A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has strongly recommended that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) broaden its research and development focus to include critical areas like hybrid warfare, kinetic and non-kinetic operations, and advanced anti-drone technologies. The panel underscored that ongoing global conflicts highlight the growing complexities and hazards of hybrid warfare, which now demands greater combat readiness from India’s defense establishment.
The report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, reviewed the progress and functioning of the DRDO and expressed both appreciation and concern over the organization’s achievements and setbacks. While noting that 571 projects worth ₹34,161 crore had been successfully completed in the last decade, the committee also pointed out delays in 23 out of 55 critical projects. In addition, eight projects worth ₹770 crore were stage-closed due to partial or unsuccessful outcomes.
The Rise of Hybrid Warfare and DRDO's Role
The report’s findings align with the realities of modern-day warfare, where conflicts no longer rely solely on conventional operations. Hybrid warfare combines traditional military tactics with non-conventional methods, including cyber attacks, drone swarms, electronic warfare, and disinformation campaigns. Non-kinetic operations, such as cyber warfare and psychological strategies, are increasingly being used alongside kinetic operations involving physical weaponry and strikes.
Given this evolving battlefield, the committee emphasized that the DRDO must prioritize R&D efforts in hybrid warfare to ensure that India’s defense forces remain combat-ready. The panel urged DRDO to enhance its focus on developing advanced capabilities in anti-drone technology, including sea drones and interceptive drones, which are vital in countering both emerging aerial and maritime threats.
DRDO's Engagement with Academia and Industries
One of the panel’s notable recommendations from its previous report was for DRDO to collaborate more closely with premier academic institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to encourage cutting-edge research in defense technologies. The defense ministry responded that DRDO has already established DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-COE) in multiple IITs, IISc, and central universities to strengthen research partnerships.
The committee expressed satisfaction with the existing mechanism but reiterated the importance of expanding research into emerging areas like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, directed-energy weapons, quantum technologies, and smart materials. AI, in particular, holds immense potential for integration into defense systems and subsystems, offering advanced automation, real-time decision-making, and predictive analytics in combat scenarios.
Focus on Energy Security for Armed Forces
The report also touched upon the challenges faced by India’s armed forces personnel in remote and inaccessible border areas, where dependence on conventional energy sources creates operational difficulties. Recognizing the need for energy independence, the committee recommended that DRDO explore renewable energy solutions like solar and wind power to ensure energy security for troops stationed in these regions. Such efforts would significantly improve the living conditions of personnel deployed in extreme and far-flung locations.
The Path Forward
In its response, the Ministry of Defence highlighted that DRDO plans to expand research into critical areas such as quantum technologies, cognitive systems, terahertz technologies, high-power electromagnets, and directed-energy weapons. These technologies are essential not only for enhancing India’s offensive and defensive capabilities but also for preparing the armed forces to counter unconventional security threats in a rapidly evolving global security environment.
The parliamentary panel’s recommendations reflect a clear understanding of the shifting dynamics of warfare. With adversaries increasingly using hybrid strategies, investing in R&D for both kinetic and non-kinetic warfare is no longer optional—it is imperative. By focusing on these emerging technologies and collaborating with academia and industry, the DRDO can ensure that India’s defense forces are equipped to handle modern threats efficiently.
Furthermore, by addressing energy security challenges in border areas and embracing renewable solutions, DRDO has an opportunity to improve operational readiness while aligning with sustainable energy goals.
As conflicts become more unpredictable and technologically driven, the role of organizations like DRDO becomes even more critical. By implementing the panel’s recommendations, India can reinforce its position as a defense technology leader while ensuring national security remains robust in an era of hybrid warfare.
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