The idea for this book emerged in the course of discussions during the initial stages of the Ukraine War. It was, however, realised that any attempt at drawing lessons prematurely could lead to misleading conclusions. Accordingly, instead of absolutist conjectures, the book is an exercise in identifying broader trends.
Much water has flown under the bridge since then. Along the way, the world has been introduced to an array of new sophisticated weapons, missiles and drones that question the very relevance of established battlefield platforms such as tanks, for instance. In this volume, the contributors address several aspects of the war in an attempt to explain, elaborate and challenge existing notions with the larger aim of drawing lessons for policymakers and professionals alike.
Ukraine War: Military Perspectives and Strategic Reflections, presents a comprehensive assessment of the ongoing conflict. Divided into five sections, the book delves into the geopolitical backdrop of the conflict, highlights its operational narrative, dissects the components of military power, explores the impact of disruptive technologies and examines the strategic ramifications of this ongoing war.
The provisions of the Convention on Cluster Munitions are not relevant in the extant case of supply of dual purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM) to Ukraine.
To fight hybrid wars, militaries would have to themselves hybridize, through public-private partnerships, and field required hybrid war-fighting capabilities and competencies.
The Ukraine War demonstrates that future wars between unmatched military rivals might not just require a ‘whole of government’ approach, but perhaps a ‘whole of people’s’ approach to achieve favourable outcomes in conflict.
The power of crowdsourcing budgetary support, technology, training, and logistic wherewithal, while at war, has emerged as an important lesson in the Ukraine war.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation owned by Elon Musk, provides satellite-based internet connectivity to consumers globally, and has been actively involved in guiding Ukrainian military drones and missiles against Russian military positions, thus becoming party to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict and a bonafide military objective. Russia had also accused Starlink of helping the Ukrainian forces to guide and modify fire of the two Neptune missiles, which led to the sinking of the Russian warship Moskva.
India needs to strengthen its existing bilateral relations with all the Arctic countries and continue to re-emphasize its call for peaceful resolution of Arctic disputes.
