was clearly visible. In current world order,
also, grouping are visible. The next level is loss of trust and confidence.

43
Both parties start using tactics, legal or illegal, ethical or unethical to win
over other. This finally ends up in threatening for dire consequences.
The next level is actual physical engagement, which is beginning of
destruction. This constitutes Lose-Lose level. The attack is always
associated with loss of relationship and conversion of equals into unequal.
Physical and psychological violence is another level, which fragments
losers completely and with substantial loss to winners. Last level is demise
of all hope for both the parties and probably third party intervention may be
useful. Although such third party intervention is possible at any stage but
after 9th level, the intervention becomes mandatory or victors decides next
set of world-order.
Evolution of war can also be traced in muscle powers, where wrestling, fist
fight, etc were predominant. The muscle power is implemented by certain
handheld weapons like spear, maze, sword, etc. The soldiers are also
transformed from pedestrian or unmounted to mounted or riding soldiers.
They got horses, camels and elephant in wars. Augmentation of muscle
power by mechanical means was possible, when bow was designed. The
muscle power is transmitted into string of the bow to get higher velocity of
arrow. Such force augmentation also employed use of stand-off weapon in
war. When explosive energy or so called chemical energy was explored for
certain mixtures, like black powder (Salt Peter, Sulpher, Charcoal), they
were tamed for use in weapons. Various types of guns, cannons and rockets
are result of this innovation. Now nuclear energy is also weaponized.

3.2 Nature of Future Wars

As far as dimension of wars are concerned, two-dimensional battlefields

were all-prevailing. However, near each battlefield watching the formation
of opponent, trees or elevated hillocks were used in war. This third
dimension in war to view the two–dimension arrangement of troop is
greatly enhanced by aircrafts, which gave a third dimension. In addition to
have surveillance and reconnaissance capability, they are further exploited
for bombing. Similarly, naval areas are also weaponized. With advent of

44
space explorations, weaponization of space is also possible in future. Now
whatever new, advanced and innovative technology is evolving, is always
weaponized.
Current nature of warfare and weapon has to tackle many areas ( Figure 6 )
simultaneously. One domain is conventional warfare, which is fought on
three fronts by three wings namely Army, Navy and Air-Force. Army is
using Tanks, Small Arms, Mines, Artillery, Missiles etc. Navy is using
torpedoes, ships, frigates, sonars, etc, Air-force utilizes Aircrafts, Bombs,
etc. In addition to this many weapons are used in all dimensions and many
auxiliary protective weapons are also in picture like Armour, Flares and
Chaffs, Smoke grenades, Seat ejections systems etc. Overall, conventional
weapons needs a nice production base. However, there is always a
requirement to enhance their lethality, range, protection, speed, precision
and other operational and tactical parameters for future use.

Figure 6. Different Types of Evolving Warfare

45
The next area is technology. There was a time when defence technology
were highly advanced and civil society or market used to get flooded, by
exploitation of military technology. Precision watch is an example of this.
However, in 21st century, technology in civil domain has surpassed military
technology and trend has reversed. The evolving civil technologies are now
being utilized in military domains for creation and conceiving advanced
weapons. This trend will continue. Penetration of Unmanned system,
Artificial Intelligence enabled equipment, autonomous implement is going
to pave way for future weapon, which may require effective defence
research. The evolution of information and cyber domain as battleground is
another evil of progress.
One of the bigger turning point in weapon development is globalization.
Although it created inter-connected world, but it also made war against non-
state players more difficult. The nature of conflicts is getting global
perspective at a very fast pace. The regional security dynamics, and the
proliferation of weapons are other facets of globalization, which will shape
future weapons. Taking international norms, regulations and directives into
account, and ban on weaponing certain areas is another concern which
guides defence research for weapon.
Finally, whether war is evolving through different routes, but once war is
perceived, the weapons are the only tools. The hybrid nature of warfare
cannot be forgotten and war in one domain and dimension cannot be fought
with weapons of other areas. Clearly, all types of weapons are to be
developed and the evolution of wars will shape evolution of weapons or
vice-versa is still to be seen.

3.3 Nature of Future War-Weapons

After looking at wars from historical and future perspective, this section
take a look at the future of weapons. This section is a prelude to next
section, where attempts by different war-mongers of the world is reviewed
to understand their direction of research or acquisition of future weapons.
This will finally, lead to finalizing types of weapons that India require to

46
fight wars in Future. Before venturing into enlisting various technologies, it
is pertinent to understand various types of challenges, which can drive the
future war-weapons.
There are six major driving principles of designing future war weapons.
Although, the conventional principle of higher range, high lethality, better
penetration and interoperability are always guiding any weapon design, but
due to evolving geo-political, regional asymmetry, regional power
projections, and environmental concerns, the future of weapons will be
probably going for a major change. In addition to this, with advent of urban
warfare, forest warfare, littoral warfare, yellow water warfare, desert
warfare, high altitude warfare, specialized weapons will be in demand. In
broad terms, there are 6 parameters to be considered while designing,
developing, manufacturing or researching a future war-weapon, as depicted
as SECRET ( Figure 7 ).
The first challenge is safety, which implies safety from use of weapons to
the launcher or owner. In search of high range and higher lethality, the
weapon land up in becoming more and more sensitive to the inadvertent
stimuli, like accidental fall, transportation loads, storage conditions,
temperature cycling, humidity conditions, etc. in addition to imparting
higher and higher capability to make systems better, the safety
considerations are also getting tightened. The main challenge lies in making
lethal weapons without much co-lateral and inadvertent damage. The future
of weapons is definitely searching for a more stringent safety regulations
and bindings.
The second challenge is ethical in nature, where inhuman nature of injuries
are generally avoided to the people, by weapon. A ban on chemical,
biological, radiological and nuclear weapon is a necessity. Although it is at
the fore-front of future weapon technology, but these systems were always
in use, in different countries. Russia is blamed to have used acoustic
weapons against diplomats of different countries. They have also used
chemical weapons against terrorists, who captured one of the cinema halls,
with large number of people, trapped inside. Similarly, North Korea, Iran,
and many Europeans and middle-east countries are also indicated to have

47
used these banned technologies. Despite banning, if these systems are being
researched, there is a need to develop counter-measures for these systems.

Figure 7. Challenges for Design of Future War-Weapons

The regional and global world order decides the type of weapons to be
acquired by a country. It is clear that an archipelago or island nation require
more stress on maritime or naval weapons. Depending of adversary and
preparation of adversary or immediate neighbours, the choice of future
weapons may vary. The engagement dynamics can decide the future war-
weapons to a larger extent.
The ongoing arm race is another feature, which governs research on future
weapons. In conjunction with expenditure and technology, this forms a
major control parameter for future. The expenditure is generally relegated to
secondary status, but establishing a proper weapon production centre and
creating a supply chain for arms, to the nations in conflict has been a major

48
challenge and is the guiding parameter. The export is also one of the main
impetus for research in new weapons.

Figure 8. Domains of Research for Future War-Weapons

The technology is the fuel behind any new thing in the current and future
world. The technology will be dual use or is developed for some civil
application, but the cross-pollination of these technology to weaponry is
current-state-of-the-art. The advanced technology, which may be looking
unconnected with the weapon technology, may be percolating and
penetrating in this domain. In addition to this, weapon development has a
large commercial angle and investment is always sought. If private profit-
seeking organizations are entering in the domain of weapon development, it
is very likely that the shape, size, and system of things to come, will be
completely different from what is conceived today.
Based on current status of weapon development, and depending on
available technology, some future domains for weapon development may be
conceived. However, an exhaustive list could not be made, which can make
shape the future systems completely. Some of the possible future
technologies, on which different countries of the world are working is
compiled as Figure 8 . The list is not exhaustive but it can pave way for

49
next chapter to Identify systems of Future for India as discussed in Chapter
5.

3.4 Global Research on Weapons of Future

Each country of the world is contributing significantly towards

development, acquisition and use of advanced, modified and upgraded
weapons. Although ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has brought role of
conventional weapon to the fore-front of research, there are many advanced
technologies being researched by different countries of the world. These
researches will be deciding the direction of research on and availability of
weapons, in future. Reviews of current research objectives of different
countries can give details of weapons, which they are aspiring. It is
attempted to avoid various technologies listed in Figure 8 , while deciding
the new technologies or systems that different countries are trying to
achieve in future.

United States of America (USA)

Considering the global challenges from all corners, USA has geared the
research set-up to work on many unique and enabling technologies. Self-
steering bullet is being developed, which has capacity to change direction
mid-course, in flight, to acquire and hit even the moving target, with ease.
Unmanned submarine hunter is a drone, with sonar, radar and synthetic
vision, mounted on any vessel to hunt silent submarines for months, without
changing the clock-setting. Ship and truck mounted Laser weapons are also
on the anvil, to counter any incoming threat (boats, drones, missiles, bombs,
etc) for the defence assets, like depots, battalion, armoured vehicles, ships,
etc. For the future anti-satellite capabilities, research is initiated to
concentrate solar energy, to evaporate satellites. There are attempts to
augment the naval ship with new form of aircrafts, which can be lifted up
by counter-rotating rotors and then can move horizontally, assisted by
various imaging and signals processing radars, cameras and other
assistance. Landing is possible in similar way, to get rid of the essential

50
requirement of long runway on the deck. Incorporating capabilities like total
stealth, high speed and heavy bomb cargo capacity, in future aircrafts, with
hardened reflectivity, to change colour as per background in day (Blue) and
night (Black), is also an advanced area of research being attempted in USA.
Creation of invisible patch is also a major area of defence research to avoid
detection even through night vision devices, infrared and thermal imagers,
in addition to normal visual obscuration. Active protection is another
domain, which is meant to attack the incoming target and destroy them
before their hit.

Russia
Most of the review about future of Russian weapons is based on
announcement by Russian president in 2018. They were named super-
weapon, as they were dual use nuclear capable systems. The names of
"super weapons" were (i) the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, (ii) the
9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, (iii) the 3M22 Zircon
scramjet powered anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile, (iv) the Kh-47M2
Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile, (v) the Poseidon
unmanned underwater vehicle, (vi) the RS-28 Sarmat liquid-fueled, MIRV-
equipped super-heavy ICBM. Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle officially
entered combat duty on 27 December 2019. 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-
powered missile is still under development. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile
has been deployed since 2018. The first batch of the Poseidon nuclear-
powered UUVs had been manufactured by 2023. The first contract for the
production of the RS-28 Sarmat missiles was signed in August 2022.

China
China is working on Civil-Military Fusion Technology for leveraging their
status to become the world’s largest arms manufacturer. There has been
significant progress in the area of sixth-generation fighter aircrafts. The
aircrafts are integrated with drones and AI (Artificial Intelligence). The AI-
ML (Machine Learning), from civil domain is adapted from autonomous
systems and accelerated data analysis to disinformation operations,

51
intelligence gathering, cyberattacks, and human-machine teaming. Some of
the future weapons, which China may be fielding in future are as follows:
Kinetic energy weapons, Direct energy weapon, Atomic Weapon, Sonic
Weapon, Computer Chip Virus Weapon, Genetic Virus Weapon, Micro-
Weapon, Long Range Artillery, etc.

Israel
Israel has been in lime-light of defence community because of their
Superior Defence Mechanism called “Iron Dome”, which has capability to
defend entire country against any incoming threat in the form of missiles or
projectiles. Israel is also projecting mobile Iron Dome for specific
application. There are many other programs on weapons development,
which Israel is undertaking for their development in future for internal use
as well as for export. Spike non line-of-site (NLOS) 6th-generation
precision missile is developed and being sold in Europe by Israel. An
integration of the loitering munitions systems into “next-generation manned
and unmanned infantry fighting vehicles, is another development.
Unmanned helicopter with precision hit capability, hybrid drone-robot for
indoor and underground tunnel scanning missions, micro-suicide drone
swarms to hunt enemies in urban combat, etc are some of the advanced
technologies, which is mastered by the country. Most of the new
technologies are being developed for the requirement of and export to
Europe.

Europe
Europe is acting as a unified region in the domain of arms research and
production. It is clear that they are collaborating, co-developing and co-
producing systems for internal consumption and exporting to other
countries. France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Belgium and almost all
the countries work together to specialize in, niche technologies, which can
be integrated in the form of fielded weapons. For camouflaging, textile-
based dynamic camouflage materials, meta-materials for electromagnetic
camouflage and Radar Camouflaging materials is being researched.

52
Reconfigurable and flexible multi-function chips with in-built radar sensors,
signal-processing tools, secure positioning and navigation, UAV data links
and military networks, is another advanced weapon technology being
attempted. Electromagnetic rail-guns for long-range future artillery systems
and laser-effector technologies are being perfected for combat operations.
Future weapons based on disruptive tools include intelligent swarms of
unmanned ground vehicles, autonomous mission planning and
positioning/mapping techniques, integration of radar, electronic warfare and
communication tools in a single system, future quantum-based technologies,
low-observable tactical unmanned air surveillance systems, tube-launched,
foldable-wing drones, hardware implementation of artificial neural
networks, using spin-based nano-devices as neurons, etc.

Other Countries
Although Iran is blamed for reverse engineering of available system and
advanced technologies are not flourishing in this country in weapons
domain, the indigenous development is making this country self-reliant.
Same is situation with North Korea.

Overall, a very brief review is presented here to understand the global

efforts in modernization and upgradation of weapon systems and
technologies. The future of weapon depends on research today and many
new areas are being explored by different countries. Many of these
technologies are very near to demonstration and production, while many
others are still trying to hog behind to find a viable opening for use and
exploitation. This review can be helpful in deciding the weapon technology,
on which India can focus for research, so as to make them available through
indigenous means in near future, as capability demonstration, export
potential or universal deterrence. However, a brief look at the forces against
which India has to utilize these future weapons is mandatory. This is being
reviewed in next chapter.

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Chapter 4 Future Weapons Needed by India

War is always fought amongst enemies. However, in the present world,

there is no permanent friend or permanent enemy. All such mentions are
situational / issue based and they vary with passage of time. However,
weapons cannot be designed without knowing the enemy, without knowing
the situation and without knowing the type of engagement, without knowing
the protection and attack parameters. This chapter tries to understand
various current and future enemies against which India has to fight and
against which newly designed weapons are to be used. Let us first define the
enemies.
All those forces, who are detrimental to the territorial integrity, inherent
sovereignty, economic progress and creation of fissures in Indian society are
enemies of India. Although immediate neighbouring countries are clearly
identified as enemies, due to confusion of international border, allegations
of cross-border terrorisms, conflict of resources, poor control of illegal
migrants, centres of translational organized crimes, economic disparity,
political instability, intermingling of culture and socio-economic
commitments, conversion of each of these causes into war is very unlikely.
There are always means like negotiations, talks, treaty, alliances,
interventions, etc, which results in de-escalation, disengagement and
passivation of conflicts and finally diffusion of tension. However, other
form of hidden wars are prevalent, which appear as isolated events and
stresses internal police forces, tremendously. Armed forces are trained to
fight a war on border, but against internal disturbances, the training, the
approach, the strategy and above all the coveted weapons, need an
altogether different, pragmatic and forceful approach. As these incidence
are more frequent than war with any neighbouring countries, they need
more attention. The relation with neighbouring countries and stand of India,
preparedness of India is elaborated in Chapter 2. This chapter covers other
players demanding development of new weapons.

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 4.1 Weapons for Borders

Border of any country is a transient place, which unfortunately coincides

with border of other country. As border is not cast on stone and is devised
by natural demarcation like hillocks, plane, mountain, river and other
definite marks. However, these marks are flexible and sometime disappears
in course of time and both countries sharing border end up making claims
and counter-claims of the region. However, it is surprising that despite all
previous disputes, European Union is created with transparent borders,
which not only helped in pooling of resources but has led to large reduction
in their requirement of security forces and weapons. However, India failed
to enjoy such flexibility in border issues with its neighbours.
Border always desire conventional weapon, but owing to variety of terrains,
India needs to defend its border through weapons of mountain warfare and
also of desert warfare. However, physical land based war always desire
tactical weapons with high lethality, higher ranges and precision attack
capability. It is not the era of Second World War, when mere flash and
sound of weapons are sufficient to deter a fighting force. An element of
surprise is always a requirement.
Infantry encompasses off the vehicle soldiers, who are trained, armed and
equipped to fight on foot. They need various types of small arms and
personal weapons. Their requirements include assault rifles, machine guns,
sniper rifles, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and anti-tank weapons.
The advancements sought in future are mainly for weight reduction of
weapon, making target engagement more lethal, precision strike
capabilities, interoperability of ammunition, ease of handling, use and
transportation.
Artillery is next level, which can inflict injury at longer distances, relegating
infantry weapon to low stand-off situations only. They have higher range for
attack and most of the time the projectiles hurled by these weapons have
ballistic (lofted or parabolic) trajectory. These include howitzers, multiple
rocket launchers, and mortars of various calibres. They are positioned at the

55
back of the fighting army and they send projectiles towards enemy after
traversing distance above own army. Range enhancement, better target
acquisition capability and better mobility are major concerns for future
direction.
Main battle tanks are generally positioned in front of our forces for firing
directly on enemy. They fire with flat trajectory and has been considered
invincible, once upon a time due to protection, mobility and firepower. The
future requirement is towards enhancement of these three parameters. On
the other side, making them more future ready, automation in operation is
another thing to incorporate. Wheeled Armour Platform is another area,
which can be made more versatile to meet various auxiliary mobility
requirements in battlefields or border.
It is not attack alone, which matters for a border. Situational awareness,
defence capability, threat identification and mitigation are also areas in
which attention must be focused. The air defence systems, in the form of
missiles, rockets, Anti-aircraft guns, MANPADS (Man Portable Air
Defence System), are available and enhancement of their capability, in
terms of acquisition, identification, targeting, and neutralization of threats
are concerns of future. Development of sophisticated surveillance radars for
detecting low flying aircraft and small targets is another dimension for
future defence capability build-up. It is not air strike alone, which needed
proper defence mechanism, the land borders are also in search of
surveillance and reconnaissance capability. The enhancement in robustness
of surveillance radars, ground-based sensors, border fencing, and
communication systems, robust communication networks, battlefield
management systems, and advanced command and control centres, etc may
be requirement of the future.
Unmanned systems are flooding the defence market and Ground version
(UGV) as well as Air versions (UAV) are being developed for assistance to
soldiers in displaying battlefield superiority. UAVs with long-endurance,
multi-sensor payloads, and autonomous capabilities, autonomous drones
capable of conducting long-endurance missions, target tracking, and
precision strikes are on the wish list of defence forces.

56
Overall, the large amount of defence spending is for protecting the border
and meeting the demands of border forces. Although current requirements
are being fulfilled by a combination of indigenous and imported items, if
research direction is corrected to promote and materialize self-reliant in-
house production of defence equipment, system, platforms and weapons, the
research work has to be initiated now. Each technology has certain
maturation time and it is very apt to start early to arrive at production level
well in time for supporting forces, defending the Indian border.
One the border, it is upgradation and capability enhancement of weapons,
that is to be attempted. Unmanned vehicle is the only new comer or
disruptor, which is a viable technology domain, mastered more by the
private sector of India. With these inputs, India border will be more resilient
against any foreign sanctions in case of emergency and need, only if
Defence research is initiated timely, with proper financial, social, military,
industrial, and procedural support.

4.2 Weapons against Terrorists/Insurgents

The act of terrorism is derived from the act of creating sudden localized
killings, disturbances and unrest, which has far reaching, national or
regional or humanitarian consequences. Of course, it is not a definition for
terrorism, but with certain exclusions and inclusions, this depicts the actual
scenario. It may be a part of translational organized crime, with an intension
of creating severe dent in the law and order situation of the country and
establish the ineffectiveness of enforcing agencies. The terrorism may be an
isolated event, which is possible with connected sleeping cells and with
ulterior motives. Most of the time, the effects are visible and prevention is
the best strategy rather than collecting pieces of havoc created by the act.
So, it is surveillance, prior identification of such miscreants and neutralizing
them in time, which is necessary. This requires specialized equipment and
domain of weapon research for this problem is different from weapons used
at border.

57
Frist and foremost is requirement of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones
for surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring of unwanted suspicious
activities. Mapping difficult terrains, hills and valleys, which are difficult to
be traversed by direct visit, require specialized equipment. As humans are to
be monitored, the surveillance through RADAR is also another option. If
terrorists are coming through border, surveillance at border using CCTV
(Closed Circuit Television), CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Camera, IR
(Infrared) Signature assessment, and thermal imagers, is to be installed. The
transparency of border is curtailed through active monitoring and unmanned
ground vehicles can be deployed to monitor terrorists, safeguarding soldiers
from going in the vicinity. These devices present an active deterrent for
infiltration of terrorists through border.
One of the major challenges exists for those terrorists, who are already
residing in the country and who are passive for most of the time. They act as
normal citizen in the form of sleeping cell and becomes active at correct
time, only. Such individuals are very difficult to control through any of the
surveillance devices. It needs advanced face recognition system, which can
identify the intension of individuals, through facial expressions, revealing
gestures and non-verbal communication. This needs physiological mapping
of crowd and identification of suspicious persons from them. Such type of
fast computing system is requirement of the day to identify persons, who
are on a mission to destroy people, infrastructure or systems.
In fact for hijackers of aeroplane, foam based incapacitating system is
planned. Dazzlers and acoustic devices are also significantly useful for such
situations. The Mumbai attack has revealed other form of counter-terrorist
requirements, in terms of control and mitigation of effects and collateral
damage. A jamming device would have stopped the communication, or non-
lethal lachrymatory bomb would have saved the system. Russia has used
chemical weapon against terrorist in a cinema hall, which along with them,
affected innocent citizens, too. Depending on type of possible situation, the
neutralizing method can be devised and developed.
It is not identification and deterrence that can control terrorism. Active
means of engagement is also needed and for that specialized weapons are

58
required. Personal weapons of different characteristics are needed for
terrorists. The assault rifle with high accuracy, reliability, and firepower is
desired. Close quarter battle weapons have high manoeuvrability, rapid
target engagement, and the ability to penetrate body Armor. Light machine
guns provide sustained suppressive fire during counter - terrorist operations.
Grenade launchers are also useful for such operations in urban scenario.
Most of the terrorist activities in India are executed in the form of
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and crude bombs. Such devices may
be available in any camouflaged form. They can be tiffin-box, cooker, cycle,
scooter, suitcase and any such common looking object, which can be giving
decisive look. Identification of such explosive loaded object need special
explosive detection technique. Another type of system required is to
neutralize such devices, after their identification. This may be in the form of
containment vessel or some robotic water jet disruptors. Further to this, if
explosion has already taken place then identification of explosive from
debris is another area of exploration, which may be useful in ascertaining
the source of such explosive.
The combination of technology and weapons can only fight effectively
against terrorism. The future attempts to enhance both the capabilities are
needed through defence research.

4.3 Weapon for Rioters

States in India were reorganized on linguistic basis in the initial days. The
blame on state government of not looking after a particular community,
caste, group, tribe, or linguistic class, is frequently presented. This becomes
a reason to ask for creation of separate states. Additionally, Naxalite
movement has also got similar separatist flavour with attack on government
machinery. The ethnic clashes in north-east, the demand of Khalistan in
Punjab, the ongoing scuffles in Kashmir, the Maratha movement in
Maharashtra, and similar incidences, always result in violence and public
unrest. These also require specialized weapons and is within the purview of
Defence research.

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One of the major type of conflict found in India is religious outbursts, which
invariably result in skirmishes and riot like situation, during any of the
festivals. The Hindu and Muslims in India are at loggerhead, to establish
their supremacy over the country and creating regular damage to the public
properties in retaliation and anger. Actual handling such rioters and trouble
makers, may need different approach. They must not be treated on par with
terrorists or insurgents. They are not anti-nation and they must not be
handled with iron-hand. The weapon required for their containment is also
non-lethal in nature. They create unrest and there is no involvement of
explosives in this case. The stone, bricks, metal or wooden rods etc are
regular devices used for such activities. It is mob mentality, which subsides
with time.
Handling them required proper counselling, before occurrences of any such
event. However, many a time heavy police deployment also fails to improve
the situation and avoid such occurrences. In case of such incidences, the
type of weapon required are quite different and most of them are non-lethal.
The weapons or tools for handling rioters can be divided into three
categories – (i) Offensive (ii) Defensive (iii) Cognitive. Offensive systems
are for attacking, defensive systems are for sustaining attacks and cognitive
preparedness is for mental and skill development exercises.
The most common device used to disperse such mobs is water cannon. The
velocity, quantity, orientation and controlled release of water is the main
parameters. Most of the devices use fire tender for such operations. Another
way is to use rubber bullets, which is projected from rifles at high velocity
at the lower torso of the people in the mob. The tear gas dispersion is
another method, which has lachrymatory effects and it results in tears
coming out of eyes. Pepper spray is also one method to disperse such
crowds, without inflicting much physical harm. Stun grenade causes
obstruction in visibility and incapacitates the crowd, temporarily.
The defensive systems against rioters require various types of shields
against the attacking mobs. The manufacture of transparent, light weight
shield may be useful for reducing fatigue of deployed personnel. In addition
to this light weight bulletproof jacket is also in the coveted list of the future

60
and current weapon. The personnel protection equipment like specialized
nose mask and ear-plugs may be required by them. Thermal imaging and
night vision devices are also on their wish list. Portable, water-proof
communication system is needed to counter riot or mob.
The cognitive tools are not weapons, but the tacit knowledge, gained by
education to affect the crowd psychology. This required specialized training
programme, which will be targeted to a region, considering the nature of
riots, which may erupt in the area. The negotiation, and communication skill
along with presentation of positive points of not continuing with crowd
psychic is the main concern. Crowd management, intelligence gathering,
hostage rescue, urban warfare, etc are subject matter of such studies with
far-reaching consequences.
However, only defensive sector constitutes the domain of future weapon
requirements.

4.4 Weapon for Natural Calamities

Natural calamities constitute all act of Gods, which are regularly sweeping
the Indian sub-continent. It may be visible in the form of floods,
earthquakes, cyclones, tsunami, droughts, and landslides. They are
manifestation of mighty nature, against which humans are dwarfs. The
natural calamities are tackled not as enemy but as a destiny. There is no
prevention against these. It is only the displacement of humans to safe
places that can be done. After natural calamity has passed an area, the
rescue operations, search for victims, establishment of health services,
making food-water available, are activities, which are executed.
A mechanism of early warning system is to be established against each part
of the natural calamity. This includes weather radar, tsunami alert systems,
seismic detection networks, and real-time satellite imaging. These systems
are sensitive electronic devices, which are entirely away from the domain of
normal weapons or action of a soldier. Warning is followed by actual event
of natural calamity, which is followed by search for survivors and their

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rescue operations. This require equipment like heavy-duty cranes, life
detectors, rescue boats, inflatable rafts, high-powered cutting tools, thermal
imaging cameras, and sonar devices. The life under debris and water is
explored, through these devices. Again, these are just marking devices
based on vibration, optics or acoustics. The heavy earth moving devices are
taken from construction business. These are also not in the category of
weapons. Ensuring medical facility in the vicinity through make-shift
hospital is a requirement. This results in mobile field hospitals, emergency
medical kits, trauma centres, ambulances, and airlift capabilities. These are
taken from different sector and most of the time proper synergy is the main
requirement.
Appropriate equipment, tools and resources are essential against natural
calamity, but by no means natural calamity results in requirement of any
weapon. The systems are available from many sectors, which are pooled to
counter such incidences, which are collectively grouped under head disaster
management. By deploying advanced early warning systems, search and
rescue equipment, emergency medical supplies, communication
infrastructure, helicopters, drones, and disaster relief supplies, India can
effectively respond to natural calamities, minimize casualties, and ensure
the safety and security of its citizens. This domain is free from any
specialized weapon requirement.

4.5 Weapon against Hackers

The rapid advancements of technology has developed another class of

enemy, against which entirely new class of technologically advanced
systems are to be developed. They are called hackers and they require no
physical weapons, but various types of computer viruses, ransomwares, and
cyber- domain illegal-actions. Although creation of strong regulatory
framework is a preventive tool, but it is not sufficient. Some active counter-
measures are needed for tackling this. The social media in the form of
Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Telegram, Instagram etc are used
to propagate fake, concocted and biased opinion and messages for creating

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disturbance in a country, community or region. With every information is
now shifted in soft form on well-connected computers, the cybercrime is
executed by hacking any one of the computer in the network a corrupting
the entire network. The crippling of bank, economy, hospitals, departments,
telecommunications, electricity distribution, insurance set-up, etc has been
practically demonstrated by hackers in the past. The regulations may be
stringent, but locks are not for made for thieves. Hackers will exploit the
regulations and disobey them thoroughly to inflict lasting injury to the
available system.
One of the major problem with cyber-security breaches and espionage cases
is that the hackers are relatively younger but expert compared to defending
older people with poor knowledge of computer. The development and
matching of technology with hackers require technology development,
which is more independent of expertise levels of protectors. Moreover, the
main requirement is to create a global environment through diplomacy to
restrict cyber-crimes, globally. However, many countries have mastered the
technology of cyber-crimes and are using it to stall the systems of different
countries for extracting money and favour. Cyber diplomacy is a non-
tangible tool for the same.
The weapons required to tackle hackers is not in true sense a weapon. It is
all actually skill development activities, which is concentrated on deciding
counter-moves against the known cyber moves by hackers. The major
weapons against such crimes can be represented as Figure 5 .

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 Figure 9. Weapons for Fighting Cyber- Enemies

The cyber security framework should have preventive and responsive

features in-built in the system for avoidance and identification of any
incidence of unwanted interventions. The cyber-crimes affect multiple
systems, countries, groups and regions. So, defence against this should not
be isolated. Collection, analysis and sharing of threat intelligence data is a
requirement. It is not sharing alone, but knowledge, practices and expertise
must have synergy through collaboration and exchange. As happens in any
other area, the existing gap, if any can be bridged by cyber-security
education, so as to create a viable workforce. Only defence against such
crime is creation of robust and resilient system through smart, dynamic and
multiple encryption. Similarly, authentication of individuals and institutions
can be tightened by multi-factor stringent access. Considering the wide
range of frauds in digital payment, the verification process also require
more and more layers. Biometric and token-based verification is one way to
look into the matter and get a feasible solution. Cyber forensic is
investigation of cyber-crimes, in order to understand the modus-operandi
and find means to prevent occurrences in future or reduce the detrimental
effects, in case it happens. Identification, containment and investigation are
effective weapons in this domain. Vulnerability management is final area,
which require audit, scanning and patching.
Overall, although this crime is injurious for stability of the country, but
weapon against this crime is not a physical one. So this is excluded from

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further discussion and while discussion on future weapons being
investigated by various countries, in Chapter 3.

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Chapter 5 Defence Research for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Defence Research for Aatmanirbhar Bharat is an aspiration derived from

exhaustive review and research about the threat perceptions of India
(Chapter 4) and the current global trend (Chapter 3). Adequate analysis is
conducted to understand the requirements and the same is now enlisted in
this chapter, so that Self-reliance in Defence production through indigenous
production is established. It is clear from the analysis that India, needs
modernization, upgradation, sustenance and maintenance of weapons. If
proper impetus to research is not given now, the future weapon requirement
will be like target to get a mango without planting a tree. If correct tree is
not planted at correct time, the availability of mango is possible
through other means like – Begging, Borrowing, Buying, Stealing and
Snatching. All these five activities are unethical, illegal and unacceptable
for the prestige of an independent sovereign nation. Research is that divine
tree, which is to be planted and watered to reap the fruits in future. In fact,
there are many methods for equipping armed forces with weapons –
Acquisition, Licensed production, Reverse Engineering, Research and
Production.
Acquisition from weapon supplier, abroad is a viable alternative. It is a
faster method of getting weapons. However, it has following lacunae:
➢ Availability of a willing supplier is difficult.
➢ Availability at desirable cost is a problem.
➢ Availability in quantity is another headache.
➢ Availability in crisis may be a challenging task.
➢ Availability of consumables cause permanent dependency.
➢ Availability of testing and qualification methods is hard.
➢ Availability of next generation weapon is not possible.
➢ Upgradation in-house is not possible.
➢ Weapons may have in-built chips to monitor movement and use.
➢ Only weapon is available, neither maintenance nor production is
possible.

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Licensed production is another method, where weapons can be produced in
the country, through transfer of technology. However, the lacunae
mentioned in direct acquisition is present, except for production ease. As
production is conducted in-house, investment in creating production plant
and testing facilities, is another cost-bearing aspect. However, production
technology is established, but upgradation and converting it to make
upgrade always remains under intellectual property rights ambit. This
method gives slightly better technical know-how of weapons as compared
to direct procurement.
If licensed production is possible or if weapons are available, scope of
reverse engineering to understand know-how and know-why can lead to
significant input for producing weapons. However, these weapons will be of
yester-years and not advanced for meeting the challenges of the future. For
flooding of conventional weapon, this method can be used. It is being
practiced by China and Iran, both. The same can be adopted for the existing
or available weapons. It can lead to upgradation of weapons, also, in limited
way.
Production of weapons after in-house research is the only way by which
weapons for future needs of India could be realized. It is both time-
consuming and costly affair. This has to undergo full production cycle,
including qualification of raw materials, process audit, testing of products
and development of acceptance method. If a weapon is developed after
internal research, next upgrades can be designed and produced at a faster
pace. In longer run, it will be cost-effective also. There will not be any
chance of choking the supply, in case of war. Next generation weapons can
come through this route. So research on advanced weapon in India is the
only way to establish aatmanirbhar production eco-system. Of course
synergy between research and production must be established and their
activities must be synergized. Direction of Indian Defence Research is being
established through an exhaustive list of weapons for consideration of
indigenous production.

5.1 Research on Conventional Weapons

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Conventional weapons are already available to soldiers today. Any research
on these will be aiming for an improvement or removal of certain flaws.
There are many research areas and they are restricted to mostly reverse
engineering domain or design modification. It includes integration of
various available technologies, involving interface management and
miniaturization efforts, mainly. Packaging a concept in the form of weapons
is the main stake in research on convention concepts of weapon.

5.1.1 Automatic Weapon

Automation is a concept of executing certain repetitive tasks without human
intervention. For example, an automatic firearm or small-arm, continues to
fire bullets continuously till trigger is pressed and bullets are available in
magazine. The soldier need not press trigger every time a bullet is to be
fired. The automation increases rate of firing and in guns, loading of round,
striking at bullet percussion point, projectile movement, ejection of empty
cartridge and reloading of next bullet takes place automatically without
human intervention. Automation is relevant for small arms only and advent
of machine guns have been a natural outcome. Currently 1200 rounds per
minute is an acceptable rate but sustenance of firing is limited by heating of
barrel and available of bullets. The global automatic weapons market
attained a value of about USD 7.41 billion in 2021, driven by robust
investments in defence and military. Aided by the introduction of advanced
weaponry technology, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.94%
in the forecast period of 2023-2028 to reach nearly USD 11.72 billion by
2027[1]. Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, has produced
the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles by January
2023[2]. Autocannon and Gatling guns are two other areas where
concentrated defence research by India is expected in future.

5.1.2 Light Tank

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As India has to defend borders at high altitude regions, where conventional
heavy tanks cannot be deployed due to limitations of size, manoeuvrability,
road width, turning radius, gradient climb, etc. There is a requirement of
light tank, which is smaller in size, have limited protection, but have similar
lethality as conventional larger tanks. Significant progress is made in this
direction, where tank should be capable of being air-lifted (small size and
less weight). The Zorawar light tank being developed by the DRDO and
L&T has been named after the legendary General Zorawar Singh who had
led successful military campaigns against Tibet (erstwhile China). The tank
is expected to be ready for trials by the end of 2023 and would be
immediately sent to the Ladakh sector for trials[3].

5.1.3 Soldier as a System

Enhancing situational awareness of soldiers in the battlefield is a prime
requirement. This makes soldiers connected with command and other
soldiers all the time. In addition to providing proper and collaborative
execution of commands, the decision making process can also be offloaded
to dismounted soldiers. For this perception of soldiers are to be enhanced by
various modern gadgets. All countries of the world are aiming for
developing a system and India is not far behind in this area. 'Future Infantry
Soldier as a System' (F-INSAS) is aimed at equipping the soldiers with
three primary subsystems - The first system is the AK-203 assault rifle with
day and night holographic and reflex sights. The sights are mounted on the
weapon and also on the helmet to enable 360-degree visibility and accuracy
in operational conditions. In addition to the primary weapon system, the
soldiers will also be equipped with multi-mode hand grenades along with
multi-purpose knives[4]. With a range of 300 metres, the new AK-203
weapon system is the first and only Made in India weapon of the 21 series.
In terms of survivability, the soldiers are provided with a ballistic helmet,
ballistic goggles, bulletproof jacket, elbow-pads, and knee pads. The helmet
and bulletproof jacket gives protection against lethal weapons such as a
9mm bullet even from point blank range and AK-47 rifle. Modern infantry

69
soldiers are also provided with holographic vision which is mounted on
their rifles to aid with target and acquisition, said the soldier during the
briefing. The range is 200 metres. To see clearly in the night and engage
with enemies, soldiers have been provided with Night Vision Devices
(NVDs) which is mounted on the helmet for their ease. For communication
purposes, soldiers have been given a hands-free head commander and head-
set. This will help enhance the operational capabilities of an infantry soldier
and improve communication effectively[5].

5.1.4 Non-Lethal Weapons

There are several criteria for the developments. Most of the time, they
should not inflict permanent injury and they can have only temporary
incapacitation. Dispersion of crowd by water cannon from fire tender is one
major variety. There are plastic bullets, which are fired on ground and on
ricochet from ground they strike at the lower leg for giving a painful
feeling. There are many chemical agents, which are dispersed by different
media to have irritation, itching, lachrymatory and similar other temporary
physiological effects. The dazzlers are another device which causes
temporary blindness due to high intensity directed flash of light. After
Galwan skirmish, the requirement of weapon is viewed by Indian Private
Sector with different perspective and useful non-lethal products for fighting
without weapon, based on Tasers are developed. Taser is a conducted
energy device (CED) primarily used to incapacitate people, by sending
electric current through human body. Many variety of Taser based devices
and protective gears are made and named differently[6] -
➢ Vajra: a metal taser with spikes used for both tasing and hand-to-
hand combat. Capability to puncture bullet-proof vehicles.
➢ Trishul: useful for tasing as well as blocking vehicles.
➢ Sapper Punch: worn like protective gloves and can be used to
give a blow with current.

70
 ➢ Dand V1 and V2: Types of ‘lathis’, made of polycarbonate
material. Used as taser equipment.
➢ Bhadra: a shield used as protective gear.
It is stated that none of these non-lethal weapons will cause death or serious
injury. The area of non-lethal weapon is ripe and India must look into
development of more such equipment for their soldiers and security forces.

5.2 Research on Advanced Weapons

Advanced weapons are those weapons, where concept is proven but

weaponing and efficacy is yet to be proved. These are slightly high-end
technologies and concept demonstration and specification generation for
some of them may be complete. Many of this systems are on drawing
boards also. However, these are in line with the conventional weapons and
has some modifications over the current deployed weapons. There are no
instances of these weapons being developed, but partial success in
development of components has been achieved. Again the list is not
exhaustive, but contains many weapons, which must be made by India in
future. Research must be initiated to realize the system well in time with the
rest of the world.

5.2.1 Autonomous Weapon

Autonomy in weapon is different from automatic weapon. In automatic
weapon, the repetitive actions are executed without man in loop, but aiming,
targeting, engaging and firing needs human intervention. In case of
autonomous weapon, the search and engagement of target is left to weapon.
For this weapon is loaded with electronics based expert system, to conduct
the operation without man in loop. This is the concept of Artificial
Intelligence (AI). Incorporation of AI in weapons has been the genesis of
Autonomous weapon. This is sometimes called third revolution in the

71
domain of weaponry, after discovery of gun powder and nuclear weapon.
An autonomous weapon in use today is the Israeli Harpy drone, which can
fly to a particular area, hunt for specific targets, and then destroy them using
a high-explosive warhead. Such systems, where operations are offloaded to
machines are generally called robots. These so called killer robots, equipped
with intelligence, precision, speed is cost effective and have capability of
self-learning and changing course of action mid-way. They can also
coordinate with many such moving robots to form a battalion of robots,
generally called swarm technology. The amount of teamwork, redundancy,
logic maturity, hardening of software etc some areas, which is being
attempted and mastered by different countries and India must enter in this
domain. A swarm of 10,000 drones that could wipe out half a city could
theoretically cost as little as $10 million.
Despite several regulation and prohibitions, such autonomous weapons are
being researched and developed due to the following advantages:
➢ Reduction in requirement of soldiers.
➢ More efficient and coordinated than soldiers
➢ Impart safety to soldier’s life
➢ Deployment in difficult, complex terrains
➢ Precision strike to avoid civilian killing
➢ Defensive weapon against miscreants
➢ Reduction in cost of war and fighting
➢ Independence from fatigue and has continuous operation
➢ Smaller countries can master the technology to tackle bigger
countries
However, there are several negative sides also projected for such
equipment:
➢ Ethical issue of giving power to kill to robots.
➢ Malfunctioning of robots
➢ Loss of accountability
➢ Possibility of Exploitation as suicide bomber

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 ➢ Lack of common sense and human ability to reason across
domains
➢ Increase in pace of war/fight
In time to come, these become more intelligent, nimble, lethal, and
accessible at an alarming speed. There are proposals of banning, regulating
and prohibiting such autonomous weapons. However, these weapons are
better deterrence for maintaining peace in a region. India must venture in
this area.

5.2.2 Hypersonic Weapon

Hypersonic refers to velocity much higher than that of sound. Supersonic is
velocity just above velocity of sound, but hypersonic weapons have velocity
of the order of 5 to 25 times velocity of sound. These are generally
applicable to missiles or gun fired projectiles. However, mostly hypersonic
missiles are in operation. Due to high velocity, ionization of air in front of
the missile takes place and plasma cloud is created there. It blocks any
incoming radio wave, projected for blocking, thereby protecting it from
detection. Because of high velocity, they reach the target early, without
detection and is a better option for offensive operations. US, Russia and
China has these weapons. In fact in conflict with Ukraine, Russia has used
Hypersonic Kinzhal missile. Other advanced countries like France,
Germany, Japan, Australia and India are also in the process of developing
their own hypersonic missiles.
As far as India is concerned, it can get hypersonic missile capabilities by
2028-29. India has already tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstration
Vehicle (HSTDV), many times. This has capability to move at 6 times
velocity of sound. HSTDV takes an unpredictable trajectory and elude
interceptor detection. It is based on scramjet engine, which is defined as an
engine conducting combustion inside a ramjet engine at supersonic speeds.
Similar to a ramjet engine, a scramjet engine carries the fuel in the missile,

73
it uses air for oxidization, and then compresses the air forcefully, which
comes into the intake at supersonic speed (before it enters the combustion
chamber). It is important to highlight that the ramjet engine slows down the
velocity of air to subsonic velocities (speeds less than 340 m/s) before
combustion takes place; on the other hand, the airflow in a scramjet is
supersonic from the start till the end. Therefore, the engine only starts after
the hypersonic missile is released at a certain speed. For example, on June
12, 2019, the AGNI-I in the form of a booster rocket carried the HSTDV. In
another test on September 7, 2020, India tested the scramjet-powered
HSTDV. After sustained combustion at hypersonic speeds for 20 seconds,
the hypersonic cruise vehicle achieved a velocity of 2 km per second[7]. The
BRAHMOS missile of India is likely to get this capability in 5-6 years by
2028-29[8].

5.2.3 Direct Energy Weapon (DEW)

Directed energy weapons (DEW) fire a beam of concentrated
electromagnetic energy or atomic or subatomic particles. The main
difference between these and traditional weapons is that in this case only
energy is projected and there’s no projectile. Some examples of these
include: (i) Particle beam weapons, (ii) High-energy lasers and (iii) High-
power microwave devices.

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 Figure 10. Features of Direct Energy Weapon

Although development of such weapons began around 20 years ago but they
were limited by the technology of the time. They were large and heavy,
making them somewhat impractical. Recent advancements have made them
smaller and lighter, to the point where they’re now far more practical. Some
of the benefits of these weapons are depicted in Figure 10 . These
equipment are silent and have no parameter like rate of firing. As no
material movement is involved, it is invisible and is not affected by
environmental factors like wind velocity, temperature, humidity, gravity,
etc. the movement of energy is at the speed of light. The produced beam can
engage multiple targets and has flexibility of use. In fact the firing can
continue till energy source can deliver power. This will likely make them
cheaper both “per shot” as well as over the weapon’s lifetime. The directed
energy weapon market is expected to grow to $10.1 billion by 2026 (from
$4.3 billion in 2021). They may be more suitable for potential future space
combat than traditional weapons.
India is reported to have developed weapon “KALI”, which is acronym of
“Kilo Ampere Linear Injector”. Operationally, it is also called Single Shot

75
Pulsed Gigawatt Electron Accelerator[9]. The weapon is designed so that it
can be used to destroy missiles and aircraft through soft-kill. It is a storm-
generating device of electromagnetic waves, which bombards huge flashes
within seconds. Malfunctioning any electronic device coming in contact
with these ray flashes. Fighter aircraft, tanks, missiles, drones, and satellites
have a variety of circuits and electronic chips. And after they are hit by the
beams of KALI these devices will stop working due to the strike of
electromagnetic waves. Since these sophisticated machines will become a
pile of junk in a jiffy. These armaments will explode because of the
electronics and chips inside them[10]. Advanced systems are required in this
area.
Electronic warfare (EW) is another aspects of fighting with electromagnetic
radiation or spectrum. The enemy electromagnetic signals are generally
used for reaping benefits. The warfare system can be used for jamming,
manipulating, imitating or deception of signals. The complete technology
has three aspects – Attack, Protection and Support. In India, DRDO has
developed many EW suits for tri-services. An EW Suite consisting of Radar
Warning and Jammer is capable of nullifying the effect of detected radar
threat by appropriate mode of jamming. It has been successfully tested on
the Tejas-PV1, a Light combat aircraft of the Indian Airforce. Electronic
Warfare System ‘Sangraha’ is developed for Indian Navy, where different
systems are envisaged, namely KITE, EAGLE, HOMI ESM, PORPOISE
ESM and ELLORA. A new EW system ‘Shakti’ is developed of Indian
Navy by DRDO for the interception, detection, classification, identification
and jamming of conventional and modern Radars[11]. Programme
SAMUDRIKA aims at the design and indigenous development of a family
of Seven Electronic Warfare Systems meeting the requirements of Navy for
different platforms viz., Ships, Helicopters and Aircrafts, with a firm
commitment from Navy for quantity production and induction of these
Systems. Seven EW/ESM systems are grouped under two projects namely
Ship-Borne projects & Air-Borne Projects. Ship-borne systems are
SHAKTI, NAYAN and TUSHAR. Air-Borne systems are SARANG,
SARAKSHI, SARVADHARI and NIKASH. Order has been placed by

76
Indian Navy for 12 Nos. of Shakti and 07 Nos. of Nayan systems[12]. The
Shakti EW system will provide an electronic layer of defence against
modern radars and anti-ship missiles to ensure electronic dominance and
survivability in the maritime battlefield. This system will replace the earlier
generation EW Systems of the Indian Navy. Similarly for Indian Army,
‘Samyukta’ is developed, which is configured on 145 vehicles for
deployment in an area of 100 km by 70 km for Surveillance, Interception,
Direction Finding & Jamming of various Communication & Radar
Signals[13].

5.2.4 Network Centric Warfare (NCW)

Network centric warfare (NCW) is imparting situational awareness of
battlefield to all ranks of all services for coordinating offensive and
defensive operations. Actually, NCW is not a separate technology but a
combination of sensor technology, information technology and weapon
technology. As per definition – “NCW is characterized by the ability of
geographically dispersed forces to create a high level of shared battlespace
awareness that can be exploited via self-synchronization and other network-
centric operations to achieve the commander’s intent”. The key to the NCW
is information technology, which takes input from all the sensors and
integrate it for Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Information and Intelligence systems to win
in the future battlefield[14]. Considering the nature of future warfare, as
ambiguous, uncertain, short, swift, lethal, intense, precise, non-linear,
unrestricted, unpredictable and hybrid, NCW will be the only way to arrive
as viable alternative for productive and decisive edge.
In India, there is a requirement of integration of resources to have an
effective and efficient NCS. An integrated network of satellites, airborne
early warning aircraft like AEWs/AWACS, long range surveillance radars
and tactical control radars should be able to act as the eyes and ears to
ensure detection of aerial threat, well beyond the borders. The army could

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feed the inputs from its light-weight low level radars to provide gap free
surveillance into the integrated network. The communication has to be
common and integrated. The destruction resources and their allotment and
deployment need to emanate from the threats envisaged and directions from
the command and control centre. Air defence utilises AWACS, fighter
aircraft and electronic warfare aircraft as well as ground-to-air missiles and
guns to destroy the enemy threat[15]. Such system, if created and established
in India can be a big step towards installation and implementation of NCW
schemes.

5.3 Weapons from Disruptive Technology

The third variety of technology are disruptive technology, which is no way

connected to defence system. These technologies are perfected in civil
domain and are being explored in the field of defence for taking advantage
and operational superiority. Weapons based on such disruptive technologies
are not finalized in concept, but the theory and design is being conceived, so
that operational system could be made, in slightly longer time-span. These
systems definitely require, investigation and feasibility assessment so that
research for fruitful result can be initiated.

5.3.1 Information Warfare (IW)

Information Warfare in its broadest sense is a struggle over the information
and communications process, a struggle that began with the advent of
human communication and conflict[16]. Another definition for IW is as
follows: Actions taken to achieve information superiority by affecting
adversary information, information-based processes, information systems,
and computer-based networks while defending one's own information,
information-based processes, information systems, and computer-based
networks[17]. Basic features of IW is indicated as Figure 11 .

78
 Figure 11 Basic Features of Information Warfare

IW mainly includes 4 operations – denial, disruption, deception and

subversion of information. 7 forms of IW are defined[18]:
➢ Command and Control Warfare (C2W),
➢ Intelligent-Based Warfare (IBW),
➢ Electronic Warfare (EW),
➢ Psychological Warfare (PW),
➢ Economic Information Warfare (EIW),
➢ Hackers Warfare (HW) and
➢ Cyber Warfare (CW)
Each of this forms needs attention, research, development and utility
identification in future war-zones.

5.3.2 Cyber Warfare

Due to increasing use of connected computers, there are chances of remote
access, control and manipulation of information stored in the computers.
The more and more dependence on computers is making life more and more
vulnerable to threat of control over computers and cyber assets. This is
created in recent past due to rapid digitization and implementation of

79
paperless offices. Hackers can launch cyberattacks on critical infrastructure,
causing major disruptions. This could be things like communications
systems or electrical grids or hospital network, or banking system or
national cites, etc.
In the cyber domain computer virus, worm, and Trojan horse are well
known disruptions. If cyber asset belongs to strategic institution of the
country, it may lead to an attack on national security. In fact, now
nomenclature is also changing in cyber domains. In some cases, the system
designer in the beginning itself, introduces some malicious codes, which
may be in the form of Logic Bombs, Trap Doors, or chipping. Nano
machines or microbes are another form of attack, which may obstruct
functioning of hardware and probably destroy the hardware. As far as
jamming or damage to assets is concerned, electromagnetic wave can be
utilized and Electronic Jamming, High Energy Radio Frequency (HERF)
gun, Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) bombs, or Van Eck Radiation can be
used[19].

5.3.3 3D Printing Technology

3D printing has advanced quickly in recent years. It’s now at a point where
hobbyists are even making use of the technology. With that being said, there
are still multiple military applications, and plenty more will arise in the
future. One application that’s currently in the R&D scope is advanced
munitions. These are expected to provide a longer range, higher velocity,
and increased penetration. Currently, 3D printing of plastic, polymer or
metals may be replaced with 3D printing of explosives or propellants for
missile applications. Printing of truck exteriors, in a single piece rather than
multiple pieces assembled together, is another domain of work. Shortage of
supply for specific parts for submarines, which were earlier made by
forging, fitting or casting, can be made by additive manufacturing or 3D
printing.

80
 5.3.4 Space based Weapon
After success of Anti-Satellite mission ‘SHAKTI’ on 27 March 2019[20],
India joined the selected club of countries (USA, Russia, and China) to have
this capability[21]. However, space is being exploited by different countries
not only for exploration and peaceful use but also for weaponization. This is
adding fourth dimension to the warfare. Most of the countries are
diversifying in creating a space warfare capabilities by raising Special
Forces, which takes into account, not only intelligence gathering aspect but
also the attacking capabilities. India needs offensive space based weapon in
future[22].

5.3.5 Block chain as Weapon

Block chain is a distributed, immutable, decentralized and secured ledger.
Since introduction in 2009, usage of block chain have exploded via the
creation of various cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi)
applications, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts. Actually,
multiple copies of transactions and scripted information are stored on
multiple machines and unless, any change is validated on at least three
machines, it is not accepted. Block chain has been used exhaustively in
crypto-currency, banking, supply chain management, healthcare, voting,
contracts, etc. The main properties[23] of Block Chain Technology are
depicted as Figure 12 .

81
 Figure 12 Characteristics of Block Chain

Although it is a secured system, it can be used a better defence against

information warfare, cyber warfare and similar internet dependent activities.
As far as utility of this technology is concerned, it has application in design
of battlefield management system, situational awareness software for battle-
zones and network centric warfare. This applications are not exploited yet
and the ill effects of cryptocurrency and faceless interaction, makes people
sceptical to use the system. However, this has many utilities in weapon
design zone, too, where common decentralized distributed database of
component designs are shared between researcher, designer and
manufacturer, for having all referring to same drawing.

5.3.6 Quantum Computing as Weapon

Quantum technology is based on quantum mechanics, which saw revolution
1.0 in the form of nuclear fission, lasers, semiconductors, etc., where the
statistical aspects of quantum behaviour are exploited. In the current
Quantum Revolution 2.0, the behaviour of individual quantum systems such
as the electron, atom, nucleus, molecule, quasiparticles, etc are to be
exploited. Although most QT’s aspects are still in the form of fundamental

82
rather than applied research, we can foresee several highly relevant
applications for defence. Current quantum system can be classified in 3
categories - quantum computing, quantum networks and communications,
and quantum sensing and imaging[24].
By solving factorization problems efficiently, quantum computing will be
faster than the available computers for encrypting and decrypting image
processing, videoconferencing, and other complex issues. Quantum
communication is another domain of action. Considering the current threats
of secured communication, quantum communication (QKD or quantum
teleportation) should mature and then use this quantum technology to
protect against the other quantum technology. Not only could quantum
computing technology outpace quantum communication development, the
threat is already present. With the prospect of future quantum computers,
hackers could steal encrypted information today, store it and decrypt it in
10-15 years using a future quantum computer. Quantum sensors could be
used to detect submarines and stealth aircraft, and quantum sensors could be
used for Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT). Such ‘quantum PNT
devices’ could be used as reliable inertial navigation systems, which enable
navigation without the need for external references such as GPS. This
would be a game-changing capability for underwater navigation on
submarines, for instance, but also as a back-up navigation system for above-
water platforms in case of GPS signal loss. Quantum PNT (Position,
Navigation and Timing) and quantum radar are particularly interesting for
the military[25].

5.3.7 Digital Twin as Weapon

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical system and mimics
functionalities of the actual hardware and software. In the aerospace world,
digital twins provide a virtual representation of systems such as an aircraft,
a satellite, or even a semiconductor subsystem within a larger system
.Digital twins offer a unique capability to tackle the complexity of
sophisticated systems and to accelerate time-to-market without

83
compromising security or efficiency. While the term is often considered to
be more visionary than what is being implemented today, system companies
have been implementing digital twins into their development process for
some time. Digital twins are multi-domain, they can gather data from one
simulation and apply useful data sets to another simulation to gain
actionable insights. The field data can be analysed to reproduce issues in
simulation that improve system-related operational metrics[26].

5.3.8 Internet of Things (IoT) as Weapon

Internet of Things (IoT) is the extension of Internet connections beyond
computers and communications systems to everyday objects such as cars,
watches, food packaging, domestic appliances and many other products.
Although, civil applications and commercial producers are the main drivers
of IoT technological revolution, defence sector R&T is still concentrating
on Internet-related innovation – notably the concepts of Network Centric
Warfare and Network Enabled Capability (NEC) that were espoused at the
beginning on the century and are now concepts regarded as ‘business as
usual’ with capability platforms and soldiers systems increasingly becoming
network nodes in wider system of systems capabilities[27].
IoT takes into account the prevalent presence in the surroundings of a
number of clever things/objects. They may communicate and collaborate
with each other in creating new applications/services through wireless and
wired connections, so they can achieve common objectives. Items/things
may be recognized and intelligently made by deciding contextually by
aggregating information and sharing with other objects. The military may
become more efficient and effective by integrating sensor systems,
actuators, and control systems with current military infrastructures. Many
applications[28] in defence sector for IoT can be explored as mentioned in
Figure 13 .

84
 Figure 13. Probable Use of IoT in Defence Domain

5.3.9 5G Technology for Weapon

The communication and information system is revolutionized by the advent
of 5G technology. It has two major advantages over the outdated 4G
technology – lightning fast transmission speeds and the capacity to
passivate data communication surges. This will enable many advanced
technologies operational and viable – IoT, virtual and augmented reality,
autonomous vehicle communication, Defence cloud, Artificial intelligence.
One interesting fact is that 5G won't replace protected tactical radio and
longer-range transmission systems, because in high-intensity conflict
situations in the field secure communications is possible with them, only.
However, 5G has inherent ability to seamlessly integrate with these defence
communications solutions[29].

85
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86
 Author
Dr Himanshu Shekhar has been a Scientist in DRDO for last 29 years. He is
a mechanical engineer and has an interest in exploring world of
mathematics, Hindi poetry and advanced technologies. He has done M.Tech
from IIT, Kanpur with CPI of 10.00 out of 10.00, after scoring 99.57 in
GATE. He has 50 books, more than 150 research papers, more than 100
technical reports, more than 120 invited talks to his credit. He has received
awards like Young Scientist Award – 2004, Mr Enigneer – 2003 Award,
Agni Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance – 2001, National Science Day
Oration Award – 2004, Rajbhasha Pustak Puraskar – 2010, etc. He is on the
editorial boards of Bioglobia and Central European Journal of Energetic
Material. He has guided 4 Ph.D. and 12 B.Tech Students. This book is from
the series of his books on exploring defence science.

1. Demystifying Combat Engineering: https://amzn.in/eRS013u

2. Future Land Weapons: https://amzn.in/3IT98oN
3. Unconventional Warfare: https://amzn.in/08hhwCI

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89
目录

Chapter 1 10
Chapter 2 27
Chapter 3 42
Chapter 4 54
Chapter 5 66

90