Hybrid warfare now a reality: Rajnath Singh decodes the changing nature of war

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that hybrid warfare is a reality now and that a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic tools is a genuine threat.

While addressing a seminar titled "Air Power in 'No War No Peace' Scenario", organised by Centre for Air Power Studies on the first anniversary of Balakot airstrikes, Rajnath Singh emphasised on the need to reorient the training of soldiers to meet the challenges posed by hybrid warfare, assuring Government support in this regard.

Referring to various aspects of hybrid warfare, namely expanding battle space, time compression and technology infusion, he said, "In such a scenario, artificial intelligence, high-speed weapons and space-based sensors & tools will have a significant impact."


He stressed on the need to imbibe new technologies and use existing capabilities in innovative ways.

Singh said that the Balakot airstrike carried out by the Indian Air Force had sent a clear message that it was not safe anymore for the terrorists to continue using areas "beyond Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB)" for anti-India activities.

The Defence Minister further said that the Balakot airstrike had led to changes in the perception of India in the minds of our neighbours.