Third Edition of Future Warfare Course Launched in New Delhi

India has formally begun preparing its military leadership for the wars of the future. On February 2, 2026, the third edition of the Future Warfare Course commenced in New Delhi, bringing together officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force along with defense industry experts. The three-week programme focuses on how technology, geopolitics and new domains of warfare are reshaping military operations. The course aims to ensure that India’s Armed Forces stay adaptive, integrated and future-ready.

What Is the Future Warfare Course?

• The Future Warfare Course is a tri-services professional military programme conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in partnership with Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
• The course is designed to study how modern wars are changing due to technology, new domains and evolving geopolitical realities.
• It encourages officers to rethink doctrines, strategies, concepts and tactical procedures required for future conflict scenarios.

Key Focus Areas of the Course

• This edition features an expanded and advanced curriculum.
• It focuses on emerging military technologies, domain-specific warfare and the impact of innovation on combat operations.
• Participants attend practical demonstrations, expert lectures and institutional visits linked to India’s defence capability.
• Special attention is given to cyber warfare, space, AI-driven systems, supply-chain vulnerabilities and rare-earth dependencies.
• The goal is to develop a deep understanding of how these factors influence planning and execution of future military operations.

Who Are the Participants?

• The course includes officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, ranging in rank from Majors to Major Generals and equivalent officers.
• Junior officers contribute technical expertise, while senior officers add operational and strategic experience.
• In addition, representatives from defence startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and private industry also participate.
• This mixed structure ensures open dialogue between warfighters and industry innovators, helping bridge operational needs with technological solutions.

Role of Industry and Experts

• A key strength of the course is its interaction with a wide range of experts. Veterans, serving officers, former diplomats, industry professionals and academic scholars participate in discussions.
• Subjects such as global geopolitics, regional security challenges, critical minerals and defence supply chains are examined.
• This multidisciplinary approach allows officers to understand not just battlefield tactics, but also economic, diplomatic and industrial factors shaping future warfare.

Vision Behind the Programme

• The expanded three-week programme builds on the success of its first edition held in September 2024.
• It aligns with the vision of Anil Chauhan, who has emphasised preparing officers for complex, technology-driven and multi-domain conflicts.
• The course aims to ensure India’s Armed Forces remain integrated, forward-looking and capable of addressing future security challenges effectively.

Question

Q. The Future Warfare Course is conducted under the aegis of which organization?

A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Indian Army Headquarters
C. Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff
D. DRDO