NEW DELHI: Stressing that warfare is now measured in hours and seconds, with satellites, drones and sensors redefining the nature of conflict, defence minister Rajnath Singh Monday directed the Coast Guard to develop a futuristic road map that anticipates new challenges, adapts new strategies and integrates cutting-edge technologies.“Preparedness, adaptability and rapid response must be the cornerstones of Coast Guard’s vision,” Singh said while addressing top commanders of the maritime force.Warning that maritime threats are increasingly becoming technology-driven and multi-dimensional while cyber and electronic warfare are present-day realities, Singh said India needs to integrate AI, machine learning-based surveillance, drones, cyber defence etc into its maritime security framework to stay ahead of terrorists, criminals, pirates and adversaries.“A nation may attempt to paralyse our systems, not with missiles, but through hacking, cyber attacks and electronic jamming. Automated surveillance networks and AI-enabled systems are essential to reduce response times to seconds and ensure readiness at all times,” Singh said.Urging Coast Guard to maintain not just routine surveillance but also keep a close track on geopolitical events for readiness to respond swiftly to external developments, he said “instability” in neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh often spills into the maritime domain, especially in the Bay of Bengal, through refugee influx, illegal migration and irregular maritime activities.Singh said any disruption in sea trade can have “cascading effects” on the security and economy alike. “We must treat national security and economic security as one and the same,” the minister said.