In order to examine and analyse the art of warfare within a systematic framework, the 21st century concept of "Hybrid Warfare", which has emerged from diverse perceptions and rapid technological advancements, has introduced new perspectives in military strategy. The concept of Hybrid Warfare was first used by Frank Hoffman in 2007. According to Hoffman, Hybrid Warfare is “a type of warfare in which many types of warfare are used simultaneously by flexible and sophisticated enemies in a way that best adapts to the conditions of the moment”. In this context, categorising wars as large/small or regular/irregular does not make sense. Hoffman argues that in the coming period, conventional forces, irregular warfare elements, terrorism and criminal organisations will be present in the field of operations at the same time. Hybrid warfare will not only be limited to non-state actors, but states will want to use it in the future, especially against conventionally more powerful states.
Future Battle Environment
While preparing for the future battle environment, we need to define and understand the threat, develop strategies and tactics against this threat, and have qualified personnel, weapons and equipment for warfare. Winning the wars of the future can only be possible by developing a common civil-military understanding from the individual to the state level within the framework of a comprehensive approach.
It is important for land forces to come into close contact with the enemy, neutralise the enemy and take control of an area. There is a need for air forces to land forces in the enemy's rear area, to neutralise strategic targets in the rear area, and/or naval forces to conduct effective naval operations at the desired time and place, and to ensure regional maritime superiority.
The ability to utilise the advantages provided by the unchanging nature of war is an important parameter in understanding and responding to current threats.
The Nature of War
There are three domains in the Nature of War. These are the physical, psychological and conceptual domains.
Firstly, war is a physical activity consisting of forces, fire and technology.
It can be said that war is realised with ‘tools’ created by humans. Physical elements are the most obvious and observable ones.
Secondly, war is a psychological activity involving emotion, passion, belief and spirit.
War, in other words, is made in the emotions of people, and the passion for war is the most difficult to withstand. The enemy's inclinations can therefore be used in our own interests and made favourable to the situation.
Thirdly, war is a ‘conceptual’ activity.
Warfare takes place in the human ‘mind’, where communication strategies, plans, tactics and deceptions are clearly visible. The first priority is to understand the opponent's plan or purpose, the second priority is to understand his methods. In other words, instead of focussing on the ‘methods and means’ of the opponent, one should focus on his ‘aims’. This is only possible by understanding the relationship between the enemy's intentions, goals, means and objectives.
The Philosophy of Hybrid Warfare
The most basic approach that constitutes the philosophy of hybrid warfare is to gain advantage through unexpected actions by avoiding predictable behaviours and using all types of attacks.
Hybrid Warfare Concept
Hybrid Warfare Concept has been on the agenda intensively in the studies on future operational concepts, and recently, it has started to be emphasised by NATO within the scope of the lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The Hybrid Warfare concept basically envisages an operational concept in which the simultaneous use of all conventional and unconventional types of operations in the same operational area or environment has become mandatory in the face of a wide variety of threats (symmetric, asymmetric, CBRN, cyber, space) that will emerge simultaneously.
