Brig Narender writes, drones are emerging as new weapon for use at tactical level having operational and strategic implications. Use of drones by state and non-state actors will increase in the future since it gives leverage to cause collateral damage, act as target designator for smart bombs, carryout surveillance and act as a platform for electronic warfare.
Other niche technologies
Future Wars : Are Emerging Technologies Transformational?
Anurag writes, the so called futuristic technologies like AI and Robotics will most likely only lead to improvement in the range, accuracy, lethality and employability of existing military systems in the near future and not creation of any new class of weapons or opening up of a new battle space (machine warfare). Immediate dramatic transformations as are being publicised in media are unlikely. Over the medium to long term these cumulative changes may lead to a significant impact on the battlefield and also a new sub-class of existing weapon systems emerging.
NITI Aayog Initiates the Blockchain Effort
Subhashish writes, India Chain will be the country’s largest blockchain network. It will be linked to another existing platform called IndiaStack. IndiaStack is a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow government organisations, businesses, startups and developers to develop applications for presence-less (by using Aadhar), paper-less (Aadhar eKYC, E-sign and digital locker), cash-less (single interface to bank accounts and wallets such as UPI) and consent (to enable people to securely provide consent for the data flow between data providers) service delivery
National Initiatives on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Subhashish writes, the Government of India has started addressing the need to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is a welcome move considering the development made by China in this field. On 20 July 2017, China’s State Council released “A Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” that dwells on the national blueprint for development of AI capabilities with broad goals till 2030 by when it intends to “lead the world”.
USI conducted a Round Table Discussion on Post 19th Party Congress- An Assessment of China’s Strategic Behaviour
Round Table Discussion on “Post 19th Party Congress – An Assessment of China’s Strategic Behaviour” with Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) – US Army War College AWC on 30 November 2017
Brahmos Integration With Su-30 Provides Significant Deterrence Capability
Dr. Ashminder writes The integration of Su-30 fighter with Brahmos is a perfect example of Make in India philosophy and displays high degree of indigenous capability.