New Delhi is witnessing a pivotal shift in military training as the Manekshaw Centre hosts the third edition of the Tri-Services Future Warfare Course (FWC 3.0), running from February 2 to 25, 2026. Participants have now delved into the critical modules on cyber and cognitive warfare, domains that are redefining the battlefields of tomorrow.
This intensive program aims to equip senior officers with a comprehensive grasp of cyber operations, information warfare, and cognitive strategies. The goal is clear: foster strategic thinking and adaptability in an era where digital threats loom large. Chief of Integrated Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that future conflicts will hinge on mastering non-kinetic domains alongside traditional warfare.
“Military decisions, operational planning, and strategic superiority now depend on navigating complex information environments, countering adversary influence campaigns, and leveraging digital and cognitive tools effectively,” Air Marshal Dixit stated. He underscored India’s need to bolster capabilities in these areas to maintain credible deterrence and operational excellence.
The course brings together a diverse cohort including Army, Navy, and Air Force officers, DRDO scientists, academics, technologists, and defense industry experts. This mix sparks vibrant discussions on integrating cyber and cognitive capabilities into multi-domain operations. Participants explore how emerging technologies like AI, neural networks, and automated intelligence systems can translate into tangible operational advantages.
Industrial and academic specialists enrich the sessions, bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovations and real-world defense needs. Through a blend of theory, operational scenarios, and multi-domain perspectives, FWC 3.0 prepares attendees to tackle both conventional and unconventional threats head-on.
Upcoming modules will cover multi-domain operations, exercises in land, sea, and air warfare, and presentations on operational problem statements. This holistic approach ensures participants not only understand evolving threats but also craft practical strategies to safeguard India’s operational prowess.