By News18
In a firm message aimed at underlining India’s strategic posture, Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), declared that punitive action would be taken whenever required, adding: “There is no scope of absorbing pain, the way we did a few years ago. That is one important message that stands out loud and clear.”
The comments, made during an event christened ‘New Age Military Technologies’ organised by FICCI in Delhi, come amid growing concerns about India’s multidimensional threat environment. Lt Gen Singh stressed the urgent need for India’s military to be fully prepared to operate across all five generations of warfare — from trench combat to cyber and cognitive operations.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the event ‘New Age Military Technologies’ organised by FICCI, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh says, “… There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was… pic.twitter.com/V819ZmCbv9
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025
He broke down the evolving nature of warfare into five distinct generations, each representing a critical shift in how conflicts are fought. The first generation involves traditional trench-based combat, reminiscent of the large-scale battles seen during World War I and II.
The second generation moves into artillery duels and heavy firepower strategies, which continue to play a role in many present-day conflict zones. Third-generation warfare emphasises manoeuvrability, speed, and tactical surprise — tactics designed to outpace and outflank the enemy. The fourth generation is defined by the increasing role of non-state actors, including insurgent groups and asymmetric threats that challenge conventional military responses.
Finally, fifth-generation warfare introduces a far more complex battleground, encompassing cyberattacks, information warfare, psychological manipulation, artificial intelligence, and threats extending into space, redefining the scope and nature of modern conflict.
Lt Gen Singh pointed out that India is simultaneously facing elements of all five types of warfare, a unique and complex challenge that demands not only robust defence systems but also cutting-edge innovation and real-time adaptability.
“The Indian Armed Forces have to be ready now,” he concluded, pointing at an urgent need to bolster readiness, technological integration, and a posture that no longer tolerates strategic passivity.