The Indian Defence Forces have successfully wrapped up the second edition of the Tri-Services Future Warfare Course (FWC 2.0) at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on May 9, 2025. This three-week residential course, organized by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), is an important milestone in the process of getting India's military leadership ready to face the sophisticated, technology-oriented challenges of future warfare.
Extended Reach and Involvement
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The course, continuing from its debut 2024 edition, was lengthened to three weeks from five days in response to increased demand for immersion in the paradigm of future war.
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Rank-free participation brought officers from Major through Major General (and their equivalent from the Navy and Air Force), as well as DRDO, Ministry of Defence department representatives, and representatives from the Indian defence industry – start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs, and private enterprises.
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For the first time, the course had 15 representatives from the private defence industry, comprising new-start companies and MSMEs, leading civil-military technological co-operation.
Higher Curriculum and Core Areas
The curriculum included subject-specialized modules on:
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Multi-domain operations and scenario-building drills
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Tactical simulation and threat evaluation
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Emerged warfare technology, such as AI, autonomous systems, and cyber security
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Ethical impact of military AI and next-gen material science on advanced weapon technologies.
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Members participated in theoretical conceptualizations and experiential conflict simulations to maintain operational utility and strategic acumen.
Whole-of-Nation Approach
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FWC 2.0 also propagated a "Whole-of-Nation" approach, ensuring the harmonious synergy between the military and the civilian sector, particularly defence manufacturing and technology innovation.
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The course synchronized operational objectives with indigenous defence capabilities, aligning with the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" agendas.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Development
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The initiative is in line with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan's vision of making the Indian Armed Forces "future ready" by developing jointness, integration, and strategic leaders.
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Rank-agnostic approach promoted cross-hierarchical discussion, blending strategic, operational, and tactical thinking for integrated understanding of future conflicts.
Broader Impact and Future Directions
The course is regarded as a milestone in India's defence modernization, promoting multi-domain operability and speeding up joint services capability development.
It is anticipated to enhance India's capacity to meet national security goals as enshrined in the Integrated Capability Development Plan.
Sources: Buddhist Times, Republic World, Life of Soldiers, India Strategic, New Indian Express
