India’s defense forces are now “increasingly focusing” on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military to enable faster decision-making and shorten the sensor-to-shooter loop, according to a report by The Times of India, citing top defense officials.
The Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are reportedly taking steps to ensure AI is used effectively in preparing for potential conflicts.
AI has become an operational necessity, likely deciding the outcome of future wars.
The Asian country has recently established the Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to provide overall guidance and support for projects involving cutting-edge technologies. Singh had earlier revealed that India would develop 25 defense-specific AI products by 2024.
India has also created the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) with an annual budget of 100 Indian crores ($13.2 million) for AI programs.
For the Indian Navy, 30 AI projects are reportedly underway, focusing on autonomous systems, border security, maritime domain awareness, and improved decision-making.
“Improved situational awareness, fusion of sensors, faster decision-making, use of autonomous weapons, and integration of AI into every facet of warfare, will necessitate changes to war fighting doctrines, organizations and structures, training methodology and leadership,” Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane told the newspaper. “For militaries across the world as well as for us, this remains an ongoing challenge, and a work in progress.”
