Published: 2 February 2026PIB / DevDiscourse / Indian Masterminds / Raksha AnirvedaDefence Security
Third Edition of Tri-Services Future Warfare Course Commences at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
AQuick answer
India's 3rd tri-services Future Warfare Course began February 2, 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi (till Feb 25), involving 39 officers from Army, Navy, Air Force plus defence industry, focusing on AI, C-UAS, cyber warfare, and joint operations under HQ IDS and CENJOWS.
The third edition of India's tri-services Future Warfare Course commenced on February 2, 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, and will run until February 25, 2026. The course is conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
The course brings together 39 officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside participants from the defence industry — including startups, MSMEs, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and private sector companies. The curriculum covers domain-specific warfare developments and examines how emerging technologies are reshaping military operations, doctrines, strategies, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Topics include artificial intelligence in warfare, space-based capabilities, counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), cyber warfare, and joint operations doctrine.
During a second phase (February 15–17, 2026), participants visited space tech companies and C-UAS firms in Hyderabad, fostering civil-military synergies in defence technology. The course reflects India's 'Jointness and Integration' agenda — formalised after the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post in 2019 — which aims to eliminate inter-service silos and build a theatre command structure aligned with modern multi-domain warfare.
Rajasthan Connection: Several Army officers from Rajasthan-based formations (including from the South Western Command, headquartered in Jaipur) participate in such courses, directly building the warfighting capability of the Army's critical desert theatre.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the objectives of India's tri-services Future Warfare Course and explain how it advances the Jointness and Integration agenda in light of modern multi-domain warfare challenges.
Answer (50 words):
India's third Future Warfare Course began 2 February 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, running till 25 February. Thirty-nine officers from Army, Navy, Air Force with defence-industry participants studied AI, space capabilities, counter-UAS, cyber warfare and joint-operations doctrine. Conducted by HQ IDS and CENJOWS, it advances the 2019 CDS-era jointness agenda.
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Where was the Third Edition of the Tri-Services Future Warfare Course held?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe Third Edition of the Tri-Services Future Warfare Course commenced at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tri-Services Future Warfare Course and when did its third edition begin?
The Tri-Services Future Warfare Course is an integrated training programme conducted for officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with defence industry representatives. Its third edition commenced on February 2, 2026, at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, and ran until February 25, 2026.
How many officers participated in the third edition of the Future Warfare Course?
A total of 39 officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force participated in the third edition of the Future Warfare Course. Defence industry representatives also took part in the training programme alongside the military officers.
What are the key focus areas of the Future Warfare Course?
The course focuses on emerging and disruptive technologies in warfare, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), cyber warfare, and joint military operations. These areas reflect India's military modernisation priorities for the future battlespace.
Under whose auspices is the Future Warfare Course conducted?
The Future Warfare Course is conducted under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). These are apex bodies responsible for joint military planning, doctrines, and inter-services coordination in India.
How does the Future Warfare Course relate to India's military transformation goals?
The course supports India's transition towards integrated theatre commands by building joint operational understanding among officers from different services. It prepares military leaders to coordinate Army, Navy, and Air Force assets seamlessly in future multi-domain warfare environments.