Lieutenant General SRR Aiyengar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd)

This monograph presents a comprehensive strategic reappraisal of the Corps of Signals, arguing that the changing character of warfare has fundamentally transformed the Corps from a traditional combat support arm into a decisive combat force within the information domain. It examines how modern warfare is increasingly shaped by cyber operations, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, cognitive warfare, space systems, and network-centric operations, where information superiority has become as critical as conventional firepower. The study analyses the Corps’ expanding role in multi-domain operations, information manoeuvre, drone warfare, electromagnetic spectrum dominance, and real-time command-and-control integration. Drawing lessons from contemporary conflicts, global military transformations, and Indian operational experiences such as Galwan and Operation Sindoor, the monograph highlights how resilient communication networks, cyber resilience, and decision superiority now directly influence combat outcomes. The work further evaluates doctrinal, organisational, leadership, ethical, and training implications associated with re-designating the Corps as a combat arm. Ultimately, it argues that future wars will be decided not only by kinetic power, but by the ability to dominate information flows, compress decision cycles, and integrate technology with operational agility across all domains of conflict.