From sonar to AI, acoustics is emerging as a decisive weapon of war | Current Affairs | Vision IAS

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From sonar to AI, acoustics is emerging as a decisive weapon of war

06 Feb 2026
2 min

Advanced Acoustics in Modern Military and Economic Strategies

The article discusses the increasing importance of acoustics in military and economic domains, highlighted by recent developments in the United States and Ukraine.

Significance of Acoustics

  • Nations are leveraging acoustics for military advantages and economic gains.
  • Acoustics are crucial in maritime operations due to the limitations of electromagnetic waves underwater.
  • The technology has expanded to non-marine areas such as hostile environments and complex terrains.

Technological Advancements

  • Advancements include digital signal processing, adaptive beamforming, and AI-driven detection.
  • New technologies like distributed fiber-optic acoustic sensing and quantum sensors are enhancing sensitivity.

Global Developments

Nations are rapidly adopting advanced acoustics:

  • The US is moving beyond Cold War systems to modern acoustic superiority programs.
  • Russia focuses on ultra-quiet submarines and advanced sonars.
  • China is building the Integrated Underwater Surveillance System in the South China Sea.

Importance for India

  • The Indian Ocean Region requires acoustics tailored to its unique environmental conditions.
  • Advanced acoustics are essential for submarine detection, safeguarding seabed assets, and economic exploration.
  • India's efforts include the iDEX-Indian Navy Sprint Challenge and INDUS-X initiatives.

Strategic Recommendations

  • Establish a National Ocean Acoustic Grid for surveillance.
  • Create a National Acoustic Warfare Agency to integrate efforts across various organizations.
  • Accelerate development in areas like silent propulsion and metamaterials.
  • Promote talent through scholarships and international collaborations.

Conclusion

Acoustics will play a central role in future military strategies and national security. India must leverage its geographic advantage and technological capacity to become a leader in this domain.

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RELATED TERMS

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Metamaterials

Artificially engineered materials with properties not found in naturally occurring materials, often designed to interact with electromagnetic or acoustic waves in unusual ways. In acoustics, they can be used for sound manipulation, noise reduction, or to create stealth technologies.

National Acoustic Warfare Agency

A suggested central agency in India tasked with coordinating and integrating all efforts related to acoustic technologies for defense and national security purposes, ensuring synergy across different organizations.

National Ocean Acoustic Grid

A proposed networked system of acoustic sensors deployed across national waters, designed for comprehensive maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, and resource exploration.

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