Multi-domain operations
In one line: Multi-domain operations combine land, sea, air, space and cyber capabilities so that each domain supports the others in one campaign.
The idea
In older thinking, each service fought mainly in its own domain and coordination happened at the top. In multi-domain thinking, a satellite, a cyber unit, a drone and an artillery battery may all contribute to one engagement, linked by secure networks and shared data. India's Joint Doctrine for Multi-Domain Operations, released in August 2025, argues that the character of war is changing as space and cyber grow in importance, and calls for a connected approach across land, sea, air, cyber and space.
Why it is in the news
At the release of the Land Warfare Doctrine 2026, the Defence Minister said warfare increasingly spans air, maritime, space and cyber domains, that land forces remain indispensable, and that the Army needs multi-domain capabilities and seamless coordination in joint operations.
Where to go next
- Joint doctrines of the Indian armed forces
- Operation Sindoor
Multi-domain operations in the news
- Rajnath Singh releases Land Warfare Doctrine 2026, first revision since 2018 24 October 2026
The core idea of modern warfare that the new doctrine builds on.
- India-U.S. Army exercise Yudh Abhyas opens its 22nd edition with a counter-drone focus 11 September 2026
Fighting across land, air, sea, space and cyber.
Previous-year questions on this
- 2024 · GS3 · 15 marks India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development…
- 2020 · GS2 · 15 marks What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- 2020 · GS2 · 15 marks 'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)' is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss.
- 2014 · GS3 · 12.5 marks Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?