New Delhi: The Tri-Services future warfare course commenced on 2 February 2026 at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, bringing together armed forces and industry experts to deepen their understanding of evolving combat paradigms shaped by emerging technologies.
The three-week program aims to refine military concepts and operational strategies in the face of rapid technological change, with a strong focus on future warfighting capabilities.
Details of the Tri-Services Future Warfare Course
The Future Warfare Course is a structured training initiative under the aegis of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
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This year marks the third edition of this tri-service educational effort.
The curriculum is enhanced to cover:
- Domain-specific developments in modern military operations.
- How technology reshapes warfighting doctrines, strategies and tactics.
- Practical demonstrations and expert discussions on emerging technologies.
- Visits to institutions that contribute to defence capability and preparedness.
Participants range from junior officers to senior commanders (from Majors to Major Generals and equivalents), ensuring cross-rank representation and a blend of technical and operational insights.
What are the Focus Areas of Tri-Services Future Warfare Course
A major emphasis of the course is on understanding how technology impacts future wars and necessitates newer approaches to war planning and execution.
This includes exploring:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in military decision-making.
- Cyber and electromagnetic spectrum operations.
- Autonomous systems and unmanned platforms.
- Emerging technologies like hypersonics and advanced robotics.
Representatives from the defence industry, including startups, MSMEs and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), are participating alongside Armed Forces officers, strengthening the collaboration between military and industry towards India’s defence preparedness.
What is the Importance of Tri-Services Future Warfare Course
The course builds upon earlier editions held in September 2024 and April–May 2025, each progressively expanding in scope and depth.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader defence strategy to:
- Equip military leaders with future-ready operational knowledge.
- Enhance jointness and interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Integrate defence industry and research communities into security planning.
- Support doctrine evolution for multi-domain operations.
Officials state that the course will help align operational priorities with indigenous defence capabilities, fostering informed discussions on geopolitics, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and rare-earth criticalities affecting future conflicts.
Expert and Industry Participation
A broad array of experts contributes to the course’s curriculum, including:
- Serving and retired officers with field and strategy experience.
- Defence technologists and researchers.
- Industry professionals providing insights into defence innovation.
- Academic specialists on geopolitics and technology impact.
This multidisciplinary approach helps officers grasp both the practical realities of modern combat and the strategic implications of emerging technologies.
