Non -Kinetic Warfare

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• Indian armed forces’ preparedness to deal with“hybrid warfare” is one of the 17 subjects that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has narrowed down for deliberations for the year.
  • Hybrid warfare uses both kinetic and non-kinetic warfare methods.

About

• The committee spoke extensively on the growing danger of “non-kinetic warfare” citing the examples of ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, where these methods have been deployed. 
• It contended that the future wars will be fought using the tools and ensure that the parliamentary panel closely investigates the Army’s preparedness to face these threats.

Non-Kinetic Warfare

• Non-kinetic warfare generally refers to action against an adversary without a direct conventional military action. 
• It comprises possibilities such as information warfare, cyber warfare, psychological operations, electromagnetic offensives and cryptographic warfare.
• With technological progress, many believe that the non-kinetic warfare can turn out to be deadlier than the traditional methods and conflicts may be won by non-kinetic means even before a bullet is fired. 
• Kinetic Warfare: Kinetic warfare typically means military means employing a range of weapons.
  • While kinetic options are to physically shoot and destroy the drones, non-kinetic options are jamming them or taking control of their operation.

Preparedness for non-kinetic warfare is crucial for several reasons:

• Evolving Threat Landscape: As technology advances, adversaries increasingly use cyber and information warfare tactics. India must adapt to these evolving threats.
• Deterrence: A robust non-kinetic defense can deter potential aggressors by demonstrating the ability to counteract their strategies, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict.
• Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Non-kinetic attacks often target vital systems, such as power grids and communication networks.
  • Preparedness ensures resilience and rapid recovery from potential disruptions.

Standing Committee on Defence

• It is constituted under Rule 331 C of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. 
• The Committee was constituted for the first time in 1993.
• It has the Ministry of Defence under its jurisdiction. 
• Members: It consists of 31 Members; 21 Members from Lok Sabha, nominated by the Speaker, and 10 from Rajya Sabha nominated by the Chairman.
  • The Chairperson of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker. 
• The term of office of the Members of the Committee does not exceed one year. 
• Functions: To consider the Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence, make reports on the same and present them to the Parliament;
  • to examine such Bills pertaining to the Ministry of Defence as are referred to the Committee;
  • to consider Annual Report of the Ministry of Defence
  • to consider National Basic Long-Term Policy Documents presented to the Houses.

Sources: TH