AI Roadmap for Indian Army Operations

Reference

The Indian Army is building an AI Roadmap for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Big Data Analytics in its operations by 2026-27. It aims to enhance battlefield awareness, decision-making and combat preparedness in line with India’s vision of modernization of defence capabilities.

Key Features of AI Roadmap

Features

• Drone Swarming: These enable AI-powered drone swarms for coordinated operations, reconnaissance, target engagement and saturation attacks.
  • These drones enhance accuracy in complex battlefields with automatic navigation, collision avoidance and automatic target recognition capabilities.
• Real-time battlefield surveillance: AI tools process data from drones, satellites, aircraft and terrestrial sensors to provide real-time situational awareness, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
• Smart War Rooms: Deploy AI-powered decision support systems, including Large Language Model (LLM)-based text summarization, AI chatbots, voice-to-text systems and facial recognition tools to summarize reports, detect threats and streamline command operations.
• Battle Simulation and Training: AI-based simulations for military training, combat exercises and mapping adversary capabilities will enhance operational preparedness.
• Logistics and Intelligence: Promote the use of AI to analyze open source intelligence (OSINT) and social media to optimize supply chains, predictive maintenance and counter misinformation and enhance surveillance.
• Anti-drone and electronic warfare: Development of AI-powered unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) and electronic warfare suites to disrupt enemy communications and radars.

Strategic requirement

• Learnings from Operation Sindoor: The operation exposed vulnerabilities where adversaries leveraged real-time drone and satellite inputs. It highlighted the need for AI-powered systems to match or surpass enemy capabilities.
• Boost indigenisation: Emphasis on domestic AI and drone development through collaboration between the military, industry and academia.
  • Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS) is setting up an AI lab to integrate these technologies across the services.
• Self-reliance: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasised on indigenous counter-unmanned aerial systems tailored to Indian terrain to reduce dependence on foreign technology to ensure scalability and security.

Implementation Framework

• Timeline: Full integration by 2026-27 with specific tactical, operational and strategic goals
• Task Force: Creation of a special task force comprising AI experts under the Directorate General of Information Systems to oversee training, data integration and maintenance of AI systems
• Integration: All new equipment has AI features built in, ensuring long-term adaptation.

Challenges

• Limited robust datasets for AI training
• Ethical concerns related to autonomous weapon
• Need to replace obsolete hardware

Way Forward

• Accelerate indigenous AI and drone development through collaboration with startups and academia
• Invest in anti-drone systems and electronic warfare capabilities to counter adversary advancements
• Incorporate AI in military operations to address accountability concerns Strengthening ethical frameworks for the use of
• This roadmap positions the Indian Army to leverage cutting edge technology for a future ready and self-reliant Army, which is vital for national security in a rapidly evolving global scenario.