Military Transformations Programme

1. Military innovation – understanding the impact of disruptive technologies on the development of new types of armaments and other military equipment that may lead to novel capabilities and advantages for militaries in the long term (i.e., out to 2040). These include advances in AI, autonomous systems and quantum technologies, among others, as well as their strategic and operational interactions.
2. Military-strategic competition – assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of militaries and their sources of competitive advantage derived from disruptive technologies, and the implications of this for regional strategic stability.
3. Governance and norms – monitoring militaries’ approaches to governance of disruptive technologies across different domains, e.g., in cyberspace and outer space. This includes the emergence of non-binding norms, arms control measures, multilateral dialogue, and application of international law.

Annual Conference

The latest iteration of MTP’s flagship annual conference was held from 7 to 8 November 2024 on the theme of “Navigating Uncertainty: Arms Control in an Age of Disruptive Technologies”. The event report can be accessed here.

Recent Publications

• Manoj Harjani, “Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy Turns One”, IDSS Paper, 30 June 2025
• Mei Ching Liu, “Iran’s Tactics Against Israel Confirm A New Trend in Warfare”, Channel News Asia, 20 June 2025
• Michael Raska, “Redefining Asia-Europe Security in A Multipolar World”, The Straits Times, 12 June 2025
• Michael Raska, GC REAIM Expert Policy Note Series: Mitigating the Risks of AI-Driven OODA Loops in Military Decision-Making (Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, April 2025)
• Wichuta Teeratanabodee, “Public-Private Partnerships in Outer Space: Implications for the Defence and Security Sector”, RSIS Working Paper (344), March 2025
• Michael Raska, “Will AI-Driven Super-OODA Loops Revolutionise Military Strategy and Operations?” RSIS Commentary, 20 January 2025
• Manoj Harjani, “The REAIM ‘Blueprint for Action” Needs Skin in the Game”, IDSS Paper, 16 January 2025
• Manoj Harjani, “Military AI Governance in 2024: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back”, IDSS Paper, 10 January 2025

Recent Events

• Asia-Pacific Consultation on the Application of International Humanitarian Law to Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, 11-13 February 2025
• RSIS Webinar on “The Space-Cyber Nexus”, 4 February 2025

Programme Staff

Mr Manoj Harjani
Research Fellow
Coordinator, Military Transformations Programme, IDSS
DID: 6514 1050
Email: [email protected]

Dr Michael Raska
Assistant Professor
Military Transformations Programme, IDSS
DID: 6592 3660
Email: [email protected]

Dr Tran Thi Bich
Research Fellow
Military Transformations Programme, IDSS
DID: 6904 1298
Email: [email protected]

Ms Mei Ching Liu
Associate Research Fellow
Military Transformations Programme, IDSS
DID: 6904 1338
Email: [email protected]