A book on military expertise

Strategic Technologies for the Military: Breaking New Frontiers, Ajey Lele, Sage Publications, Pp 210, Rs 550.00 (HB)

MEAN essentially for those interested in the future of ‘security’, this book is partly about technologies which are making way on the battlefield and partly about how possibly such technologies could challenge the existing concept of the battlefield.

The author begins his book by paying tribute to Arthur C. Clarke, a great visionary, brilliant science fiction writer who forecasted through his writings and compelled the scientific community to think differently. This was because his predictions came out to be true. As envisaged by him, the growth of technology in the 21st century appears near magical and many more things considered impossible are now on the verge of becoming a reality.

Creation of strong nations is important both for individual and national security. In the 21st century, security cannot be addressed in pure military terms according to the author. In an era of rapid technological advances, rising economic interdependence, globalisation and dramatic geo-political changes, there is no option but to perceive security in comprehensive terms across the globe. Security and war are closely related. In case of a war, every nation has to be in a position to fight and protect its autonomy and for this the combat capability of the armed forces has to be raised by adopting latest military technologies.

In brief, the first section of the book concentrates on military robots with no human beings fighting on the battlefield, that is, “deployment of standoff weapons and virtual presence technology, where the robotic technology will play a major role.” Presently military robots are essentially used for landmine search with man acting behind the machine. Increasing militarisation of robotics technology is expected to be a reality of tomorrow.

This book should be read by military analysts and manufacturers of arms.

(Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd, B1/I-1 Mohan Cooperative Industrial Area, Mathura Road, New Delhi-110044.)