CDS Gen Anil Chauhan during the 9th harat Shakti Defence Conclave. (Photo: X/@BharatShaktiBSI)
New Delhi: The chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan, announced the launch of the first-ever “future warfare” course. He said the course will start on September 23. This initiative aims to prepare India’s military for emerging combat challenges by adopting a unique training format that breaks traditional rank barriers.
During his address at the Bharat Shakti Defence Conclave, on Thursday, Gen Chauhan outlined how this course is designed to be “rank-agnostic”, which will allow officers from varying levels – ranging from major [and equivalent] to major general [and equivalent], to learn side by side. This approach would encourage the exchange of knowledge and ideas across different ranks, fostering an environment where both junior and senior officers can benefit from each other’s experiences.
“It’s something new that we are trying to do,” he stated. The CDS emphasized the innovative nature of the course, which reflects a broader shift in India’s defence strategy towards joint operational commands or theterization.
Gen Chauhan also said the objective is not to mimic how other advanced militaries approach future warfare but to chart an independent path that addresses India’s specific needs. He said, “We are going to say, how we are going to fight in future and how we will lay the roadmap. So, it’s a different concept.”
The joint commands aim to integrate the three services – Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force – to ensure cohesive and more effective defence operations. Gen Chauhan pointed out that this course will help officers understand the complexities of modern warfare, including technological advancements and multi-domain operations, and is expected to evolve with time.
