Critical, Emerging & Disruptive Technologies in Cyber, Defense, Deep Oceans & Space (CEDOTS)

Defense-related issues have been in the limelight for some time now. From indigenisation, technological advances and changes in the character of warfare, all have been having an impact on politics, international relations, scientific collaboration and manufacturing. With the volumes and cost of the procurement of weapons and equipment running into thousands of crores and strategic agreements including tech-transfer becoming increasingly complicated, this is becoming an important sector for study. Moreover, the government has been revising the procurement procedures periodically. The environment is becoming more and more investment friendly. Creating the defense infrastructure for promoting exports to like-minded countries is important. The changing character of war feeds into these and combined with the technological advances, they need constant monitoring and study. These necessitate close attention and a detailed analysis.

Data is the new gold. If it is equated to gold, then it comes with two issues. One protection of that data and obtaining data legally for analysis. Former, relates to cyber security wherein the systems and the data contained therein are made secure. Cyber security is a cat and mouse game and a constant tussle between the defender and the person seeking that data. Also, data governance is playing a more and more important role. Adopting ‘Smart’ tech for civilian spaces has also become vital even as understanding the wider implications of the emergence of ‘Disruptive’ Tech like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, block chain technology and cryptocurrency holds the key to enhancing comprehensive national power. These aspects of cyber need constant study and gaining prominence day by day. This is a subject, the study of which will be beneficial to the government, public and private sectors.

India has to manage its over 7500kms long coastline borders. Hence, securing the immediate maritime environment and negating any growing influence of state and non-state adversaries in this theatre becomes critical. In this context, technology (tech) has become a great enabler in achieving this strategic objective. Investing in ‘Sharp’ tech for dual use application and deep oceans technology to augment maritime domain awareness and underwater domain awareness is a critical priority for India’s national security planners. Simultaneously, strengthening research and development on ‘Indus’ tech for enhancing trade, logistics and connectivity through free trade agreements and comprehensive strategic and economic partnerships has become imperative in a world moving towards the fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and various countries are adopting protectionist measures.

Space is becoming an increasingly important theatre for major and emerging powers in the evolving international environment. It has significant utility for civilian and defense purposes including for agriculture, navigation, early warnings on environmental disasters, potential adversary attacks and for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. It is by now well established that investing in ‘Space’ tech will provide an overwhelming advantage in future warfare. In this context, India is prioritising heavily in augmenting satellite advancements like nano satellites; promoting space manufacturing and communications; strengthening smart propulsion; developing expertise in traffic and activity management in space; launching space missions, emphasising on undertaking space mining and focusing on an in-depth understanding of space data.