IAF Chief warns of new age threat 'hybrid war'...

Amidst new technology and information revolution, the meaning of war has completely changed today. Now hybrid war is emerging in place of traditional war, in which cyber attacks, misinformation and economic pressure are being mixed with traditional military aggression. Which is completely different from the military or economic risks of the past. This is the belief of indian air Force Chief air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary. Addressing during the 'Bharat shakti Defense Conference' held in New Delhi, the air Chief said that self-reliance does not mean being 'isolated', but it is to strengthen one's internal capabilities to deal with external challenges and risks.

Emphasizing the need to adopt a comprehensive approach in various fields to make india self-reliant in the defense sector, air Marshal VR Chaudhary said, "These threats are often complex, international and multi-dimensional. Along with this, hybrid warfare is emerging, which combines cyber attacks, misinformation and economic pressure with traditional military aggression.''

Rise of Hybrid War

According to news agency PTI, the air Chief said that a powerful and effective means for india to face these challenges is cooperation. Collaboration with industry, academia, partner countries and emerging markets will be important for dialogue in these turbulent times. As india faces these challenges, dependence on external sources for critical infrastructure, technologies and defense capabilities can create vulnerabilities.''

Speaking on self-reliance, he said that it does not mean isolation, it aims to strengthen internal capabilities and capacity to face external challenges, including building domestic industries, investing in innovation, securing critical infrastructure and reducing vulnerabilities to external manipulation.

The air Chief has cited the new report of SIPRI, which states that india will be the largest importer of arms in the world between 2019 and 2023, with an increase of 4.7 per cent in arms imports compared to the previous period of 2014 to 2018. He further said that to become self-reliant in the defense sector, india needs to adopt a comprehensive approach in various sectors, so that there is a combination of technological innovation, structural reforms and strategic planning.