IAF’s WASP Programme Sharpens Strategic Thinking Among Future Military Leaders

In a forward-looking initiative to sharpen strategic and cross-disciplinary thinking in its leadership cadre, the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to nurture its future decision-makers through the Warfare and Aerospace Strategy Programme (WASP). Conceived as a flagship intellectual development programme, WASP equips select officers with the analytical, contextual, and strategic tools necessary to navigate the complex world of modern military operations and national security.

The recently concluded 4th edition of WASP, jointly conducted under the aegis of the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) and the College of Air Warfare, marked another milestone in the IAF’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize deep thinking in military leadership.

Developing the Scholar-Warrior: A Strategic Imperative

Operational decision-making today must extend beyond battlefield tactics to consider political realities, technological evolution, and long-term national interests. Recognising this, WASP has been designed to cultivate critical and adaptive thinking, ensuring that future leaders are well-versed in interpreting complex politico-military environments and capable of translating strategic goals into actionable outcomes.

The programme encourages officers to assess first-order and second-order effects of operational decisions, preparing them to lead not only in command roles but also in high-level strategic and policy assignments.

A Multi-Service, Interdisciplinary Cohort

This year's cohort included twelve officers, comprising ten from the Indian Air Force and two from the Indian Navy, reflecting the growing emphasis on jointness and inter-service learning. Over a span of six months, participants engaged in an intensive, module-based curriculum that blended military theory with political science, behavioral psychology, and emerging technologies.

Each module featured:

• Analytical reading and literature reviews

• Written submissions and concept papers

• Seminar-style discussions and oral debriefs

• Guidance from domain experts in military strategy, geopolitics, cyber warfare, and diplomacy

Subject matter experts hailed from across the spectrum of military think tanks, academic institutions, and government advisory bodies, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded educational experience.

Capstone Seminar: A Platform for Strategic Expression

The capstone event of the 4th WASP edition culminated in a high-level Strategic Seminar centered on the theme: "Aerospace Power: Preserving India's Sovereignty and Furthering National Interests."

Held in the presence of senior defence leadership, the seminar featured insightful presentations by the WASP participants on topics including:

• Contours of the Contemporary Security Environment

• Aerospace Power: Imperative for Deterrence and Victory in War

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) graced the seminar as Chief Guest and delivered a keynote address that underscored the growing importance of intellectual depth in military leadership. He called for the rise of a "Scholar-Warrior", someone capable of linking strategic vision to tactical execution and seamlessly transitioning across military, diplomatic, and technological domains.

“Decision-makers today must possess the intellectual agility to cross disciplines. A strong conceptual foundation is vital to converting intent into mission outcomes,” the CDS remarked.

Aligning Military Thought with National Strategy

WASP graduates are not confined to operational roles. Many go on to serve in prestigious national and strategic institutions including:

• National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)

• Air War Strategy Cell (AWSC)

• Premier military think tanks and policy institutes

• Defence Staff Colleges and military universities

This breadth of placement reflects the multi-level impact of the WASP programme—contributing not only to battlefield superiority, but also to the formulation of India’s national security strategy.

Building Intellectual Capital for the Future

As geopolitical competition becomes increasingly hybrid and multidimensional, air power and aerospace strategy are gaining renewed importance. From space-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) systems to multi-domain operations and AI integration, today’s military leaders must be able to connect doctrine with data and strategy with sensors.

WASP is an investment in this very capability. Its graduates emerge with:

• A robust understanding of grand strategy and defence policy

• The ability to think independently and communicate cross-domain ideas

• Deep alignment with India’s evolving military doctrine and strategic outlook

The Road Ahead: Deepening the Strategic Culture

The IAF’s sustained support for WASP signals a deliberate push to build a strategic culture grounded in intellect, curiosity, and contextual awareness. As India’s military posture becomes more assertive and networked, the value of such programmes will only grow.

WASP has laid the foundation for a new generation of military leaders—not just warfighters, but thinkers—who will shape India’s security calculus in the years to come.