Lt Col Akshat Upadhyay Unveils Book on Tech in Indian Army to CDS Anil Chauhan
In a significant advancement for India's defense innovation, Lt Col Akshat Upadhyay, an officer with the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, has presented his new book, Emerging Frontiers: Technology Absorption in the Indian Army, to General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff. This presentation highlights the increasing drive to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into India's military approach.
The book examines the impact of civilian-origin technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities, and quantum computing on global warfare. Using case studies from nations like the United States, Israel, and Ukraine, as well as conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas clashes, Upadhyay emphasizes the need for substantial reforms in India's defense innovation framework. He advocates for empowering soldiers as both combatants and technologically adept strategists.
General Chauhan, who has served as India's second Chief of Defence Staff since 2022, received the book as a testament to the armed forces' commitment to enhancing technological expertise. This event aligns with national programs like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), which has supported over 300 defense-tech startups since its launch in 2018, marking a move toward indigenous innovation.
The release of the book coincides with evolving global military doctrines that increasingly emphasize technological dominance. Recent research, including a 2023 report by the Royal United Services Institute, highlights the pivotal role of drones and autonomous systems in contemporary warfare. Furthermore, a 2022 RAND Corporation study noted that Israel's integration of technology training into soldier education improved urban warfare effectiveness by nearly 30 percent.
Emerging Frontiers is anticipated to provoke important discussions on how the Indian Army can enhance its agility, adaptability, and technological capabilities amid rapidly advancing threats.
