Net-Centric Warfare

Vijay Oberoi

Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) originated in the United States wherein a concept of a “system of systems” was first published by the Institute of National Security Studies in 1996. This “system of systems” comprises a network of intelligent sensors, command and control systems and precision weapons that enhances situational awareness, rapid target assessment, and distributed weapon assignment to enable quick decision-making and rapid response. The application of information technology has largely contributed to what is called the Revolution in Military Affairs. Technology has been the driver of change in the art of war. NCW is an offshoot of far-reaching developments that have taken place in the field of information technology.

The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force have made considerable strides towards improving command, control, communication, computers, intelligence information, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4I2SR), without which no modern war-fighting machine can conduct operations effectively. Networks will form the heart of future wars. However, achieving network-centricity should not be seen as the aim of warfare but used only as an enabling mechanism towards achieving a quick and decisive victory over the adversary.

The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) had organised a joint seminar entitled “Net-Centric Warfare in the Regional Context”. This book is the product of the papers presented at the seminar and the discussions that followed. The seminar and this publication would not have been possible without the sterling support of two of our sister think-tanks viz. NMF and CAPS.

Vijay Oberoi Lieutenant General Vijay Oberoi, a former Vice Chief of Army Staff, is the founder Director of the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). In his over 40 years of distinguished service in the Army, he has held a variety of prestigious appointments viz Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and Army Commander of both the Army Training Command and the Western Army Command.
After his retirement, he devotes considerable time to writing for newspapers and professional journals. He actively participates in seminars and delivers lectures on security related issues and international relations. He has edited and contributed in the books Army 2020 (2004), Special Forces (2006) and Indian Army Aviation 2025( 2007). He has also contributed chapters to Changing Perspective on National Security (2004), India’s National Security Annual Review 2003 and 2006; The Indian Army - Brief History (2005); Emerging India-Security and Foreign Policy Perspectives (2005); South Asia Defence and Strategic Year Book 2007; SPs Military Yearbook 2006-2007; and Threat to Security (Manas 2007).