Science, Art, Litt, Science based Art & Science Communication

Kinetic and non kinetic responses during warfare

Q: What are kinetic and non kinetic responses during warfare?

Krishna: I think people are asking these questions because these things caught their imagination as these words were used during media briefings by the officials during the Indo-Pak war recently.

Anyways, as they also involve some technological issues, I am answering these questions.

In the context of warfare, kinetic response refers to actions that involve the use of physical force, like military strikes or the employment of weapons.

Non-kinetic response, on the other hand, involves achieving strategic objectives without direct physical confrontation, often through methods like cyberattacks, economic sanctions, or information warfare.

Elaboration:

Kinetic Warfare:

This type of warfare relies on conventional military means and the direct application of force. Examples include the use of tanks, missiles, artillery, and air power to destroy enemy targets.

Image source: Adobestock
Non-Kinetic Warfare:

This approach aims to achieve objectives without resorting to physical combat. It encompasses strategies like:
Cyber Warfare: Attacks on an adversary's computer systems to disrupt their operations or steal information. A sharp escalation in cyber warfare between India and Pakistan unfolded since April, with multiple Indian websites defaced and strategic digital systems attacked in a series of coordinated operations attributed to Pakistan-based hacker groups, including APT36 and Team Insane PK. The attacks were part of a broader campaign of cyber and information warfare waged by Pakistani actors against Indian digital assets. These groups reportedly deployed malware, conducted phishing attacks, and launched denial-of-service operations targeting critical sectors such as finance, telecom, energy, and public services. (1)
Economic Sanctions: Applying financial pressure to weaken an adversary's economy.

Information Warfare: Manipulating public opinion, disseminating propaganda, or disrupting communication networks. Spreading disinformation and misinformation is one of the hallmarks of this type of attack.

Psychological Operations: Utilizing psychological tactics to influence an adversary's behaviour or morale.

Electronic Warfare: Disrupting or jamming electronic systems, like communication or radar. Known as spoofing, the GPS jamming is used to confuse enemy missiles or drones, making it difficult for attackers to hit key targets accurately. However, the practice also scrambles signals that direct aircraft navigation instruments, making it difficult for them to determine their exact locations. This was reported by Pilots flying over middle-east recently during Israeli attack on Gaza strip and also those flying over Ukraine as we all know that Ukarine is in conflict with Russia. The spoofing is interfering not just with flights to and from Israel and areas around Ukraine, but also with planes that fly past those regions heading for other destinations. (2)

Diplomacy and Lawfare: Using diplomatic channels or legal means to achieve strategic goals.
Hybrid Warfare:

A modern approach that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic elements, often used to overwhelm an opponent with a multifaceted approach.