India’s evolving security landscape demands proactive empowerment of mid-level tactical communication and engineering officers. These officers are the operational backbone and technological brain of India’s modern military, translating national defence strategies into battlefield readiness

India’s defence capability and strategic dominance in modern warfare are not solely dependent on high-ranking commanders or frontline soldiers. A critical yet often underappreciated element lies in the mid-level officers, tactical communication specialists, and engineering officers who serve as the vital link between strategic planning and operational execution. Their expertise ensures that India’s military maintains technological superiority, robust battlefield communication, and seamless multi-domain operations. This analysis delves into their indispensable contributions across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasising their roles in engineering innovation, cyber and electronic warfare (EW), and actionable policy measures needed to strengthen and empower them.

Mid-level officers-including majors, colonels, wing commanders, group captains, commanders, and technical or engineering specialists-are the core leadership managing battlefield dynamics. They oversee unit command, tactical communications, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into operations. Despite being pivotal in India’s AI-driven, network-centric warfare structure, their contributions are often overshadowed by senior leadership. Recognising and institutionalising their roles is vital to ensuring success in modern combat.

Indian Army

The Corps of Signals, led by mid-level officers, enables real-time, encrypted communication, battlefield networking, and electronic warfare capabilities. Their responsibilities include securing tactical communication during high-intensity and joint operations, integrating EW and cybersecurity measures, and managing communication networks within Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs). The organisational structure

comprises signal companies led by majors and signal regiments commanded by Colonels, with specialised trades such as Operator Radio and Line (ORL) and Technician Electronics and Systems (TES).

Engineering officers play a crucial role in combat engineering, rapid construction of strategic infrastructure, and executing counter-mobility tactics. They deploy AI-based Battlefield Surveillance Systems (BSS) and robotics to enhance warfare efficiency. A notable example is the India-China standoff (2020-21), where Signals Officers maintained encrypted communications in high-altitude conflict zones while engineering officers constructed operational infrastructure like bridges and logistics hubs under extreme conditions.

Indian Air Force

The communication engineers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) are integral to maintaining a state-of-the-art, in-house communication network. These skilled professionals ensure seamless, secure, and resilient connectivity by leveraging advanced technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and 5G. Their expertise supports real-time situational awareness, mission-critical data exchange, and robust cybersecurity, enabling uninterrupted operations in high-intensity scenarios. By continuously adapting to evolving technologies and threats, IAF communication engineers strengthen air defence operations, enhance operational readiness, and uphold national security while setting new standards in military-grade communication technology.

Mid-level IAF communication officers ensure uninterrupted and secure communication for air defence and combat operations. They manage Air Defence Control Units (including S-400, Akash, and SPYDER systems), UAV and satellite networks, and cyber defences for air assets.

IAF engineers specialising in Aeronautical, Electronics, and Mechanical fields oversee aircraft readiness, system maintenance, and the integration of missile systems, radars, and EW platforms. Their expertise has been crucial in indigenous system development, such as the LCA Tejas and AMCA. During the Balakot Airstrike (2019), Communication Officers ensured real-time, encrypted communication for operational secrecy, while engineers guaranteed the operational readiness of Mirage-2000 aircraft, including EW systems and radar evasion measures.

IAF vs Chinese PLAAF mid-level officers

A comparison between India’s IAF and China’s PLAAF reveals key operational differences. Indian mid-level officers, including Squadron Leaders and Wing Commanders, are empowered for independent decision-making and multi-platform management. In contrast, Chinese officers operate under a centralised command model, limiting battlefield initiative. Reports from RAND Corporation and the Pentagon (2020-22) highlight that PLAAF officers face systemic challenges in joint operations and adaptive warfare. In contrast, Indian officers, seasoned through real combat experiences, lead the integration of advanced indigenous and Western technologies, whereas PLAAF officers primarily operate evolving domestic platforms with less proven combat capability.

Indian Navy

Naval communication officers manage secure ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication, Blue Water Communication Systems (BWCS) for long-range coordination, and encrypted submarine and stealth platform communications.

Naval engineers oversee the maintenance and readiness of warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers. They also integrate sophisticated weapons such as BrahMos missiles and torpedoes while managing stealth and radar-evading systems. A case in point is the anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, where communication officers coordinated multi-national, encrypted communication while engineers maintained operational readiness of naval platforms throughout extended deployments.

Mid-level officers play a pivotal role in coordinating tri-service communication and operational integration, ensuring seamless joint missions across land, air, and sea. Mid-level officers are at the frontline of cyber and EW defence.

Communication officers ensure robust cybersecurity frameworks, while engineers lead the design and operation of AI-based EW platforms and cyber-resilient technologies. These officers spearhead the induction and field application of indigenous defence systems like BrahMos, Akash, and AI-driven surveillance. They work closely with DRDO, BEL, and private defence innovators to enhance technological self-reliance.

Empowering India’s defence backbone

To strengthen mid-level officers, the government should implement AI, Cyber, EW, and space warfare training, conduct integrated tactical communication-engineering exercises, and facilitate global exposure through collaborations with allies like the US, France, and Israel.

National awards should be introduced to recognise excellence in tactical communications and engineering. Defence technology fellowships should be launched for innovation leaders in these domains. Mid-level officers should have representation in defence technology boards and policy-making bodies to ensure that operational insights shape defence strategies. Promotions should be fast-tracked for excellence in emerging tech domains like EW, AI, and Cyber.

Additionally, foreign exchange programs and specialised leadership incentives should be introduced. Collaboration with DRDO, clean startups, and established industries should be strengthened. Mid-level officers should play an active role in innovation ecosystems like iDEX to foster indigenous technological advancements.

Conclusion 

India’s evolving security landscape demands proactive empowerment of mid-level Tactical Communication and Engineering Officers. These officers are the operational backbone and technological brain of India’s modern military, translating national defence strategies into battlefield readiness. 

(The writer is an eminent expert in counter-terrorism and national security and an defence advisor to several Middle Eastern and West Asian countries. Views expressed are personal)