PanzerKiel
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"INDIAN NON – CONTACT WARFARE"
Introduction
This article therefore aims to introduce the readers to the Indian concept of Non-Contact Warfare, its manifestation, future application and contours of possible response in case No-Contact Warfare is applied by the adversary.
Definition and Important Tenets
Evolution of the Concept
Manifestation of Non-Contact Warfare
Key Enablers and Capabilities for Non-Contact Warfare
Impact of technology on Non-Contact Warfare. Technology has made Non-Contact Warfare possible. Certain novel dimensions of technology which are integral to Non-Contact Warfare as follows: -
Limitations of Non-Contact Warfare. Non-contact warfare is not the panacea for all our warfare related challenges. Non-contact warfare will degrade, disrupt and destroy capabilities across all domains but cannot replace the physical occupation of territory. Conventional conflicts will continue and requirement of boots on ground cannot be understated.
The Threat: Application of the Concept against Pakistan. While a number of actors may employ non-contact warfare against Pakistan, only Indian capabilities are discussed below in order to provide an over view of immediate threat confronting Pakistan: -
Possible Contours of Response to Non-Contact Warfare. At the national level we need to address the robustness of economic and political systems, managing the perception of own people and that of the potential adversaries. Developing military and civilian educational institutions for augmentation of skill sets and problem solving related to integration and interoperability aspects need to be considered. Preparation for Non- Contact Warfare will entail investment in R&D especially in science and technology. Suggested contours of the response are outlined below: -
Conclusion. Modern warfare includes politics, diplomacy, religion and ideology, social tools, infrastructure and financial systems in addition to the conventional war capability. Hence the knowledge of Non-Contact Warfare is critical to gain an advantage in the fields other than conventional warfare. The domains of space, air, maritime, cyber, social media and technology are accessible to all adversaries which includes the non-linear and covert dimensions. Therefore, we need to analyze, debate and discuss components of Non- Contact Warfare, such as its standoff capabilities, use of directed energy weapons, climate change, demography, migration patterns, climate change, corruption and resource control. To counter the looming threat of Non-Contact Warfare, the armed forces need to fine tune the methods and art of warfare including doctrine, organization and training methodologies.
Introduction
- The concept of war expands as technology provides new options and means. The induction of long range missiles, high precision smart weapons, unmanned systems, robots and satellites, has given military planners a new dimension in the prosecution of war. This kind of war, which is primarily driven by technology and aimed at achieving a quick, decisive victory by disrupting, denying and destroying the enemy war waging potential by remote delivery of destructive kinetic energy and soft power through relentless information operations is termed as “Non-Contact” or “Non-Contact Warfare”.
- The concept of Non-Contact Warfare has recently gained currency with the Indian strategic community. The Balakot strikes and earlier fake surgical strike claims point to a strong desire for gaining psychological ascendancy without suffering casualties, simultaneously avoiding escalation of violence. As recently as January 2015, the Indian Army Chief reiterated that Non-Contact Warfare is “important” and is a “major consideration" in the planned restructuring of the Indian Army. In this backdrop, it is necessary to study Non-Contact Warfare, particularly the Indian version with a view to ascertain suitable response options for such scenarios.
This article therefore aims to introduce the readers to the Indian concept of Non-Contact Warfare, its manifestation, future application and contours of possible response in case No-Contact Warfare is applied by the adversary.
Definition and Important Tenets
- A broad definition of the term could be: “Type of warfare which involves application of all national capabilities in an integrated manner, while ensuring minimum physical contact of own forces, to conduct distant operations to achieve a quick decisive victory by disrupting, denying and destroying the enemy’s war waging potential and his command and control systems through remote delivery of destructive kinetic energy and soft power by relentless Information operations”.
- This definition encompasses information warfare/information operations, missile warfare, remote warfare (drone attacks) and robotics in an environment of battlefield transparency and command and control provided by Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) systems.
Evolution of the Concept
- The evolution of Non-Contact Warfare (NCW) has been primarily due to the impact of the media showing the body bags and loss of limbs of young soldiers and the technology making available the means to conduct such warfare. The main motivation is to minimise the Casualties and limit collateral damage as a by-product. The underlying principle of NCW is “fighting wars without suffering casualties".
- The term “Non-Contact Warfare" was coined by Major General Vladimir Slipchenko. He advocated the development of the means to mass effects through depth to fight system versus system warfare. He began to speak of the emergence of “Non- Contact Warfare" as a form of sixth generation warfare. In an attempt to define sixth generation warfare, Slipchenko ended up championing Non-Contact Warfare as involving the capacity to conduct distant, Non-Contact operations and suggested that such conflict would demand major military reforms. Slipchenko, made a compelling case for the enhanced role of Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (C4ISR) in conducting such operations.
Manifestation of Non-Contact Warfare
- Military Domain. Maintaining contact with enemy and causing destruction, is the aim of battle. This contact can be maintained physically or digitally, and this digital means constitutes a part of Non-Contact Warfare. As warfare increasingly turns network centric, the distinction between the military and non-military domains would become blurred. The development of offensive cyber capabilities is being pursued by most modern militaries. Computer controlled and GPS guided long range delivery systems like missiles and munitions are now an integral part of conventional force structures. In the military domain, the tools of Non- Contact Warfare would address C4ISR systems, information systems, precision weapons, long range weapon delivery platforms, underwater platforms, navigation and tracking systems, robots and the defence industrial base amongst others, hence protection of own and disabling/ destruction of the adversary is a requirement of Non-Contact Warfare. Conventional militaries have evolved and are supported by extensive known infrastructure, hence there is a pertinent need to develop the same in the non-contact domain.
- Non-military Domain. The basic aim in the non-military domain of NCW is to develop systems or ideas into a destructive weapon that has both direct and indirect impact on the rival nation’s will. It may take many forms encompassing economic, diplomatic, and psychological dimensions, in addition to the earlier land, sea, air, space, and electronic spheres. The central premise in military thinking of certain advanced nations stipulates that they should be prepared to conduct “warfare beyond all boundaries and limitations". Beyond military spheres include diplomatic, data network, intelligence, psychological, technological, smuggling, drug, social simulated war, financial trade, resources, economic aid, legal, sanctions, media, and ideological war. A new dimension is the role of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs). NGO activities can not only highlight but also derail a number of issues/developments in a nation. They can cause social disharmony, religious discord and even financial panic. This would impact the said nations and is another form of Non- Contact Warfare.
Key Enablers and Capabilities for Non-Contact Warfare
- Technological Superiority. Technological superiority in terms of battlefield transparency (C4ISTAR), information operations, precision weapons, command and control systems, long range delivery means like missiles, unmanned platforms and systems [Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs)], underwater vehicles navigation and tracking systems, both surface and space-based, weather making and forecast systems, robotics, sensors and seekers, and so on, backed by a modern and sophisticated defence industrial base, top of the line Research and Development (R&D) in basic and applied research, and a well informed and determined leadership are considered essential for a viable NOW capability. Ironically, these also make the advanced nations more vulnerable to information operations. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by the weaker nations.
- Responsive Organization and a Highly Trained Force. Technological superiority has to be backed by a highly trained and motivated force and a responsive organization. This requires selection, training, retention and continual up-gradation of the resource in consonance with the development and fielding of systems. A great challenge, indeed, considering the variety of skills required and continual training and retention of this resource in service.
- Troops on the Ground. NCW will have to be supported by special operations troops on the ground for gathering intelligence, real time surveillance, target designation, damage assessment, information operations, and so on. This is, of course, true only where focused operations to capture/eliminate enemy or to capture territory for a desired duration are launched.
- Power Projection. Non-Contact Warfare, through lOs and long range precision weapons provide a distinct capability of power projection. Interestingly, the lOs provide this capability to weaker nations at a fraction of the cost. No wonder, therefore, that more than 140 nations in the world are busy developing offensive cyber capabilities.
- Information Operations. Information operations are described as the integrated employment of Electronic Warfare (EW), Computer Network Operations (CNOs), Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), Military Deception (MIUDEC) and Operational Security (OPSEC) in concert with specified supporting arid related capabilities to influence, disrupt, correct or usurp adversarial human and automated decision-making while protecting our own. lOs have three essential functions:-
- Capability to attack the communication networks and electronic systems.
- Recognize the fact that networks are vulnerable and will become more vulnerable as new technologies and functionalities are incorporated.
- Ensure own networks and systems are protected at all times to maintain decision superiority.
Impact of technology on Non-Contact Warfare. Technology has made Non-Contact Warfare possible. Certain novel dimensions of technology which are integral to Non-Contact Warfare as follows: -
- Nano Technology, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Many conflicts of the future are going to be replaced with ubiquitous robots which will have the capability to undertake autonomous mission with precision. The development in the field of artificial intelligence (Al) has given capabilities in unmanned offensive weapon systems, remote attack capabilities, wearable technologies, decision support systems, automated explosive disposal, mine clearance, medical and casualty evacuation. Future robotic developments are going to give us capabilities like scanning cyber space and unmanned strikes. In the field of C4ISR, some progress has already been made, but with Al and Neural network based equipment, the battlefield will become more transparent thus challenging the existing methods of deception.
- Cyber Technology. In Cyber space, small nations like North Korea have demonstrated a capability to take on technologically superior nations like United States. Stuxnet and Flame attack against Iran and Estonia proves the power of cyber warfare to shift the focus from conventional to “virtual” domain. Doctored videos in the social media and manipulation of social media by vested interests can create social unrest. An unseen battle in the cyber space is already on and will become more complex in future with the increasing investments into cyber technology.
- New Technologies. High altitude EMP can be used to disable communication network and jam satellites. LASERS with capacity to deliver directed energy which is under development along with Particle Beam and high power microwave will be used in many innovative ways to destroy enemy capabilities. With high Frequency Active Aurural Array devices, US is planning to have full spectrum dominance by 2020, by which it intends to modify weather, disable satellites and cruise missiles and disrupt global communication systems. Advanced research in the field of extremely low frequencies, flux compression generators and virtual cathode oscillator is going to change the landscape of NCW.
- Space Technologies. The development in the field of drones, satellite technology, anti-satellite technology, aircrafts including hypersonic vehicles, HEMP etcetera are so disruptive that a whole generation of technology is getting out dated in less than a decade. Space as a platform to fight future wars is a reality with capabilities being developed to disable or destroy other spece based assets.
- Stand Off Capabilities. Directed energy weapons (DEW), Ballistic Missiles and Ballistic Missile Defence, UAVs, UCAVs and drones are going to reduce the standoff distance and will be able to strike with precision or intercept accurately.
- Social Media. The practice of using “trolls”, robotic feeds, bots and paid commentators to sway social media trends and public opinion has become widespread. Alleged Russian meddling in the US elections has opened a whole new set of possibilities to nations possessing the right skills set.
- Information Dominance. The key to achieving ascendency in NCW would be the control of information. Hence, programs such as the X Data program of DARPA, part of the big data push of the US government and advancements in Al are significant developments. There is a need to develop tools for comprehensive and rapid processing, elegant analytical presentation of large imperfect data volumes. The results for the X Data program which are available on the open source could be applied to country specific data. In this new generation of warfare, technological tools are freely available to professionals and more importantly the general public. Transparent battlefields would require nations to achieve zero collateral damage and surgical precision.
Limitations of Non-Contact Warfare. Non-contact warfare is not the panacea for all our warfare related challenges. Non-contact warfare will degrade, disrupt and destroy capabilities across all domains but cannot replace the physical occupation of territory. Conventional conflicts will continue and requirement of boots on ground cannot be understated.
The Threat: Application of the Concept against Pakistan. While a number of actors may employ non-contact warfare against Pakistan, only Indian capabilities are discussed below in order to provide an over view of immediate threat confronting Pakistan: -
- C4I2SR. Within the services and at operational level, lateral sharing of information is at a nascent stage. Defence communication network is being established to bridge this gap. A secure and robust networked environment shall enable India to pursue Non-Contact Warfare by enhancing responsiveness of the services.
- New Technology Weapons. Indian specific community is toying with new types of weapon systems such as directed energy weapons, charge particle beams, nuclear particle beams and high power micro waves.
- Space Technology. Indian space programme has picked up pace in the last 4-5 years. Enhanced capabilities in satellite based surveillance, communications, intelligence gathering and net centricity has given India a qualitative edge in space. However, Indian pursuit of space based offensive capabilities like Directed Energy Weapons, lasers and ASAT capability (demonstrated in March 2019) shall enhance Indian prowess for Non-Contact Warfare.
- Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. Although there is no formalized road map in India in this domain, the government and the industry are trying to bridge the gap and the military is looking towards exploiting this opportunity.
- Cyber Warfare. The Indian government has setup a monitoring system for the cyber domain and necessary legislation has been done which gives clear directives to defence forces and to other national agencies. The. National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) has been set up. Within the services, the Cyber Emergency Response Teams are functional. HQ IDS has been designated as the core agency which will coordinate the raising and functioning of the recently announced Tri Services Cyber Command.
- Missiles. India has embarked upon an ambitious programme to upgrade her missile capabilities. Acquisition of S-400, demonstration of ASAT capability and strides towards development of a whole range of missile inventory including a Ballistic Missile Defence programme point towards strategic thinking of Indian planners.
Possible Contours of Response to Non-Contact Warfare. At the national level we need to address the robustness of economic and political systems, managing the perception of own people and that of the potential adversaries. Developing military and civilian educational institutions for augmentation of skill sets and problem solving related to integration and interoperability aspects need to be considered. Preparation for Non- Contact Warfare will entail investment in R&D especially in science and technology. Suggested contours of the response are outlined below: -
- Non-Contact Warfare will coexist with conventional forms of warfare; however the balance between the two may change based on aims and goals.
- Doctrinal changes within the forces should occur before any organizational structures are altered.
- Peace time big data initiatives like the X Data program of DARPA aim to ease out the decision making process for military operations and reduce the element of surprise. The program lessons could be applied to country specific data as the software is available from open source.
- In this kind of conflict, the difference between a combatant and a non- combatant is blurred. Non state actors are the biggest threat especially in the Cyber domain. The role of Non-Contact Warfare is in defeating the enemy from within rather than physically neutralizing the enemy. All military and civilian agencies need to get involved when it comes to the issue of Non-Contact Warfare.
- One of the real concerns with respect to Non-Contact Warfare is the safety and security of cyber information systems. A breach in such systems can cause significant damage to infrastructure/civic amenities and cripple nations/specific systems.
- The non-military application of unmanned systems like robots, autonomous and other artificially intelligent systems will be a key component of Non-Contact Warfare. It is evident that future wars will see a growing trend of unmanned engagements. The defence mechanisms against these systems will need to be developed and implemented.
- “War is about forcing ones political will on the adversary". Information Warfare is a critical and visible component of the nation’s war fighting capability, but it is not the only form of warfare and other conventional capabilities must develop simultaneously.
- The role of NGOs is also important since their operations can not only highlight but also derail a number of issues/activities in a nation. Funding pattern and activities of these organizations which are constantly proliferating need to be monitored systematically.
- Social media has introduced a new dimension to Non-Contact Warfare as it can mobilize a large target audience Coupled with media, this is emerging as a potent force winch can be exploited to own advantage.
- The underlying principle of Non-Contact Warfare is to degrade, disrupt or destroy the military capabilities, defence and industrial production, communications, finance, infrastructure, information resources or trade in an overt or covert conflict therefore, there is a need to bring accountability and sense of responsibility in the critical information infrastructure including military.
- Own Cyber Warfare capabilities need to be addressed with specific reference to development of network offense, indigenous operating system and search engine, create a resource pool of skills to develop cyber warfare tools and develop ASAT and DEW capability.
- At the operational and tactical levels, realistic training of all stakeholders is of primary importance. Targets should be identified in peace time for offensive actions during hostilities. Hardening, survivability and redundancy of networks, equipment, weapon systems and the inspection for ‘bugs' needs to be done Operating in hostile Cyber, EW and CBRN environments needs to be part of own training regime.
Conclusion. Modern warfare includes politics, diplomacy, religion and ideology, social tools, infrastructure and financial systems in addition to the conventional war capability. Hence the knowledge of Non-Contact Warfare is critical to gain an advantage in the fields other than conventional warfare. The domains of space, air, maritime, cyber, social media and technology are accessible to all adversaries which includes the non-linear and covert dimensions. Therefore, we need to analyze, debate and discuss components of Non- Contact Warfare, such as its standoff capabilities, use of directed energy weapons, climate change, demography, migration patterns, climate change, corruption and resource control. To counter the looming threat of Non-Contact Warfare, the armed forces need to fine tune the methods and art of warfare including doctrine, organization and training methodologies.
