The Indian Air Force must rapidly develop and integrate space, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities with traditional manned aircraft to achieve comprehensive air dominance in future conflicts, a senior defense official has emphasized.
Strategic Imperative for Modern Warfare
Lieutenant General SP Shukla, the Colonel Commandant of the Army Air Defence, delivered a powerful message during the Air Power Conference 2024 in New Delhi. The three-day conference concluded on July 13, 2024, bringing together military leaders and experts to discuss the evolving nature of aerial warfare.
General Shukla stressed that traditional air power concepts are undergoing a radical transformation. The integration of space, electronic warfare and cyber domains with conventional air capabilities has become non-negotiable for maintaining military superiority. This multidimensional approach represents the future of aerial combat and defense strategies.
The Five Critical Domains of Warfare
The senior army official outlined that modern conflict now spans five distinct but interconnected domains. Land, sea, air, space and cyber spaces collectively define the contemporary battlespace. The general specifically highlighted that space and cyber capabilities have emerged as decisive factors in determining combat outcomes.
"We need to develop and integrate space, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities with manned aircraft for air dominance," General Shukla asserted during his address. This integration represents a fundamental shift from traditional warfare concepts to a more holistic approach to air power.
The conference itself served as a platform for crucial discussions about future-ready air power capabilities and the changing character of air warfare. Military leaders and experts examined how technological advancements are reshaping defense requirements and strategic planning.
Operational Implications and Future Preparedness
General Shukla's comments come at a time when global military powers are increasingly investing in space and cyber warfare capabilities. The Indian armed forces recognize that future conflicts will likely involve coordinated attacks across multiple domains simultaneously.
The integration of these capabilities requires significant technological advancement and strategic reorganization. This includes developing new command and control structures, enhancing interoperability between different military branches, and investing in cutting-edge technology research and development.
The Army Air Defence corps, which General Shukla represents, plays a crucial role in this integrated approach. As aerial threats become more sophisticated, combining traditional air defense systems with space-based surveillance and cyber protection measures becomes essential for national security.
The Air Power Conference 2024 concluded with a clear consensus that India must accelerate its efforts in developing comprehensive multi-domain capabilities to maintain its defensive superiority in the region and beyond.
