Technology and Military Power in the Contested World

Date: 27th June, 2025 

Venue: Christ University, Bangalore

Time: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM 

Organized by: Centre for East Asian Studies & The Peninsula Foundation

Inaugural Session:

The Peninsula Foundation, in collaboration with the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), Christ University, organized the National Conference on 'Technology and Military Power in the Contested World' on 27th June, 2025, at the university's central campus. The keynote address was delivered by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Training Command, Indian Air Force (IAF). 

Session 1: Technology and the Changing Nature of War

Report by: Sharonrose. E, Research Intern

The session was notably enriched by the insights of Air Marshal Anil Khosla, former Vice Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force. His keynote address focused on the changing contours of warfare driven by advancements in hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence (AI), drone technology, and naval strategies.

Air Marshal Anil Khosla began by discussing the rise of hypersonic weaponry, emphasizing that these weapons are distinct due to their extreme speed, unique trajectories, and manoeuvrability. He noted that countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Australia are actively developing and deploying hypersonic capabilities. In response to these evolving threats, defence systems must adopt integrated and layered solutions that include space-based sensors, high-power microwave weapons, and real-time interception mechanisms.

The speaker then addressed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare. AI, he explained, significantly enhances military efficiency through accurate decision-making, predictive maintenance, simulation-based training, and streamlined logistics. However, he cautioned that the reliability of data input is critical for the effectiveness of AI-based systems. Incorrect or biased data could lead to flawed decisions with serious strategic consequences.

Further, Air Marshal Khosla spoke about the evolving nature of warfare, which is increasingly becoming networked, with civilian infrastructures often intertwined with military operations. This necessitates heightened precision and accuracy to avoid collateral damage and maintain legitimacy in the eyes of the international community. He highlighted the phenomenon of the democratization of technology, where even non-state actors or small nations are now capable of innovating and creating significant impacts in military engagements.

In the context of naval warfare, the speaker Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha referred to recent global conflicts that have underscored the importance of strategic preparedness and continuous awareness of enemy capabilities. Integration of AI and satellite technologies into naval systems was identified as crucial for improving reaction time and situational control. He also drew attention to the rising challenge of commercial vessels being used to transport weapons, advocating for stronger surveillance systems and the use of precision weaponry to counter such threats.

A substantial portion of the session focused on the importance of drone technology and innovation in the Indian defence ecosystem. Major Arun Sreedharan stressed the need for drones across multiple domains—from logistics to real-time surveillance—and called for stronger partnerships between start-ups, academic institutions, and defence agencies. To facilitate this, he argued that existing regulations and procurement frameworks need to become more flexible and innovation-friendly.

The speaker also emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping a responsible technological future. He noted that low-cost and accessible technologies have enabled new strategies in recent global conflicts, and that young minds must be encouraged to contribute toward creating international norms around the use of AI and autonomous systems in warfare. A global consensus rooted in diversity and inclusion, he asserted, is essential for ensuring the ethical application of emerging technologies.

Finally, Mr. Mohammed Sabtain underlined the importance of AI integration and reliability within national defense systems. He explained that systems must be trained to evaluate the accuracy of their outputs and must constantly evolve through improved data analysis and feedback mechanisms. Encouragingly, he noted that domestic AI development is already underway in Indian universities, which bodes well for indigenous technological capabilities in the years to come.

In conclusion, the session provided a comprehensive understanding of the technological shifts currently reshaping military doctrines and operational realities. The speakers' addresses were insightful, forward-looking, and grounded in strategic pragmatism. Their emphasis on ethical responsibility, collaborative innovation, and national preparedness offered valuable direction for policymakers, defence personnel, and academic researchers alike.

Session 2: Regional Conflicts, Nuclear Thresholds and the New World Order

Report by: Susanna Packianathan, Research Intern

The session provided a deep analysis of current international tensions, nuclear dynamics, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping future conflict scenarios. The speaker began by outlining the fragile state of the world order, emphasizing the proliferation of conflicts across regions such as Ukraine, South Asia, and West Asia. These overlapping tensions raise serious concerns about nuclear escalation, especially in an environment where dialogue among nuclear-armed states has significantly diminished. The speaker highlighted that the weakening of multilateral institutions and the rapid development of disruptive technologies further elevate the risks of conflict breaching nuclear thresholds.

The session then moved into a detailed discussion on nuclear thresholds and deterrence. It was stressed that the level of a country’s nuclear threshold often reflects its broader strategic intentions. The doctrine of deterrence—built on the premise of retaliatory threats—remains a cornerstone of nuclear stability, preventing states from taking undesirable actions. However, the effectiveness of deterrence is deeply tied to credible signaling and the policies surrounding nuclear weapons. The speaker argued that maintaining this balance is critical for strategic stability, especially when multiple nuclear powers are engaged in tense geopolitical environments.

A major part of the presentation was devoted to India–Pakistan nuclear dynamics, which the speaker described as particularly delicate. Despite both countries being nuclear powers, deterrence has not always functioned predictably in this bilateral context. Pakistan’s declared first-use policy and its inclusion of tactical nuclear weapons in its strategy blurs the lines between conventional and nuclear warfare. This ambiguity challenges the traditional logic of deterrence. The speaker suggested that India must reassess its media strategies, public messaging, and nuclear policy responses to ensure that adversaries are not left with exploitable strategic space for waging limited or hybrid warfare.

The address also included an insightful analysis of the geopolitics of technology, where the speaker posited that future strategic competition may be defined less by military confrontation and more by economic and technological rivalry. The ongoing trade tensions, particularly in the technology domain, signify the rise of a new form of conflict that is subtler yet equally consequential. The speaker advocated for selective international cooperation and alignment with like-minded partners to build resilient supply chains in critical sectors. Contrary to widespread belief, economic vulnerability is not simply a function of dependency but also of the absence of presence in high-value areas of the supply chain.

In discussing proxy wars and regional conflicts, the speaker emphasized the re-emergence of proxy warfare as a favored tactic among major powers. These indirect conflicts serve as testing grounds for influence and control while minimizing the costs of direct confrontation. The speaker observed that the current global landscape cannot be explained through the traditional binary logic of Cold War geopolitics. Instead, it reflects a multipolar, complex structure where regional powers, especially India, are gaining increased recognition. With its growing economy and strategic autonomy, India is now seen as a key actor capable of shaping outcomes in this emerging world order.

The final segment of the session explored China’s militarization of artificial intelligence, tracing it back to the historical trajectory of China’s national ambition following what was referred to as a "century of humiliation." China’s aggressive pursuit of AI-driven military capabilities includes the development of automated systems and battlefield simulations. These advancements are not merely tactical but represent a shift in strategic thinking, potentially altering global doctrines around deterrence and escalation. The speaker warned that such developments challenge existing notions of stability and require urgent international attention.

In conclusion, the session provided a nuanced and multi-layered understanding of the complex interplay between geopolitical conflicts, nuclear strategy, and emerging technologies. It highlighted the urgent need for revisiting existing doctrines, fostering multilateral dialogue, and preparing for new forms of strategic competition in an increasingly unstable global order. The insights offered during this session were both timely and essential for scholars, policymakers, and security practitioners alike.

Session 3: Technology, Civil-Military Fusion,  and the Future of Power

Report by: Siddharth. S.N, Research Intern

This session focused on the complex dynamics of civil-military fusion and its implications for multi-domain warfare, with a special emphasis on maritime strategy. The discussion unfolded across several dimensions, covering the blending of civilian and military capabilities, the role of commercial technologies in defense, and the strategic significance of critical infrastructure and emerging technologies.

The session opened by establishing the framework of multi-domain warfare, which now spans not only land, sea, and air, but also cyberspace, outer space, and information technology. A key concept discussed was GEOINT Singularity, the point at which advances in satellite surveillance and geospatial intelligence make it almost impossible for hostile activity to go undetected. The Ukraine conflict was cited as a live example, where commercial remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), infrared, and electro-optical imagery have ensured persistent surveillance and transparency, limiting the effectiveness of concealment strategies.

Speakers highlighted how commercial space technologies, particularly remote sensing platforms and AI-based analytical tools like Palantir, Primer, and Meta Constellation, are increasingly integrated into defense decision-making. The United States was cited as a key example where collaboration between the military and private tech enterprises has grown significantly. Mention was made of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellation and how such civilian infrastructure now plays a critical role in military operations, as seen in communication resilience during the Ukraine conflict.

The session also examined how civil-military fusion (CMF) is being operationalized globally. Examples such as the Predator Empire, an ecosystem of hyperconnected surveillance infrastructure, and submarine-induced undersea cable disruptions, illustrate how civil and military domains are becoming deeply entwined. One of the more strategic insights focused on China's Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) doctrine, which includes reverse dual-use transfers, where military innovations are adapted for civilian use, a reversal of historical trends. Notable projects such as China’s advances in robotics, semiconductors, and AI standardization for defense applications were discussed, alongside international examples like Project Maven and Iron Dome/Golden Dome systems. 

Cybersecurity risks were also flagged, especially with respect to the semiconductor industry, which remains a strategic vulnerability due to heavy reliance on a globally interlinked supply chain. Examples included Huawei’s role in China’s chip recovery efforts and the potential for AI and cyber-enabled espionage. These concerns tie directly into the growing call for national control over critical technologies, a theme that surfaced repeatedly throughout the session.

From an Indian perspective, the need for greater indigenous capacity was emphasized. The Indian Merchant Navy's reliance on foreign-built trade ships was highlighted as a strategic gap, underscoring the importance of strengthening local shipbuilding and maritime technology sectors and these civilian technologies can be later integrated into the military usage. The discussion concluded with a strong appeal for advancing situational awareness systems using AI and advanced sensors to enhance real-time decision-making in strategic environments.

In summary, the session provided a wide-ranging and deeply insightful exploration of how technological convergence, civil-military fusion, and emerging security doctrines are reshaping the contours of modern warfare. As rapporteur, I found the discussions both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant, offering critical reflections on India’s preparedness and policy directions in an era of tech-driven strategic competition.

Conclusion:

This conference offered deep dives into three thematic sessions that critically examined how emerging technologies are reshaping military strategies, reconfiguring global alliances, and challenging the existing frameworks of global governance.