UPSC Notes

Emerging Military Technologies in Defence

PYQs

14

Articles

2

Momentum

38

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding these technologies is vital for assessing national security preparedness, defence indigenization efforts, and the future of warfare, relevant for GS3 (Science & Technology, Internal Security). It highlights the evolving nature of military threats and the need for technological superiority.

Emerging military technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, and multi-domain operations, are rapidly reshaping modern warfare, demanding continuous innovation and adaptation in national defence strategies and international military cooperation.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Counter-drone Capabilities

A critical focus, exemplified by the U.S. Army's MLIDS (Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System).

Multi-Domain Operations

Multi-Domain Task Forces (like U.S. 3MDTF) integrate various combat domains (air, land, sea, cyber, space) for comprehensive warfare.

Precision Fires

Long-range precision fires are crucial for modern battlefield dominance and strategic targeting.

Integration in Exercises

Joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas are used to integrate and test these advanced systems, enhancing operational readiness.

Autonomous Warfare Command (AutoWarCom)

New combatant command for overhauling procurement, testing, and deployment of drones and autonomous systems.

Project Meridian

Initiative to study the future of warfare, focusing on achieving technological superiority, particularly against rivals like China.

Technological Integration

Emphasis on AI, automation, and precision systems as critical for military effectiveness in contemporary conflicts.

Fortress America Project

Redesigning energy and cyber connectivity for U.S. bases to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity grids and cyber command.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaNational Security
Conceptual areaScience & Technology

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
DRDO (India)Develops defence technologies
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (India)Manufactures defence equipment
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Counter-drone systems (MLIDS) are a key focus.
  • Multi-Domain Operations integrate various combat spheres.
  • Long-range precision fires enhance battlefield capability.
  • Joint exercises facilitate technology integration.
  • Crucial for modernizing defence and national security.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

National SecurityScience & Technology

India, U.S. armies step up combat interoperability with 22nd Yudh Abhyas

11 Sep 2026 · Modern defence is increasingly reliant on emerging technologies like counter-drone systems, multi-domain operations, and precision fires, which are being integrated and tested in joint military exercises to enhance combat readiness and address evolving threats.

Read article

America’s new-age military populism takes shape

06 Oct 2026 · Rapid technological advancements (AI, automation, cyber) are transforming military capabilities and strategic planning, necessitating defense reforms and investment in R&D to maintain competitive advantage and address new threats.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 14 linked questions on Emerging Military Technologies in Defence in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Emerging Military Technologies in Defence

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India: 1. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial o...

2026·Science & Technology
Solve

Consider the following statements with respect to the AI Impact Summit, 2026 held in New Delhi : 1. The Summit's intellectual framework was based on three f...

2026·Science & Technology
Solve

Which of the following statements about Real-World Assets (RWA) Tokenization are correct? 1. Tokenization is the process of turning real world assets into d...

2026·Economy
Solve

Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct? 1. Records stored in the database may be made visible to rele...

2026·Science & Technology
Solve

With reference to Web 3-0, consider the following statements : 1. Web 3-0 technology enables people to control their own data. 2. In Web 3-0 world, there ca...

2022·Science & Technology
Solve

What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?

2018·Science & Technology
Solve

When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. Th...

2018·Science & Technology
Solve

GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are corre...

2025·Science & Technology
Solve

With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolut...

2019·Science & Technology
Solve

In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? 1. Mobile phone operations 2. Banking operations 3. Controlling the power grids Select the c...

2018·Science & Technology
Solve

Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ? 1. Modern technological innovations including Arti...

2026·Geography
Solve

Which of the following statements with regard to drone swarms is/are correct ? 1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centr...

2026·Science & Technology
Solve

Consider the following communication technologies: 1. Closed-circuit Television 2. Radio Frequency Identification 3. Wireless Local Area Network Which of t...

2022·Science & Technology
Solve

Consider the following statements: I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. 'Kavac...

2025·Science & Technology
Solve

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