In the 21st century, power on the battlefield is no longer defined by size or legacy, but by speed of adaptation. The world’s most advanced militaries are no longer just acquiring weapons; they are absorbing innovation at the pace of disruption.
Emerging Frontiers confronts one of the most urgent challenges facing armed forces today: how to integrate technologies never built for war but rapidly redefining it. Artificial intelligence, drones, quantum computing, and cyber systems now emerge from private labs and startups, not defence ministries. The race is no longer just for firepower—it is for technological fluency.
At the core of this timely and original work is the AIF–TAF framework (Adaptive Integrative Framework for Technology Absorption in the Armed Forces), a strategic model that outlines how militaries can move from passive acquisition to active absorption, from outdated structures to future-ready thinking. The book delivers:
• A clear foundation in emerging and disruptive technologies
• Comparative insights from innovation ecosystems in the U.S., Israel, Ukraine, and India
• Profound lessons from contemporary conflicts — Russia–Ukraine, Armenia–Azerbaijan, and Israel–Hamas
• A blueprint for reforming India’s defence innovation culture
But more than that, it delivers a powerful argument: India’s armed forces must not just adopt technology—they must lead it. Absorption is not a matter of buying more. It is about building the capacity to experiment, adapt, co-create, and lead in an environment where yesterday’s solutions are obsolete tomorrow.
Emerging Frontiers challenges India’s defence ecosystem to think differently. It calls for organisational ambidexterity, cultural agility, and a shift in mindset, where military personnel are not only end-users but also innovators, collaborators, and strategic technologists.
This book is essential for those who believe that the future of national security will belong to nations that learn faster, adapt smarter, and move first.