“Indian Army Embraces AI and Advanced Technology: A Path Towards Aatmanirbharta”

General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief, announced at NDTV’s inaugural Defence Summit that the Indian Army is diligently crafting an Artificial Intelligence (AI) roadmap in collaboration with subject matter experts. This initiative aims to bolster the army’s “mobility and protection.” The roadmap encompasses various AI projects such as natural language processing, facial recognition, vehicle tracking, satellite imagery analysis, and other autonomous systems currently in progress.

Furthermore, a tri-services endeavor is underway to establish a high-powered computing AI cloud. General Pande emphasized the significance of this AI roadmap, envisaging its relevance for the next two to two-and-a-half decades.

In addition to AI, the army is advancing projects involving robotic surveillance platforms, autonomous combat vehicles, and manned-unmanned cleaning solutions. Exploring the potential of 5G communications in training and operations is also on the agenda.

General Pande underscored the importance of modernization and technological integration, anchored on the principle of ‘aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance). Enhancing battlefield situational awareness through border surveillance systems, surveillance drones, swarm drones, and new artillery platforms is a key focus. Night fighting capabilities have been bolstered with night sights and handheld thermal imaging devices. Moreover, communication infrastructure is being upgraded with software-defined videos, while terrain-specific electronic warfare systems and drone technologies are being deployed.

Acknowledging the necessity for a balanced approach, General Pande highlighted the importance of finding equilibrium between vintage, current, and state-of-the-art systems. He emphasized a phased approach to modernization, aiming to augment the ratio of vintage to current to state-of-the-art equipment substantially by 2030, aligning with a focused ‘aatmanirbharta’ capability development roadmap.