Cyber Warfare in the Perspective of Modern Air Defense Strategy: Bibliometric Mapping and Global Research Directions

Abstract

Cyber warfare has become a critical domain in modern air defense strategies, surpassing traditional kinetic capabilities to include resilience against advanced digital threats. This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using Bibliometrix R and VOSviewer to map the global research landscape on cyber warfare from 2005 to 2025. A dataset consisting of 333 publications indexed in Scopus was systematically selected through the PRISMA framework, enabling the identification of publication trends, leading authors, collaboration networks, and thematic clusters. Findings show significant growth in literature after the Stuxnet incident (2010), with research evolving from normative debates on national security toward technical issues such as malware detection, network resilience, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven defense systems. Keyword co-occurrence and overlay analysis revealed a new focus on IoT, cyber operations, and decision-making processes, highlighting the convergence between technological innovation and strategic policy. Additionally, international law and humanitarian considerations emerged as essential complementary dimensions. The study emphasizes that cyber warfare is inherently multidisciplinary, requiring the integration of technical, strategic, legal, and ethical perspectives. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, military strategists, and the academic community, offering a roadmap for strengthening cyber resilience in air defense systems and promoting international cooperation.