The Center of Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) has finally concluded the three-week-long Future Warfare Course (FWC 2.0) on 9th May 2025. This is the second edition of the course and was held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Tri-Services FWC 2.0 was the result of the success of the first edition, which was conducted in September 2024, by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, under the United Service Institution of India (USI). The first edition was also conducted by the CENJOWS.
Unlike the first edition, which only lasted 5 days, the three-week-long FWC 2.0 was aimed at advancing India’s military preparedness regarding next-gen warfare. The intensive program was held under the umbrella of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and is the need of the hour, as it aims to enhance the Indian Armed Forces’ multi-domain operability.
#CENJOWS successfully concludes the three-week #FutureWarfareCourse today. The program was an eye-opener, equipping officers from all three services with insights and preparedness for future #warfighting challenges. pic.twitter.com/dBdkffs1fK
— CENJOWS INDIA (@CENJOWS) May 9, 2025
Understanding The Whole-of-Nation Approach
Departing from the first edition, the FWC 2.0 emphasized the need for facilitating broader participation across the nation, including partnership between civil and military, particularly in defense manufacturing. This “Whole-of-Nation” approach is in line with the evolving nature of warfare, the strategic challenges facing India, and the need for collaborative action and synergy among the armed forces.
As such, the course integrated 15 representatives from the private defense sector, including emerging startups and MSMEs, pioneering the first-ever civil-military technological collaboration. This integration of the private sector defense innovation represents a clear paradigm shift towards adopting the Whole-of-Nation approach across the tri-services. This is also likely to aid the country in future national security challenges and is critical in developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities, especially in the emerging warfare domains.
Earlier this week, the CENJOWS also successfully hosted the second MRSAM-India Eco-System Summit in association with Aerospace Services India (ASI) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which will serve as a critical convergence for key defense stakeholders in highlighting the collaborative achievements and future possibilities in enhancing India’s air defense capabilities under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives.
CENJOWS Curated An Advanced Curriculum To Tackle Evolving Warfare Paradigms
The three-week-long course featured specialized modules that addressed evolving warfare paradigms through a carefully curated advanced curriculum, which covered the following:
- Comprehensive scenario-building exercise
- Multi-domain operations simulations
- Interactive sessions and discussions with domestic and international defense experts
- Tactical simulations
- Emerging warfare technologies
- Threat analysis and intelligence assessment
The participants also engaged in advanced theoretical frameworks while simultaneously addressing the practical aspects of the emerging technological and operational challenges during contemporary conflict simulations. This dual focus approach was much appreciated, as it allowed participants to ensure operational relevance while maintaining a strategic perspective.
Indigenous Technological Advancement For The Defense Sector
What set the FWC 2.0 apart from similar courses was the structured interaction between defense leaderships, military personnel, and private sector representatives. This allowed for the creation of a unique environment, hence providing unprecedented opportunities for technological convergence. The platform also allowed defense industry participants to gain direct exposure to the operational requirements, which will help fulfill the critical requirements of the Indian armed forces, including the following:
- The implementation of Artificial Intelligence within the military framework
- Ethical implications of AI and incorporating it in the military infrastructure
- Integration of autonomous systems and unmanned platforms
- Development of advanced cybersecurity protocols across defense networks
- Next-gen Material science application for advanced weapon systems
- Electronic warfare and countermeasures
Steps To Create A Rank-Agnostic Collaborative Framework
The CENJOWS also furthered the innovative approach introduced during the first edition of the Tri-services FWC and continued the unique rank-agnostic approach to the collaborative framework. This facilitated a candid cross-hierarchical dialogue. Due to this, officers ranging from Major to Major General (and equivalent ranks across the Navy and Air Force) were able to engage in unconstrained theoretical exploration of the course.
Strategic Implications and Vision For The Future
The successful conclusion of the FWC 2.0 represented a significant milestone in the nation’s defense modernization, especially in developing human resources and technological advancements. Thus, by fostering collaboration between military command and emerging defense industries, the FWC 2.0 is also helping establish a robust foundation for the accelerated development of joint services capabilities. Furthermore, military analysts suggest that the FWC 2.0 will help the Indian Armed Forces in achieving the national security objectives, as highlighted by the Integrated Capability Development Plan.
