Drones, AI, multi-domain warfare: Army redraws blueprint for future wars

The Indian Army has unveiled its updated Land Warfare Doctrine 2026, outlining a roadmap for preparing forces to face future conflicts driven by advanced technology, drones, artificial intelligence, precision warfare, and multi-domain operations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the doctrine in New Delhi on Friday, emphasizing its alignment with Defence Forces Vision 2047.

The revised doctrine highlights jointness among armed forces, integration of capabilities across various domains, and the continued centrality of land power to achieve decisive military and political outcomes. It also stresses the empowerment of soldiers, man-unmanned teaming, human leadership, resilient logistics, and the ability to operate effectively in technologically-contested environments.

The doctrine encourages a whole-of-nation approach, including indigenous defence capabilities, national infrastructure, and coordination with non-military institutions. The Army is also advancing several training initiatives, including a five-year multi-domain operations training roadmap, a three-level AI skill development program for officers, and making drone operations a secondary skill for the force.

Since the last land warfare doctrine was released in December 2018, several factors have impacted India's military planning, including a prolonged stand-off with China and global conflicts showcasing the growing importance of drones, missiles, and electronic warfare.