Cyber Preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces
| Published date | 01 December 2023 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/23477970231207250 |
| Author | B. Poornima |
| Date | 01 December 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Research Articles |
Research Article
Cyber Preparedness
of the Indian
Armed Forces
B. Poornima1
Abstract
The Indian armed forces today face a significant threat of cyberattacks,
particularly from hostile neighbouring states like China and Pakistan.
Cyberattacks could potentially damage or cripple critical weapons platforms,
major communications and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance)
systems, and vital infrastructure, undermining the military’s preparedness and
war-fighting capabilities. How prepared is the Indian military to neutralise
cyberattacks from adversaries such as China and Pakistan? This is the central
question that this article attempts to address. The article contends that
the delayed development of technical, policy, and organisational measures
in the cyber domain indicates vulnerabilities in the Indian military’s current
state of cyber preparedness, leaving room for enemy cyberattacks. It
emphasises the need for immediate actions to address the critical gaps in
India’s cybersecurity strategy. In particular, the Indian military must focus
on drastically strengthening its defensive cyber capabilities to neutralise
potential enemy cyberattacks on weapons platforms, communication and
ISR systems, and critical infrastructure. The article concludes that without
enhanced defensive cyber capabilities, India’s military modernisation may fall
short of responding adequately to technology-driven warfare threats from the
hostile states in the neighbourhood.
Keywords
Cyber security, India, armed forces, military infrastructure, China, Pakistan,
cyberwarfare
Journal of Asian Security
and International Affairs
10(3) 301–324, 2023
© The Author(s) 2023
Article reuse guidelines:
in.sagepub.com/journals-permissions-india
DOI: 10.1177/23477970231207250
journals.sagepub.com/home/aia
1
Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education,
Manipal, Karnataka, India
Corresponding author:
B. Poornima, Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Academy of Higher
Education, Old TAPMI Building, Madhava Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
E-mail: aminroopb@gmail.com
302 Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs 10(3)
Introduction
In the present-day theatre of conflict, the accustomed route of physical confrontat-
ions has been significantly redefined. We observe a landscape where strategies
extend beyond just direct clashes, purposefully aimed at debilitating and sabotag-
ing an enemy from afar. This evolution embraces an array of warfare techni-
ques, from covert infiltration to psychological tactics, non-traditional, hybrid
manoeuvres, and, notably, cyberwarfare. Remarkably potent is cyberwarfare as a
technique; it holds formidable strength not merely to degrade military readiness
but also to wreak havoc on the ability to mobilise for battle. This realisation
underscores the urgent necessity for India to reassess its journey towards military
advancement in this era. Its pressing need pertains to maintaining pace with
global armament development and specifically fortifying capabilities against
cyber threats—a vital aspect deeply ingrained in today’s war stratagem.
Throughout history, India has focused on modernising its military by bolstering
weapons platforms, fortifying vital infrastructure, and enhancing communication
alongside intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. However,
in this era fraught with an emerging surge in cyber threats—mainly from China
and Pakistan—the strategic lens through which India views militarisation needs
a major refocus. It is not just about physical assets but that India’s strategic
positioning weakens unless it also nurtures potent defence mechanisms within
cyberwarfare. Such reinforcements are crucial to avert threats from cyberspace
that could upset India’s level of combat readiness or undermine its ability to
engage effectively in hostile situations.
India’s defence sector has received substantial investments lately, boosting its
military clout. However, amidst this positive transformation lies certain critical issues
that must be dealt with urgently—specifically highlighted are concerns related to
cybersecurity. The vulnerabilities stem from cyber threats that keep shaping into more
advanced forms, becoming an increasingly complex problem to tackle. Furthermore,
given India’s expansive military presence spread across its territory, providing strong
protective measures against cyberattacks to all military divisions is imperative,
necessitating a systematic, concerted approach towards achieving this goal.
The primary objective of this article is to identify the level of preparedness
and precise deficiencies in the Indian military’s cyber defence capabilities. The
assessment would then enable one to present viable remedies that can truly tackle
these issues. Central to the argument is the urgent need for India’s military
modernisation endeavours to also focus on augmenting its defensive cyber
competencies. Evidently so because significant zero-day vulnerabilities persist,
exposing India’s weapon platforms, communication networks and other key
military resources to cyber assaults.
Cyberattacks in the Era of Modern Warfare
The escalation of technological advancements has opened up a new and perhaps one
of the most dangerous theatres for warfare—cyberspace. Cyber warfare comprises
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