The third edition of the tri-services Future Warfare Course is scheduled to begin at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi from 2 to 25 February 2026. It is being conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. The course is designed to strengthen understanding of how emerging technologies are changing warfare and to encourage a reassessment of doctrines, concepts, strategies and tactics.
Course Objective
The programme aims to prepare officers for the evolving nature of modern conflict. It focuses on future warfighting, technology-driven operations and the need for joint planning across the three Services. The course also seeks to align operational priorities of the Armed Forces with the capabilities of India’s indigenous defence industry.
Expanded Curriculum
This edition includes a wider curriculum with specialised subjects and domain-specific developments in military operations. It will cover practical demonstrations of emerging technologies, deeper study of critical themes and visits to institutions important to defence capability. The course also includes discussions on critical and rare earth elements, supply chain vulnerabilities, and regional and global geopolitics affecting future operations.
Participants and Expertise
Participants include officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as representatives from defence startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and the private sector. The officer rank profile ranges from Majors to Major Generals and their equivalents. The mix of junior and senior officers is intended to combine technical knowledge with operational experience and strategic insight. The course will also feature veterans, serving officers, ex-ambassadors, industry experts and academic professionals.
Strategic Significance
The course builds on the inaugural edition held in September 2024 and reflects the vision of Chief of the Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. It is intended to support professional debate on India’s security challenges and improve preparedness for complex future warfare scenarios.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026