How Indian Army plans to adopt AI and what it means for future of warfare

In an effort to marry tech with strategic warfare, the Indian Army is drawing up a detailed roadmap to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Big Data Analytics into its operations by 2026–27.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the Army seeks to identify key areas for adoption — from drone swarms and real-time battlefield monitoring to decision support systems and predictive maintenance. The development comes close on the heels of Operation Sindoor and the military conflict with Pakistan, which saw large-scale use of drones by both the sides.

Here's all about the Army's AI push:

Why it matters

The push comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Army’s cross-border strike in May targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which highlighted the need for faster, tech-driven decision-making on the battlefield.

What’s happening:

* The Army is prioritizing battlefield awareness using AI tools that process large volumes of data in real time, the report said.

* These include LLM-based text summarizers, AI-powered chatbots, voice-to-text systems, facial recognition and threat detection algorithms, it added.

* Drone, satellite, aircraft, and sensor feeds will be fused to support faster decision-making.

In focus:

* A new AI task force under the Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS), with members from across Army directorates, will oversee adoption and integration, the report said.

* The roadmap covers tactical, operational, and strategic goals — from surveillance and logistics to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysis and wargaming simulations.

* AI will aid in counter-intelligence, social media analysis, equipment positioning, navigation in GPS-denied zones and predictive maintenance, the Indian Express reported.

* AI features will now be part of the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) — the specs used to procure new equipment. The Army also plans to retrofit legacy systems with select AI capabilities.

The road ahead:

* An AI lab at DGIS will develop and test models, with integration across Navy and Air Force efforts.

* The Army is also looking to collaborate with industry and academia to accelerate R&D and talent development in this space.

* While the Army has previously discussed the use of AI, sources said its adoption is now being fast-tracked with structured plans and deadlines to meet operational needs.