CAPS Journals Centre for Air Power Studies
Not a member yet
63 research outputs found
Sort by
Role of Air Power in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations
No full textThe world has seen natural disasters from time immemorial, however, the recent increase in frequency and intensity of disastersand conflicts have shown us the paramount importance of the Armed forces—Army, Navy and Air Force, Non-Governmental Organisations and other institutions and organisations that can carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)operations. HADR operations have a long history that dates back to ancient civilisations. While the concept of providing aid duringdisasters has existed for centuries, organised and structured HADR efforts have evolved over time
Implementation of Flexible Use of Airspace and Its Impact on Air Power
No full textLittle more than a century ago, as aviation was born, the worth, or power, of a nation resided in its economic status, i.e., its buying capacity. As the years wore on, the pedestal on which a nation’s power resides has acquired many more pillars to bolster itself. These include, in addition to economic power, diplomatic influence, international relations, natural resources, and, most importantly, military power. All these factors, apart from being significant on their own, are intrinsically linked with each other, so much so that without one, the existence of the others would be meaningless. Similarly, any weakness in one would necessitate a proportional increase in the capability of the others. Herein lie our dreams and hopes as a nation.
Ever since attaining independence, India has grown by leaps and bounds to become a formidable world leader and an indomitable presence on the global stage. As our aspirations grow and India seeks a more significant role within the powers that be, there is an ever-increasing need to strengthen all our pillars. The aviation sector can be seen as a common thread running through each of these facets, making it arguably one of the greatest contributors to a nation’s power. To further the interests of the aviation industry and fuel the rapid growth of our economy, the government has implemented the concept of flexible use of airspace (FUA) in India. This development has been hailed as a boon by the struggling aviation industry stakeholders and is likely to contribute greatly to strengthening the nation. However, to ensure that this contribution matters in the long run, a lethal military is of utmost importance.
Out of all the three fighting arms of our nation, the tip of the spear is provided by the air power of the nation. To keep this tip sharp and lethal, a monumental effort is put into maintaining a continuous momentum in operations by the Indian Air Force (IAF)
Cyber Crimes and India’s National Security: A Rising Threat in the Cyber Domain
No full textCyberspace is considered to be the fifth domain of warfare. Even though it is placed last in the order, it still plays a critical role. However, if analyzed, its direct impact would likely be the greatest on a state’s and its citizens’ security. India currently stands among the community of nations that aim to achieve increased digital penetration and access to internet networks and mobile devices for its citizens. This expansion has brought with it economic benefits and an improved quality of life, but it has also introduced the threat of cybercrimes, which are increasingly becoming a risk to both citizens and the state’s national security. Particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cybercrimes has increased substantially; the victim count has risen by 69 percent, the largest increase since 2001. In India, cybercrime has increased by 300 percent. Over the last decade, India has focused on countering cybercrimes and their national security implications. However, India still lags in having a comprehensive institutional mechanism that works at both the central and state levels to address cybercrimes
Exploitation of Air Power in Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Lessons for IAF
No full textThe Russia–Ukraine war has drawn attention from across the world, providing valuable tactical and strategic lessons for ongoing regional conflicts. Although the West is actively supplying combat hardware to Ukraine, the aggressor in this war holds a significant asymmetrical advantage in terms of military resources. The outcome of this war will have massive implications for future warfare. As an emerging superpower, India must closely monitor the effects that modern-day air forces can have on altering the dynamics of warfare.
This article discusses key observations and takeaways for the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the use of new technologies, the application of air power, and the synergy between ground forces and the Air Force
Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems: Challenges and Opportunities for India
No full textIn August 2021, Union minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the aim of the government was to make India a global drone hub by 2030. Towards this, the government has taken steps to promote Unmanned Aerial systems (UAS) and UAS components in India. With advancements in technology, reducing cost and greater commercial availability, the applications of UAS have increased exponentially; more so in the non-military domain. Easy availability of UAS for anti-national elements, however, has been one of the reasons for the development of Counter-UAS (CUAS
Why Bharat Matters: Dr. S. Jaishankar
No full textIn the 75+ years of its glorious existence, India has stood tall like David against the doubts and criticisms of millions of Goliaths. Even in the testing times of questionable stability in the first quarter of the 21st century, the nation has drawn lessons from its civilizational history and proven its capability. The nation, known for its diversity, has, however, one avenue—its foreign policy—where India embodies the popular idiom "united we stand strong."
Describing the making of India’s foreign policy, Dr. Jaishankar presents the book Why Bharat Matters? as an elucidative explanation of India’s positioning in the complicated global order, marked by tensions in various regions and the volatility in US-China relations
The Race for Quantum Technology in Asia
No full textThe race to harness the power of quantum technology has become a significant focus for countries worldwide. In recent years, Asia has emerged as a key player in this race, with countries such as China, Japan, and Singapore making substantial investments in quantum Research and Development (R&D). It is considered an ally of new-age technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
Quantum technology refers to the practical application of principles derived from quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. Quantum technology harnesses these principles to develop devices and systems with capabilities that go beyond what is achievable using classical physics.
 
China’s Grey Zone Activities and Taiwan’s Responses: Lessons for India
No full textA new phrase has recently been added to military language. The term “grey zone” has come to represent the uneasy ties between various Indo-Pacific countries and China. Despite being equally baffling and unnerving, this new type of strained inter-state relations thankfully avoids war. However, due to the unique nature of these activities, the armed forces are significantly involved in addressing the issues they create. Although military actions are almost nonexistent, combat forces can be found in grey zones.
This paper examines the grey zone primarily at the strategic level and from a defense standpoint. It explores what a “grey zone” is and, just as importantly, what it is not, in order to draw some conclusions that will be helpful when deciding how to respond. The second half explores China’s activities in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, as well as Taiwan’s responses. The final section discusses China’s actions in the Indian Ocean and how they differ significantly from those it conducts in the Western Pacific
Aerial Diplomacy for Influence, Projection and Coercion
No full textDiplomacy is the art and science of maintaining peaceful relationships among nations, groups or individuals. often, diplomacy refers to representatives of different groups discussing issues such as conflict, trade, the environment, technology or maintaining security. 2 It uses all possible components of national power, including military and air power, to achieve the national objectives. The Doctrine of the Indian Air Force (IAF) defines air power as aerospace power capable of controlling and exploiting the air and space environments in order to achieve India’s national and security objectives. Aerospace power provides multiple options to policy-makers in furtherance of foreign policy. The characteristics of aerospace power make it capable of furthering national interests at all times, be it war, no war no peace or peace-time
Analysing the US Hypersonic Endeavour
No full textThe major nuclear powers are looking to develop and deploy new stand-off capabilities. New and emerging military capabilities, including hypersonic glide vehicles, scramjet cruise missiles, manoeuvring reentry vehicles, and orbital bombardment systems, are becoming a high-priority security imperative for states like China, Russia, and the US in their strategic doctrines. Hypersonic missiles can evade legacy missile defences and jeopardise critical infrastructure. 1 More importantly, Russia and China have demonstrated their hypersonic capabilities. China has been demonstrating hypersonic capabilities since 2014. 2 Russia, on the other hand, has already claimed to use the Kinzhal (Kh-47M2) hypersonic missiles in Ukraine. While China and Russia are now reportedly moving ahead in terms of deploying hypersonic capabilities, the US is facing several difficulties in this domain