Special Forces are military assets designed and trained to conduct tactical actions delivering strategic outcomes out of proportion with their size. Special operations forces grew out of the cauldron of combat in World War II, and globally they matured through the Cold War and proved their worth in the conflicts. In India, the Special Forces have delivered in all conflicts we have been engaged in post-independence. They are an excellent resource that provides creative tailorable and asymmetric options for our nation while creating dilemmas for our adversaries
Special Forces continue to evolve to meet the unique challenges to optimise their physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and cognitive performance. Special Forces continue to deter our adversaries and fill warfighting gaps, especially in irregular warfare.
In the Indian context, Information Warfare is an aspect on which the Special Forces should focus and should be part of the National Strategy on Information Warfare, thereby providing options for our nation’s leaders yet creating dilemmas for our adversaries.
Global Trends – Special Forces
The Indian Special Forces are amongst the most capable and professional Special Forces units globally. They have a long history of successful operations, including the 2016 surgical strikes against terrorist targets in Pakistan. However, like all Special Forces units, they must continue to adapt to evolving global trends and maintain their capabilities through ongoing training and development.
Special Forces worldwide are adapting to evolving global trends in military operations, and the Indian Special Forces are no exception. Some of the global trends in Special Forces include: –
Focus on Irregular Warfare. Special Forces specialise in irregular warfare scenarios, including counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and unconventional warfare. Special Forces must have a deep understanding of local cultures, languages, and terrain and be able to operate in austere environments with limited support.
Emphasis on Joint Operations. Special Forces are increasingly integrated with conventional military forces to conduct joint operations. As a result, special Forces should be able to work seamlessly with other units and deeply understand the broader mission objectives.
Greater Reliance on Technology. Special Forces increasingly use advanced technology, including crewless aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber capabilities, to support their mission objectives.
Focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Special Forces are increasingly being called upon to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the wake of natural disasters and other crises.
Need for Speed and Agility. Special Forces respond quickly to emerging threats and can adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
Special Forces Command
The Special Forces Command must have a macro-level focus to ensure it is prepared to respond to global contingencies. The command requires close collaboration with other government agencies and international partners and a clear understanding of national security objectives.
The command should be responsible for the development and execution of Special Forces strategies and policies, coordinating Special Forces operations and training, and overseeing Special Forces units.
The Special Forces Command should also be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with international partners to support global contingency planning and response. This could include training exercises and joint operations with allied Special Forces units to ensure interoperability and collaboration during a crisis.
Regardless of its structure within the government, the Special Forces Command must have a direct line of communication with the highest levels of government to ensure that they can respond quickly and effectively to all contingencies.
Indian Special Forces for the Next Millennium
Based on current trends and potential future developments in technology, warfare, and global security, the following are some requirements that the Indian Special Forces may need to consider. The actual requirements would depend on a variety of factors, including geopolitical developments, technological advancements, and military strategies: –
Advanced Training and Education. With the rapid evolution of technology and warfare tactics, Indian Special Forces must stay updated with the latest techniques and training methods to remain effective. This would involve continuous education and training programs within and outside the country.
Adaptability. The Indian Special Forces must be adaptable to various combat scenarios and environments, including urban, jungle, desert, and mountain warfare. They should also be able to work in different situations, including low-intensity conflicts, counterterrorism operations, and high-intensity battles.
Intelligence Gathering. Gathering and analysing intelligence are crucial for any successful military operation. Indian Special Forces would need access to advanced intelligence-gathering technologies, including satellite imaging, drone surveillance, and cyber intelligence.
Technological Advancements. With new technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber warfare, the Indian Special Forces must be equipped with the latest and most advanced equipment to stay ahead of potential adversaries.
Cyber and Technical Skills. Special Forces operators must be proficient in using advanced technology, including crewless aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber capabilities.
Inter-Service Cooperation. Cooperation and coordination between various military branches, including the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, would be essential to ensure effective operations in the future.
Cultural Understanding. In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding different cultures and languages would be crucial for the Indian Special Forces. This would help them to operate effectively in foreign territories and engage with local populations.
Special Forces – Futuristic Technologies
There are futuristic technologies that could assist Special Forces in completing their missions. However, the existing technologies and their applications would depend on specific mission requirements and available resources. Therefore, the equipment and technology that form part of a Special Forces operator’s arsenal should be carefully selected and tailored to their mission objectives.
Additionally, this equipment should be reliable, lightweight, and easy to use, allowing operators to focus on their mission without being encumbered by excessive gear.
Several futuristic technologies could assist Special Forces in completing their missions. Some of these technologies include:
Autonomous Systems. Autonomous systems, including drones, crewless ground vehicles, and robots, can provide situational awareness and reconnaissance and even execute some tasks, reducing the risk to human operators. These systems can be used for surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance in a range of environments, including urban, jungle, desert, and mountain terrain.
Augmented Reality. Augmented reality technology can be used to provide real-time information to Special Forces personnel, enhancing their situational awareness and allowing them to make more informed decisions. For example, augmented reality glasses could display vital information such as maps, mission objectives, and enemy positions.
Wearable Technology. Wearable technology such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and biometric sensors can be used to monitor and track the health and well-being of Special Forces personnel during missions. This information can be used to optimise performance and prevent injuries.
Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyse vast amounts of data, including sensor data, satellite imagery, and social media feeds, to provide real-time intelligence and help predict potential threats. AI can also be used to enhance decision-making processes and optimise mission planning.
Directed Energy Weapons. Directed energy weapons, including lasers and microwave weapons, can provide non-lethal options for Special Forces personnel to incapacitate enemies or disable vehicles and equipment. Additionally, these weapons could be used in situations where lethal force is not necessary or appropriate.
Quantum Computing. Quantum computing can process vast amounts of data at incredible speeds, allowing Special Forces to analyse and process intelligence in real time. This technology could also be used to improve the security of communications and data transmission, ensuring that mission-critical information remains secure.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes body armour, helmets, and ballistic eyewear, which protect from small arms fire and fragmentation.
Advanced Communication Systems. Special Forces operators require reliable and secure communication systems to maintain communication with their team and command structure. This includes encrypted radios, satellite phones, and other communication devices.
Navigation and Tracking Systems. Special Forces operators require navigation and tracking systems to maintain situational awareness and track their field position. This includes GPS devices, compasses, and other navigation equipment.
Night Vision and Thermal Imaging Technology. Special Forces operators often operate in low-light or no-light environments and require the ability to see in the dark. This includes night vision goggles and thermal imaging cameras.
Drones and UAVs. Special Forces operators can use drones and UAVs for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. This technology can provide critical information without putting operators in harm’s way.
Weapons and Ammunition. Special Forces operators require a range of weapons and ammunition to complete their missions effectively. This includes rifles, pistols, machine guns, grenades, and other specialised weapons.
Medical Equipment. Special Forces operators require medical equipment and supplies to provide immediate medical care. This includes trauma kits, tourniquets, and other medical supplies.
Hypersonic Transportation Systems – Special Forces
Hypersonic transportation systems and weapons offer the potential for faster and more efficient transportation of special forces personnel and the ability to strike targets from long distances quickly. However, the development and deployment of these systems also raise several ethical and strategic questions, including concerns about the potential for unintended consequences and escalation in conflicts.
There have been several recent developments in hypersonic transportation systems that could be applicable for special forces operations. Here are some examples:
The US Air Force has been developing the X-51A Waverider, a hypersonic vehicle capable of flying up to Mach 6 (approximately 4,600 miles per hour). This technology could be used for transporting special forces personnel to their destination quickly and with minimal risk of detection.
In 2018, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded contracts to three companies to develop hypersonic weapons. These weapons could provide air support for special forces on the ground.
The U.S. Navy is developing a hypersonic glide vehicle, the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon, which could potentially be used for conventional and special forces operations. The CPS is designed to be launched from a submarine and can travel up to Mach 5.
In 2020, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Dynetics, Inc. to develop a hypersonic weapon system that could be used for long-range strikes in support of special forces operations. The system is designed to be air-launched and can travel up to Mach 5.
Conclusion
To retain their moral ascendancy and war fighting capabilities Special Forces have to be ahead of their adversaries and the threat they impose on the India’s interests at home or assets in different geographical territories.