Hybrid Warfare

Syllabus: GS3/Defence/Internal Security

Context

• Western intelligence agencies have been accusing Russia of increasingly engaging in hybrid warfare since invading Ukraine.

What is Hybrid Warfare?

• It means broadening military operations to include espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks, as well as engaging in election interference, propaganda or disinformation campaigns to weaken and destabilise the enemy from within.
• Aim: To create confusion, disrupt the enemy’s decision-making, and exploit vulnerabilities, without relying on a full-scale traditional war.
• Instances of Use of Hybrid Warfare: 
  • Both the United States and the Soviet Union employed hybrid warfare during the Cold War, through clandestine sabotage operations among several other tactics.
  • Russia’s association with hybrid warfare was solidified in 2013 after military chief Valery Gerasimov published an article noting that the rules of war have changed.
  • China has also publicly adopted a “Three Warfares” concept referring to psychological operations, media manipulation and legal warfare.

Why is Hybrid Warfare on the Rise?

• To Avoid Direct Confrontation: In the Cold War, the US and the Soviet Union engaged in hybrid warfare as the two nuclear powers wanted to avoid outright confrontation.
• To maintain Military Might: After the Soviet Union broke up, Russia found its military might diminished, which only encouraged the further use of hybrid warfare to avoid direct military confrontation with the West.
• Inexpensive War: As the costs of conventional conflict in a nuclear era continues to grow, it is much more feasible to sponsor a hybrid warfare.
• Increased Cyber Networks: The increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and communication systems has opened new avenues for conflict.
  • Cyberattacks allow adversaries to disrupt critical infrastructure, steal sensitive data, or manipulate information.
• Rise of Social Media: The proliferation of social media and digital platforms has made it easier to spread disinformation, influence public opinion, and destabilize governments. 

Preparedness for Hybrid 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 hybrid warfare defense can deter potential aggressors by demonstrating the ability to counteract their strategies, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict.
• Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Hybrid warfare attacks often target vital systems, such as power grids and communication networks.
  • Preparedness ensures resilience and rapid recovery from potential disruptions.

India’s Preparedness for Hybrid Warfare

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Theaterisation: The creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019 was a major reform aimed at integrating the three armed forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • The CDS is tasked with overseeing the integration and modernization of military strategies and operations.
  • This will enhance coordination and improve the efficiency of India’s military response to multi-domain threats.
• Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs): India has restructured its military formations into IBGs, which are fast-response units capable of dealing with both conventional and hybrid threats. 
• Defence Cyber Agency: India operationlised the Defence Cyber Agency in 2021 to specifically address cyber threats to national security.
• ‘Make in India’ in Defense: The government has heavily promoted the ‘Make in India’ initiative, encouraging domestic manufacturing of defense equipment.
  • This self sufficiency is significant for countering security concerns.
• Intelligence Agencies: India’s intelligence agencies like the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) play a crucial role in gathering intelligence to identify and neutralize hybrid threats.
• Countering Financing of Terrorism: This includes stricter anti-money laundering laws and cooperation with international organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
• International Cooperation: India works with the United States, Australia, and Japan within the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) framework to address issues like cybersecurity, maritime security, and counterterrorism.
• Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence 2024: 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.

Way Ahead

• With modern warfare changing in terms of its core facets, conflicts are much more than the employment of direct, physical force.
• India can focus on following areas to prepare for the Hybrid warfare:
  • Invest in advanced cybersecurity infrastructure and train specialized personnel.
  • Develop capabilities for cyber retaliation and offensive cyber operations.
  • Promote strategic communication and public diplomacy to defend against external narratives.
  • Develop training programs for military and intelligence personnel in hybrid warfare tactics.
  • Collaborate with like-minded nations to share intelligence and counter hybrid threats.

Source: IE