21ST CENTURY WARFIGHTING Future weapon systems must cater for a joint all-domain operations capability, integrating existing systems and strategically inducting new capabilities. SYNERGIA FOUNDATION R E S E A RCH
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This article incorporates key insights from Lockheed Martin India.
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he pace of technology is moving so quickly that it is fast outstripping existing concepts. Unless countries leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, they will be left with platforms that will be quickly outclassed.
BREACHING THE AIR DEFENCES
While conventionally manned aircraft remains a potent threat, even more worrisome is a host of risks posed by UAVs, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. The capacity to launch long-range missiles is no longer the exclusive domain of traditional military forces; even rogue nations, through their non-state proxies, are regularly indulging in long-range destruction through guided missiles and long duration, long-range drones. Therefore, most defence manufacturers are focused on finding a suitable antidote in the form of a credible, affordable and foolproof air defence system that takes into account threats across the entire spectrum - from lowspeed off-the-shelf drones armed with explosives to high tech cruise missiles and even long-range ballistic missiles. Two market leaders immediately come to mind, which can be considered as the industry standard for such weapons systems. One is the Russian S-400 that has created much furore globally and attracted the wrath of the U.S. through its 2017 Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act
Most defence manufacturers are focused on finding a credible, affordable and fool-proof air defence system that takes into account threats across the entire spectrum - from low-speed off-the-shelf drones armed with explosives, to high tech cruise missiles and even long-range ballistic missiles. (CAATSA). The S-400 Triumf is reportedly effective against all sorts of aerial platforms, including missiles, rockets, drones and manned aircraft. Unlike the Israeli Iron Dome system, it provides a shield over a much larger area, like an anti-access/ area-denial asset to protect military, political and economic assets. Some experts compare it with the U.S. Patriot, which is more attuned towards intercepting highspeed ballistic missiles. The second system is the American Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD). THAAD defends against short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It provides a unique endo-and exo-ballistic defence capability and was specifically designed to provide a robust capability against a mass raid. The system uses proven technology to destroy a threat with direct impact – providing ensured negation of weapons of mass destruction, enhanced reliability and safety. As air defence systems get more advanced and assure a degree of safety from a volley of ballistic missiles, the counter to them is sought by military designers. One solution to the ever denser anti-aircraft defence environments is the hypersonic vehicle.
