New Delhi, May 30: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi has said that future conflicts will extend beyond conventional battlefields and increasingly be fought across cyber, space and cognitive domains, highlighting the rapidly changing nature of warfare. Addressing a gathering on national security and military preparedness, General Dwivedi emphasized that armed forces must adapt to emerging technologies and evolving threats that are reshaping modern warfare.

He noted that while traditional combat capabilities remain important, future wars are expected to involve a combination of physical and non-physical operations. Cyber attacks, information warfare, artificial intelligence, space-based assets and influence campaigns are likely to play a critical role in determining the outcome of conflicts. According to the Army Chief, technological advancements are transforming the global security landscape, requiring militaries to strengthen their capabilities across multiple domains. He stressed the need for continuous modernization, innovation and integration of advanced technologies into defence planning.

General Dwivedi also highlighted the growing significance of cyberspace, where attacks on communication networks, critical infrastructure and digital systems can have strategic consequences. He pointed out that protecting national cyber assets has become an essential component of defence preparedness. Referring to the increasing importance of space-based capabilities, the Army Chief said satellites and related technologies now play a vital role in communication, surveillance, navigation and intelligence gathering. Ensuring the security of these assets will be crucial in future conflicts.

He further underscored the importance of the cognitive domain, where information and perception can influence decision-making and public opinion. In an era of rapid information flow, misinformation and psychological operations have emerged as significant security challenges. The remarks come at a time when countries around the world are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber defence and space technologies to enhance their military capabilities.

Defence experts believe that future warfare will increasingly be characterized by multi-domain operations, requiring seamless coordination between conventional forces and technology-driven capabilities. India's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and promote indigenous defence manufacturing are seen as part of this broader strategic shift. General Dwivedi's comments reflect the growing consensus within military circles that the next generation of conflicts will be shaped not only by firepower on the ground but also by dominance in digital networks, space infrastructure and the information environment.