In a significant advancement in India’s defence innovation landscape, Lt Col Akshat Upadhyay, an officer with the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, has unveiled his new book, “Emerging Frontiers: Technology Absorption in the Indian Army.” This pivotal presentation was made to General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, symbolizing a concerted effort to incorporate next-generation technologies into the military strategy of India.
The book examines the transformative impact of civilian-origin technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities, and quantum computing, on global warfare. Citing case studies from nations such as the United States, Israel, and Ukraine, and analyzing recent conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas clashes, Upadhyay advocates for extensive reforms within India’s defence innovation ecosystem. He emphasizes the necessity of enabling soldiers to be not just combatants but also co-creators and tech-savvy strategists.
General Chauhan, who has held the position of Chief of Defence Staff since 2022, recognized the book as indicative of the armed forces’ commitment to enhancing technological proficiency. This initiative aligns with national programs like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), which has nurtured over 300 defence-tech startups since its launch in 2018, marking a decisive shift toward homegrown innovations in the military sector.
The release of “Emerging Frontiers” occurs at a time when global military doctrines are increasingly prioritizing technological dominance. A recent report from the Royal United Services Institute in 2023 highlighted the critical role of drones and autonomous systems in contemporary warfare, while a 2022 analysis from the RAND Corporation noted that Israel’s incorporation of technology training into soldier education enhanced urban warfare effectiveness by nearly 30 percent.
With this new publication, discussions are anticipated regarding how the Indian Army can foster agility, adaptability, and technological integration in the face of rapidly evolving threats.
