The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
About the Monograph
| This monograph provides a comprehensive assessment of how emerging, niche, and disruptive technologies are reshaping the character of warfare and redefining India’s deterrence posture. It begins by situating India’s strategic environment—marked by Sino-Pak collusivity, expanding grey-zone threats, and rapid technological militarisation—before analysing the transformative impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber warfare, space-based assets, quantum technologies, hypersonics, and advanced ISR capabilities. Drawing upon detailed case studies, including China’s integrated intelligentised warfare model and the PLA’s rapid technological militarisation, the monograph underscores the widening technology differential confronting India. It argues that technological deterrence—rather than traditional nuclear parity—will increasingly determine strategic stability. The study concludes by outlining capability priorities, institutional reforms, and industry-military partnerships needed to ensure that India remains competitive in the accelerating race for next-generation military power. |