Hybrid Warfare

The Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has prioritized discussions on the Indian Armed Forces' preparedness for "hybrid warfare." The focus will include both kinetic and non-kinetic warfare, alongside advancements in anti-drone technologies.

What is Hybrid Warfare?

• Hybrid warfare refers to a strategy that blends conventional military force with non-traditional tactics, such as cyber operations, misinformation campaigns, and economic pressures. It encompasses a wide range of tactics that can be employed simultaneously to achieve strategic objectives.
• Key Features of Hybrid Warfare:
  • Combination of Tactics: Hybrid warfare employs both kinetic (physical military actions) and non-kinetic (psychological, informational, and economic tactics) methods to achieve strategic goals.
  • Multi-Domain Approach: It operates across various domains, including land, air, sea, cyberspace, and information, making it difficult to counter using traditional military strategies.
  • Non-State Actors: Hybrid warfare often involves non-state actors, such as terrorist groups or organized crime syndicates, in addition to state-sponsored initiatives.
  • Psychological and Information Warfare: This strategy frequently utilizes misinformation and propaganda to influence public perception and destabilize opponents.
  • Technological Integration: Advances in technology enable more effective execution of hybrid tactics, including cyberattacks and the use of drones.

What is Non-Kinetic Warfare?

• Non-kinetic warfare is a subset of hybrid warfare that emphasizes tactics not involving direct military confrontation or kinetic force. It includes a wide array of strategies aimed at achieving objectives without physical combat.
• Key Components of Non-Kinetic Warfare:
  • Cyber Warfare: This involves attacks on a nation's critical infrastructure through hacking, malware, and other cyber methods. For instance, disabling power grids or healthcare systems can have devastating effects without a single shot being fired.
  • Electronic Warfare: This includes jamming communications or using electromagnetic weapons to disrupt enemy operations.
  • Psychological Operations: These operations are designed to influence the perceptions and behaviors of enemy forces or civilian populations, often using propaganda and disinformation.
  • Information Warfare: This aspect focuses on controlling information flow and utilizing media to sway public opinion and political outcomes.
  • Economic Warfare: Tactics may include sanctions, trade restrictions, and efforts to destabilize an opponent’s economy, thus weakening their ability to respond militarily.

Examples in Recent Conflicts:

• The Russia-Ukraine conflict has showcased hybrid tactics, where cyber operations and misinformation campaigns played crucial roles alongside conventional military engagements.
• In the Israel-Palestine conflict, similar tactics have been observed, indicating the evolving landscape of warfare that extends beyond traditional military confrontations.