The Role of AI in Transforming India's Defence Capabilities

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global defence landscape, and India must position itself at the forefront of this transformation. From autonomous systems to predictive intelligence, AI offers capabilities that can fundamentally alter how nations defend themselves and project power. India's defence establishment has recognized the potential of AI and is taking steps to integrate these technologies into military operations. The Defence AI Council, initiatives by DRDO, and partnerships with the private sector are all positive developments. However, the pace of adoption needs to accelerate to keep pace with global competitors. Key areas where AI can transform India's defence include: autonomous surveillance and reconnaissance systems, predictive maintenance for military equipment, AI-powered cyber defence, intelligent logistics and supply chain optimization, and decision support systems for strategic planning. The challenge lies not just in developing AI technologies, but in creating the institutional frameworks, training programs, and ethical guidelines needed to deploy them responsibly. CDF's conferences and dialogues on this subject aim to bridge the gap between technologists, military planners, and policymakers.