Sustainable Combat Solutions: The Next Defence Paradigm
As global security challenges intersect with the urgent need to address climate change, green technologies and energy efficiency have become strategic priorities for modern military operations. Militaries worldwide are integrating sustainable solutions to enhance operational effectiveness, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term resilience.
Why Green Technologies Matter in Defence?
The defence sector accounts for roughly 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with traditional operations heavily reliant on fossil fuels[1]. This reliance poses not only environmental risks but also operational vulnerabilities, as fuel convoys are often prime targets in conflict zones. By adopting green technologies, armed forces can reduce logistical burdens, increase energy security, and align with national and international sustainability commitments.
What are the key Green Technologies in Military Use?
1. Renewable Energy Integration
- Solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy sources are being deployed across military bases to reduce dependence on external grids and fossil fuels.[2]
- The U.S. Department of Defense has pledged to deploy 3 GW of renewable power by 2025, with each military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force) committing to 1 GW. [3]
- Bases like Fort Meade and Fort Bragg are installing large-scale solar arrays and floating solar farms, aiming for energy self-sufficiency and resilience against grid disruptions. [4]
2. Electrification of Military Vehicles
- The military vehicle electrification market is projected to reach over $14 billion by 2029, driven by investments in electric and hybrid platforms.[5]
- Innovations include hybrid vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and adaptive charging infrastructure, which reduce fuel consumption and emissions while improving battlefield mobility.
3. Microgrids and Energy Storage
- Microgrid solutions are being deployed to ensure continuous electricity supply at forward-operating bases, even in austere environments or during grid outages.[6]
- Advances in high-capacity batteries and energy storage enable reliable power for critical systems and reduce the need for constant fuel resupply.[7]
4. Sustainable Building and Base Design
- Military installations are adopting energy-efficient building materials, smart systems for lighting, heating, and cooling, and strategies for net-zero emissions.[8]
- The U.S. Army’s climate strategy includes building a microgrid on every base by 2035 and achieving a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas pollution by 2030.[9]
5. Biofuels and Alternative Propulsion
- Biofuels, methanol-based fuel cells, and hydrogen fuel cells are being tested and deployed to power vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels, further decreasing reliance on traditional petroleum products.[10]
The Operational and Strategic Benefits:
- Enhanced Resilience: Renewable energy and microgrids make bases less vulnerable to attacks on centralized power infrastructure.
- Reduced Logistical Burden: Electrification and alternative fuels minimize the need for hazardous fuel convoys, freeing up resources and reducing casualties.
- Mission Readiness: Energy-efficient platforms and circular logistics (recycling and repurposing equipment) bolster operational energy security and supply chain resilience.
- Innovation Catalyst: Military testing environments accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable technologies, which often translate into civilian applications.
Indian Army and their push:
1. Indian Army’s Renewable Energy Push in Ladakh
A landmark project in Chushul, Ladakh, showcases the Indian Army’s commitment to sustainable energy. In partnership with NTPC, the Army deployed a solar-hydrogen microgrid at an altitude of 4,400 meters, replacing diesel generators in one of the world’s most challenging environments. This off-grid system supplies 200 kW of round-the-clock renewable power, reducing CO₂ emissions by 1,500 tonnes annually and eliminating the need for hazardous fuel logistics. It is recognized as one of the world’s most unique hydrogen-based military microgrids and sets a benchmark for decarbonizing defence infrastructure in remote border areas.[11]
2. Green Infrastructure: Thal Sena Bhawan
The Indian Army’s new headquarters, Thal Sena Bhawan, is being constructed with green building norms. The design incorporates energy-efficient materials, rainwater harvesting, solar energy harnessing, fly ash bricks, and solid waste treatment. This project demonstrates how sustainable construction can be integrated into large-scale military infrastructure to minimize environmental impact while maintaining operational effectiveness.[12]
3. Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cells
To reduce emissions, noise pollution, and fossil fuel dependency, the Indian Army is transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric alternatives. By the end of 2025, the Army aims to deploy 60–70 electric buses, 400 electric cars, and 425 electric motorcycles across 30 stations and 150 establishments. Additionally, the Army has piloted hydrogen fuel cell buses and signed agreements for green hydrogen-based microgrid power plants, furthering innovation in sustainable military transport.[13]
4. Solid Waste Management and Afforestation
The “Apashisht Mukt Sainya Abhiyan†(AMSA) aims to make the Indian Army landfill-free by March 2027, with comprehensive waste segregation, recycling, and composting initiatives. Over 1.35 million trees have been planted at military stations using scientific techniques, contributing to biodiversity and environmental restoration in sensitive and conflict-affected regions.[14]
5. Simulation-Based Green Training
Recognizing the pollution footprint of traditional field-mode training, the Indian Army is investing in simulation-based training. This approach not only reduces resource consumption and emissions but also enhances trainee skills efficiently. National-level visibility and policy support for green training are growing, with NITI Aayog and defence leadership advocating for rapid adoption of simulators.[15]
Projects in the work and areas of collaboration:
MILES Challenge 2021: India’s MILES (M+ Innovation Lab for Environment and Sustainability) Challenge, a collaboration between AGNIi Mission, Amplus Solar, and GoMassive, seeks to propel India as a cleantech innovation hub, aligning military sustainability with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable Military Infrastructure: Seminars and partnerships with leading academic and research institutions (such as IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay) are fostering innovation in construction technologies, renewable energy integration, and climate-resilient infrastructure for the Indian Armed Forces.[16]
Global Commitments and Future Outlook:
- The U.S. and European militaries are setting ambitious renewable energy targets—such as sourcing at least 25% of energy from renewables by 2025—and investing in next-generation green technologies.[17]
- Future innovations may include biodegradable platforms, piezoelectric devices, and next-generation wireless networks to further reduce environmental footprints
Conclusion:
Green technologies and energy efficiency are no longer optional for military operations—they are essential for operational superiority, resilience, and environmental stewardship. As defence organizations continue to innovate, their leadership in sustainable practices will shape not only the future of warfare but also global approaches to energy and climate security.
The Indian Army’s green initiatives underscore a strategic shift: environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and national security are now seen as interlinked imperatives. These efforts not only reduce the military’s ecological footprint but also enhance operational readiness, resilience, and community welfare in conflict-affected areas. As militaries globally—and especially in India—continue to innovate, their leadership in sustainable practices will shape not only the future of warfare but also global approaches to energy and climate security.
[1] https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/military-technology-trends/
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-army-steps-up-efforts-to-go-green-climate-change/
[4],[5],[6],[7],[9] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-army-steps-up-efforts-to-go-green-climate-change/
[8] https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/eco-smart-defense-uniting-for-truly-green-innovations
[10] https://www.redalyc.org/journal/6617/661774087007/html/
[11],[12],[13] https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-green-initiatives-of-indian-army-towards-sustainable-practices-3503845/
[14] https://ijip.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18.01.004.20251301.pdf
[15] https://www.aviation-defence-universe.com/sustainability-in-focus-green-training-in-indian-army/
[16] https://www.iitk.ac.in/new/sustainable-military-infrastructure-and-emerging-technologies