Multi-Domain Operations (MDO)

Topic- International Relations [GS Paper-2]

Context- India now needs to embrace multi-domain operations (MDO) amidst the rising Chinese threat.

Key Highlights 

Present Tussle:

• Currently India and China are confronting each other over the Arunachal Pradesh border. 
• India has deployed the Indian Army for the first time in this area.
• The threat had faded in public consciousness because of electioneering, bridge collapses, yatras, G-20, etc. 

Concerns:

• Low-level and geographically restricted clashes will keep recurring from time to time. 
• India must not get into a complacent mindset which accepts such clashes, as the likely future conflict scenario with China. 
• The threat is at the other extreme of technical advancement i.e. in the concept of multi-domain operations (MDO).

Multi-Domain Operations(MDO)

Spread Across Multiple Domains:

• MDO is beyond actions on land, in sea, air, cyber, space and in the electromagnetic spectrum. 
• It also comprises operations conducted across multiple domains and contested spaces through convergence of capabilities to overcome an adversary’s strengths by presenting it with operational and/or tactical predicaments. 

Common Operating View: 

• MDO has a common operating picture across all domains which forms the basis to decide the best tool to address a given task. 

Any Service in Any Domain: 

• It is not one service using capabilities in multiple domains to do a task, rather it is the best positioned and capable operator of any service doing it across any domain. 

Well Defined Structure:

• The technical complexity and the command, control and communication (C3) structure needed can well be imagined.

Optimal Use of Resources: 

• The MDO architecture uses any sensor and the best positioned shooter in order to accomplish objectives.
• MDO and its C3 structure would have inputs from all sensors in order to come up with an optimum engagement solution using artificial intelligence.

Important Requirements:

• All sensors and other information input sources should be capable of being hosted on the MDO architecture. 
• All solution providers or executors must be able to receive inputs and instructions from the MDO C3 structure and carry them out. 
• If the link to the main structure is not available the mission command characteristics of distributed control would come into play so that operations continue.

Challenges with MDO

• Affordability Issue:

• • • MDO is complicated that only nations with a developed scientific base and financial standing can afford it. 
    • It is an American concept being progressed by the U.S. for the past decades.

• Requires Fresh Start:

• • • MDO is the most advanced intelligence and battle-management software ever.
    • It would need a de novo look at doctrine, planning, acquisition, staffing and training. 

• Chinese Threat:

• • • China is constantly attempting to match U.S. military power and it is closely watching the Russia-Ukraine conflict where Western specialists are helping Ukrainians utilise the power of algorithms to fuse reconnaissance from space and choose the best shooters to strike Russian targets. 

• Concerns for India:

• • India has no choice but to embrace MDO too as China has the particular technology and finances to master it. 

Way Forward for India

• Short-term Measures: 

• • • Battlefields have now changed from physical brawls to cyber and precision strikes.
    • Traditional physical domains must be stabilised, with critical deficiencies of the services being plugged. 

• Robust C3 Network:

• • • India’s C3 networks need to be hardened and protected against certain cyber threats. 
    • They need to be linked and synchronised so that seamless exchange of data is ensured. 

• Long term Measures:

• • • A pilot project should be started now so that the true challenge of creating an MDO environment is grasped. 
    • The pilot project would identify the technologies required and, equally importantly, an idea of the monies. 

• Imparting Training:

• • To get the fundamentals of MDO right, it is essential to train and educate personnel starting now.
  • For instance the US Air Force has a one year-long training course ongoing to help develop critical thinking and problem solving skills at the operational level of war.

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