Why in news?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has prioritized 17 subjects for deliberation, with a key focus on India’s preparedness to counter hybrid warfare.

Hybrid warfare describes a conflict in which non-kinetic (non-military) tactics are employed to complement military action.

What’s in today’s article?

• Non-Kinetic Warfare
• Standing Committee on Defence (SCOD)

Non-Kinetic Warfare

• About
  • Non-kinetic warfare refers to conflict methods that do not rely on traditional military force or physical destruction.
  • Instead, it employs cyberattacks, electronic warfare, psychological operations, information manipulation, economic sanctions, and other strategies to disrupt an enemy’s infrastructure, economy, or morale.
  • It can involve non-military actors and often targets critical infrastructure like power grids, communication networks, and financial systems.
• Examples of non-kinetic warfare
  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict
    • Alongside traditional military tactics, Russia has been accused of launching extensive cyberattacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
    • Ukraine has faced disruptions to its power grid, communication systems, and government websites, as well as disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the country.
  • Israel-Hamas Conflict
    • Both sides engaged in information warfare and cyberattacks.
    • Israel reportedly deployed cyber measures to block Hamas’s communications, while Hamas used propaganda and social media to influence public opinion and spread misinformation globally.
  • U.S. Election Interference (2016)
    • The U.S. government accused Russia of meddling in its presidential election through disinformation campaigns, hacking of political parties, and social media manipulation to sway public opinion.
    • This is a classic case of information warfare aimed at destabilizing democratic processes.
  • Chinese Cyberattacks on the U.S.
    • China has frequently been accused of conducting cyber espionage against the United States, targeting government agencies, private companies, and defense contractors.
    • These cyberattacks aim to steal intellectual property, military technology, and sensitive information, undermining U.S. national security.
  • Pager Blasts in Lebanon
    • In a more localized example of non-kinetic warfare, pager blasts were reported in Lebanon.
    • These attacks were used to disrupt communication systems without the use of conventional military force, adding another layer to hybrid warfare tactics.
• Difference from Kinetic Warfare
• Kinetic warfare involves physical force, such as the use of weapons, troops, and military machinery to inflict damage and secure objectives through direct combat.
• Non-kinetic warfare, on the other hand, achieves its goals through non-violent means, focusing on disabling or weakening an enemy without physical engagement.
• While kinetic actions result in visible destruction, non-kinetic warfare can cause long-lasting disruption without leaving obvious physical traces.
• Threats and Challenges
  • Cybersecurity Risks: Cyberattacks can cripple national infrastructure, such as power grids, financial systems, and transportation networks.
  • Information Warfare: Manipulating public opinion through misinformation or propaganda poses significant risks to societal stability.
  • Economic Warfare: Sanctions or economic destabilization can severely impact a nation's economy without direct conflict.
  • Technology Dependence: As more systems become digitally interconnected, the vulnerability to non-kinetic attacks increases.
  • Detection and Response: Non-kinetic threats are harder to detect and defend against compared to physical warfare, requiring advanced surveillance, cybersecurity measures, and technological preparedness.

Standing Committee on Defence (SCOD)

• About
  • The Standing Committee on Defence constituted under Rule 331 C of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
  • The Committee have the Ministry of Defence under its jurisdiction.
• Members and tenure
  • The Committee consist of 31 Members: 21 Members from Lok Sabha, nominated by the Speaker, Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
  • The Chairperson of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker from amongst the Members of the Committee from Lok Sabha.
  • The term of office of the Members of the Committee does not exceed one year.
• Functions of the Committee
  • To consider the Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence, make reports on the same and present them to the Parliament;
  • To examine such Bills pertaining to the Ministry of Defence as are referred to the Committee by the Speaker, Lok Sabha or the Chairman, Rajya Sabha as the case may be, and make reports thereon;
  • To consider Annual Report of the Ministry of Defence and make reports thereon; and
  • To consider National Basic Long-Term Policy Documents presented to the Houses, if referred to the Committee by the Speaker, Lok Sabha or the Chairman, Rajya Sabha as the case may be, and make reports thereon.