Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS): Future of Warfare The history of war is replete with instances where a nation that has effectively, and innovatively harnessed technology has been victorious. From innovations stem revolutions in military warfare, and the current world order is witnessing a very profound and rapid revolution through the employment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), be it in conventional conflicts such as Nagorno–Karabakh (Azerbaijan–Armenia), the current Russia–Ukraine conflict or the unconventional ‘Global War on Terror’ in Afghanistan. Apratim Sharma | October-December 2022 | Journal of Defence Studies
AI and the Future of Air Combat in India In his autobiography Hawkeye, Israeli fighter ace Giora Even-Epstein recalls flying the Fighting Falcon F-16, and comments that “Flying an F-16 was different than any other plane I’d ever flown. It felt like it was the computer more than the pilot that was flying the plane.” Bulbul Prakash | October-December 2022 | Journal of Defence Studies
Maintenance Ecosystem of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) in Military Aviation India’s commercial drone industry is growing and the drone market is expected to become a multi-billion-dollar industry over the next decade. In this drone era, the smaller drone systems, that is, small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) are also gaining traction in Indian armed forces for use in Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and as armed sUAS for kamikaze role. A. Karunakaran | October-December 2022 | Journal of Defence Studies
IADD Reinvigorates India’s Defence Cooperation with African Countries The second India–Africa Defence Dialogue at DefExpo 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat has opened multiple pathways for defence cooperation between India and Africa. Ruchita Beri | October 18, 2022 | IDSA Comments
Threat of Radicalisation in Syria’s ISIS Prisons Concerns of radicalisation in SDF-run facilities in Syria remain high, given that reports flag corruption, crime, and deplorable security conditions at these camps. Saman Ayesha Kidwai | October 18, 2022 | IDSA Comments
Understanding the PLA’s Command and Leadership System The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has established a leadership and command system to enhance its capability to conduct joint operations. M.S. Prathibha | October 17, 2022 | Issue Brief
Raksha Mantri’s Visit to Egypt: Significance for India–Africa Defence Cooperation Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh’s visit to Egypt will concretise India–Africa defence cooperation through training, capacity-building, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Ruchita Beri | October 17, 2022 | IDSA Comments
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles: Some Ethical Considerations for the Defence Applications of AI Combat drones or Unmanned Combat Aerial Systems/Vehicles (UCAVs) refer to automated aerial vehicles, equipped with the capacity to carry and deploy lethal weapons such as missiles or bombs. They are characterised by their maximum take-off weight (less than 150 kgs, 150–600 kgs, and more than 600 kgs) or flight features (High Altitude Long Endurance, and Medium Altitude Long Endurance). Enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the use of these drones has become increasingly popular in combat and counter-terrorist missions. Halima Z. Ansari | October-December 2022 | Journal of Defence Studies
Military Drones in India: New Frontier of Warfare A new phase of drone warfare has come, involving several actors and the usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has progressed beyond counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations to full-scale conventional battles. Moreover, as technology advances and is linked to artificial intelligence, a new third era of drone warfare is on the horizon. It is therefore pertinent to analyse the global proliferation of military drones, the indigenisation of military drones in India and to examine where India stands in the context of military drones. Pintu Kumar Mahla | October-December 2022 | Journal of Defence Studies
Global Developments in Sea-based Unmanned Crafts Sea-based unmanned crafts are increasingly being used by navies across the globe because of their utility and multi-mission capabilities. The future of naval warfare will be driven by unmanned systems thereby reducing the risk to human lives. This article explores the sea-based unmanned crafts that includes a survey of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) for military use. It includes a description of sea-based unmanned crafts, the present doctrines and standards, technology advancements and applications. Sanur Sharma | October-December 2022 | Journal of Defence Studies
