Shield AI has established a wholly owned subsidiary, Shield AI India, to support software integration, engineering, and autonomy development, and to grow indigenous engineering and software development capabilities for India. The entity will operate across two offices – the first one in New Delhi, which is operational now, and another in Bengaluru, which is scheduled to open later this summer, thereby enabling closer collaboration with local partners while contributing to the growth of India’s high-technology ecosystem in AI and autonomous systems.

India is central to Shield AI’s global mission, said Ryan Tseng. “The depth of engineering talent here combined with our existing strategic partnerships and the trust placed in us by the Indian Armed Forces make India one of the most important partners in our long-term plans. Shield AI India is our commitment to building lasting capability in the country — not just selling to it.”

“Being a strong partner means being present and working alongside our customers,” said Sarjan Shah, managing director for India at Shield AI. “With our New Delhi office, and with our plans to expand soon in Bengaluru as well, we are strengthening our ability to support India’s autonomy priorities and partner on systems that can be built, deployed, and sustained within the country, while growing a pipeline of Indian engineers and developers who can build and evolve mission autonomy on Indian terms.”

“The U.S.-India relationship is something I was proud to support in my role as INDOPACOM commander, and given what Shield AI is doing in, with, and for India, I could not be prouder to support our partnership. Done right, the U.S.-India relationship can generate vital strategic, defense and economic value for both nations, and we look forward to supporting that overall goal,” said Aquilino.

In November 2024, the company announced a strategic partnership with JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd. to indigenize and manufacture its V-BAT unmanned aircraft system. As part of a $90 million investment, JSW Defence began construction of a large-scale V-BAT production facility at EMC Maheshwaram, Hyderabad in December 2025. The V-BAT production facility being set up by JSW is designed to serve the needs of the Indian Armed Forces and also function as a global production hub.

Shield AI’s expanded India presence also supports its ongoing work with the Indian Armed Forces. Earlier this year, India selected Shield AI to provide Hivemind powered V-BATs and, in addition, licenses for Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software for the Indian Army.

V-BAT is a Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS with a ducted-fan design, more than 12 hours of endurance, and a heavy-fuel (JP-8) engine. Proven in the electronic warfare battlefield, V-BAT delivers intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and targeting at significantly lower cost and logistical burden than larger drones. Under partnership with the Indian Army, Hivemind autonomy will integrate onto V-BAT as an autonomous pilot, enabling AI-powered perception, cognition, and beyond-visual-range operations. The company has also announced the development of a next-generation VTOL autonomous combat aircraft, X-BAT.

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Emerging Paradigm of Warfare from Platforms to Algorithms

For centuries now, technology has shaped the evolution of warfare. The difference today is the pace and scale at which this transformation is unfolding. Until about three decades ago, warfare was largely platform-centric. Military strength was measured by the ability to field and employ aircraft, tanks, artillery, and naval assets at scale, with industrial capacity and logistics being key determinants of combat outcomes.

A major inflection point came during the Gulf War, which marked the shift towards ‘Precision-Centric Warfare’. Precision-guided munitions, satellite navigation, and networked sensors demonstrated that accuracy and information could deliver effects disproportionate to force size, moving away from platform-centricity. In the years that followed, militaries recalibrated doctrines towards integrating sensors, shooters, and command systems to achieve combat advantage.

Today, we are witnessing a more fundamental and disruptive transformation as warfare is increasingly becoming algorithm-driven and multi-domain, where operations across land, air, sea, space, cyber, and the electromagnetic spectrum are synchronised in near-real-time, supplemented by the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence systems across the entire Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) loop. Decision cycles are compressing, and the ability to process and act on data is emerging as a decisive factor in operational success.

This shift has been clearly visible in ongoing conflicts from Ukraine to the West Asian theatre, and closer to home through lessons from Operation Sindoor. The direction is clear. Advantage is steadily migrating from platforms to technology stacks that connect, enable, and power them.

From Military-Led to Civilian-Driven Innovation

Parallel to this transformation in warfare, the last few decades have witnessed an equally significant shift in the technology landscape. The centre of gravity of innovation has moved from military-led development to civilian-driven ecosystems.

For much of the twentieth century, when regular conflicts and ‘war economies’ were the order of the day, defence establishments defined the technological frontier. Breakthroughs such as the internet, GPS, and advanced communication systems originated within military programmes before finding widespread civilian application. Defence set the pace and direction of innovation, with the civilian industry following.

That equation has now largely reversed. Today, the most disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, robotics, autonomous systems, and data analytics, are driven by the civilian sector. Innovation cycles are faster, technology proliferation is quicker, capital is more accessible, and competition accelerates development in ways traditional defence structures find difficult to match. The transition of major economies from war economies to consumer-driven economies has further accentuated this phenomenon.

For militaries, this creates both opportunity and complexity. Access to advanced technologies has expanded significantly, but dependence on globally distributed ecosystems raises concerns around control, reliability, and long-term resilience. The challenge is not just adoption, but the ability to adapt and integrate these technologies within secure and dependable frameworks.

The Strategic Imperative of Sovereign Technology

In an era of shifting alliances, contested supply chains, and increasing ambiguity in the global order, technology has moved to the centre of strategic autonomy. Access can no longer be taken for granted, and dependencies can quickly translate into strategic constraints.

The issue is not simply about acquiring advanced technologies, but about the degree of control exercised over them across the complete lifecycle of equipment. Through initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI in the civilian domain, India has successfully demonstrated that sovereign and scalable architectures can deliver reliable product quality, resilience, and scale. The lesson for defence lies in recognising the importance of architecture and control.

Sovereignty does not imply isolation. It requires clarity on what must be controlled and where collaboration is viable. In modern defence systems, critical layers often lie beneath the surface. Embedded electronics, software, data architectures, and algorithms determine how systems perform and evolve. Without sufficient depth in these areas, even indigenously produced platforms may remain constrained, with a limited ability to exploit them fully over their entire lifecycles. Building capability in these critical layers will be essential to ensure operational resilience and long-term relevance.

Leveraging Dual-Use Technologies: Connecting the Ecosystem

India is at a unique inflection point. Enabling policy frameworks, a maturing entrepreneurial ecosystem, and an evolving financial landscape have together given rise to a new generation of technology-led enterprises. Earlier, access to finance was largely linked to confirmed orders from government or industry. Today, investors are increasingly backing companies with strong technology, intellectual property, and scalability, accelerating the growth of deep-tech enterprises. Today, an increasing number of indigenous, technology-driven firms operate at the cutting edge of technology and at the intersection of civilian and strategic domains.

These firms are investing in research and building the maturity required to bring agility, innovation, and scalability into areas that were traditionally constrained by slower cycles.

In doing so, they also help to overcome the systemic challenges that various pillars of the Indian defence ecosystem—i.e., the Armed Forces, DRDO, DPSUs, private industry (including start-ups), and academia—face because of the very nature of their structure. Many tech firms are structured in a more agile and effective manner, with the ability to innovate faster, integrate more effectively, and scale solutions with greater efficiency.

These companies can support the Armed Forces in ideation, rapid prototyping, and faster capability absorption. They can also help research organisations, including DRDO, in shortening their development cycles and developing products at the cutting edge of technology. They can help the DPSUs and private industry to develop niche solutions faster with greater efficiency, better quality, higher reliability, and scalability. Many of these companies are working closely with academia, helping align research more closely with real-world problems and challenges. Thus, the real value of dual-use technologies lies in how they connect these elements and emerge as a key enabler.

Technologies Shaping the Next Phase of Capability

The shift towards algorithm-centric and multi-domain operations is being enabled by a set of technologies that cut across platforms and stakeholders. Their impact lies in how they strengthen each part of the ecosystem and how effectively they are integrated.

Digital Twins are an exciting technology and are emerging as a link between design and operations. For the Armed Forces, they can help in planning infrastructure and facilities by testing layouts and workflows before execution. They can also enable a more objective evaluation of systems during trials by allowing equipment to be tested across operational limits objectively, thereby strengthening and shortening the procurement procedures. For in-service platforms, Digital Twins can support continuous performance validation and improve platform availability through predictive maintenance and product validation.

Digital twins can also help the DRDO, academia, and industry in reducing development time of new prototypes as well as in multiple associated areas like prototype validation, quality control, and testing. They can also improve lifecycle management activities, including MRO. They can also help overcome the challenges associated with spiral development of products and solutions, an aspect that the Indian defence ecosystem has been struggling with for a very long time now.

Advanced Simulation Systems are yet another technology area with tremendous dual-use capabilities. Traditionally associated with only training, these systems actually go way beyond training and can help in doctrine validation, evolution of operational plans, as well as process and product development. Even within the domain of training, which has largely been limited to individual training in isolation, the potential of simulation can be transformative.

Through Live, Virtual, and Constructive integration, these systems are changing how training is envisioned, planned, and executed. They can enable integrated training at the crew, unit, formation, and theatre levels across services. Training environments that have traditionally been siloed can now function as a unified continuum. Also, wargaming can be made way more immersive, realistic, and reflective of operational conditions. For DRDO and academia, simulation systems can support experimentation, process improvements, as well as product development.

Electronics and Embedded Systems form the foundation of modern capability. The ability to curate customized electronics designs using indigenous chips and circuits, sensors, and firmware, with customised communication protocols and the ability to integrate with third-party products, is a phenomenal enabler.

This can help us reduce external dependence and create a resilient architecture for the development of indigenous solutions.

For the Armed Forces, control over sensors, communication systems, and electronic warfare capabilities is critical to operational effectiveness. In contested environments, this layer often determines whether systems function as intended. Operating at the heart of critical systems, these technologies energize the products effectively. They also support DRDO, academia, and industry in reducing dependency and strengthening the ability to create specialised subsystems and systems, thereby improving resilience, as well as capabilities, across the product lifecycle.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning support decision-making across all levels. Shaping transformation across industries and warfare, these systems enable faster data collection, quicker analysis, improved situational awareness, and support for functions such as surveillance, command and control, and logistics. Their role continues to evolve from augmenting human decision-making towards greater levels of autonomy.

Needless to say, homegrown AI and ML platforms can transform our architectures and make them way more capable. For DRDO and academia, AI and ML open avenues for research in data-driven models and predictive systems. For industry, they enable scalable and software-driven solutions across civilian and defence domains, strengthening the dual-use ecosystem.

Autonomous Systems and Robotics are translating intelligence into action. They enable operations in high-risk environments and improve reach and persistence across land, sea, air, and emerging domains. Their application is expanding beyond support roles into core operational functions. Traditionally used for replacing tasks that were considered to be dull, dirty, and dangerous, autonomous and unmanned systems are finding greater resonance across combat and combat support.

For DRDO, academia, and industry applications, they create unprecedented opportunities in autonomy, control systems, and human-machine integration. They also enable the development of next-generation systems that combine efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness.

Data Platforms are emerging as the central integrative layer across modern defence systems. For the Armed Forces, they enable the creation of a unified operational and logistics picture by bringing together inputs from multiple sensors, platforms, and domains. This significantly enhances situational awareness, shortens decision cycles, and enables coordinated action across formations and services.

For DRDO and academia, data platforms enable data-driven development, modelling, and validation of systems, allowing for a more objective assessment and faster iteration. For industry, they support system integration, analytics, and the development of scalable digital architectures that can operate across both civilian and defence environments. Their effectiveness, however, depends on interoperability, standardisation, and robust security frameworks, making them critical to enabling true network-centric and multi-domain operations.

Space and Geospatial Technologies extend capability across all pillars of the defence ecosystem. For the Armed Forces, they enhance communication, navigation, surveillance, and command and control, while significantly improving operational and logistical planning. Their role is increasingly central in both strategic and tactical operations.

For DRDO and academia, these technologies enable advanced modelling, geospatial analytics, and the integration of satellite-based data into defence systems. For industry, they open up opportunities in downstream applications, geospatial services, and the integration of space-based capabilities with terrestrial systems. Their real value lies in seamless integration with ground-level systems, enabling more informed and precise decision-making.

Taken together, these technologies matter less as standalone capabilities and more in how they are applied collectively. Their strength lies in improving how the ecosystem functions as a whole, enabling faster development, more effective deployment, and continuous adaptation to evolving operational requirements.

Conclusion

The basis of military advantage is shifting. It is no longer defined by platforms alone, but by the ability to integrate, adapt, and scale technology in response to changing operational demands.

Sovereign dual-use technologies are central to this shift. They combine the speed of civilian innovation with the control required for strategic systems, enabling faster capability development, reducing critical dependencies, and strengthening control over critical technological layers. More importantly, they help align the Armed Forces, DRDO, industry, and academia into a more responsive and effective ecosystem. Resilience, in this context, is built through coherence and control. Nations that can anchor their defence capability in sovereign, dual-use technologies will be better placed to adapt, sustain, and evolve in the face of changing operational demands.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are expected to be increasingly used to improve decision-making, target identification, and battlefield awareness. They could also be used to develop autonomous weapons, which could make warfare more efficient and less reliant on human decision-making.

Autonomous Systems: Unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, as well as underwater drones, are expected to become more prevalent on the battlefield. These systems could be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military tasks, and could greatly enhance the capabilities of military forces.

Directed Energy Weapons (DEW): Lasers and microwave weapons are expected to become more powerful and more widely used in warfare. These weapons could be used to disable or destroy targets at a distance, and could greatly enhance the capabilities of military forces.

Quantum Technology: Quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum encryption are expected to play a major role in future warfare. They could be used to develop more powerful and secure communication systems, as well as to improve intelligence gathering and analysis.

Cybersecurity: As more military systems become connected to the internet, protecting them from cyberattacks will become increasingly important. Emerging technologies such as blockchain and quantum-resistant cryptography are expected to play a key role in securing military networks and systems.

Robotics and Drones: Robotics and drones are expected to play a more prominent role in future warfare, they could be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military tasks including search and rescue, reconnaissance, and explosive ordnance disposal.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR): AR/VR are likely to be used for training, simulation, and for enhancing the situational awareness of soldiers on the battlefield.

Hypersonic Weapons: These are missiles that travel at speeds above Mach 5 and can evade traditional missile defense systems.

Space-based Assets: Satellites are being used for a variety of military purposes, including communication, navigation, and intelligence gathering.

Autonomous Systems

India has been actively working on developing autonomous systems and Robotics for defence purposes.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been developing various UAS for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. DRDO’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Rustom-2 can be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). DRDO has been developing UGVs for a variety of tasks, including explosive ordnance disposal and reconnaissance. DRDO’s UGV named Daksh is capable of handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). A Minefield Breaching System (MBS) has also been developed, which can be used to clear minefields and other explosive hazards.

Autonomous Naval Systems. Autonomous surface and underwater vehicles for naval applications such as mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance are under development. Indian Navy has developed an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle named AUV-62.

Autonomous Weapon Systems. DRDO has been working on autonomous weapon systems for use in air, land and naval defence. These systems are intended to improve decision-making and target identification.

Humanoid Robots. DRDO is also researching the development of humanoid robots for military and civilian applications.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML technologies are being used to improve decision-making, target identification and tracking, predictive maintenance and cybersecurity.

AI-based Decision Support Systems. The Indian armed forces are using AI-based decision support systems to improve situational awareness and decision-making on the battlefield. The Indian Army has developed an AI-based decision support system called the Tactical Control and Analysis System (TCAS).

ML-based Target Identification and Tracking. DRDO has been working on developing ML-based systems for target identification and tracking, for use in air and missile defence. DRDO has developed an ML-based system for tracking and identifying aircraft and missiles, called the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

AI-based Predictive Maintenance. India’s armed forces are using AI-based predictive maintenance systems to improve the maintenance of weapons and equipment. The Indian Navy has developed an AI-based predictive maintenance system called the Automatic Maintenance Management System (AMMS).

AI-based Cyber Security. AI and ML has been in use to improve cybersecurity, including intrusion detection and response, and threat intelligence.

AI-based Autonomous Systems. DRDO is been researching the use of AI to improve the autonomy and decision-making capabilities of unmanned systems, including UAVs and UGVs.

Hypersonic Weapons

India is actively researching and developing hypersonic weapons technology, including the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV), the BrahMos-II missile, and the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC). India has also successfully tested a hypersonic scramjet engine, which is a key technology for hypersonic propulsion.

HSTDV can be used to test and validate hypersonic propulsion technologies. BrahMos-II is an upgraded version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, designed to be able to travel at hypersonic speeds. HAWC will be a new class of missile that can travel at hypersonic speeds and carry conventional or nuclear payloads.

India has successfully tested a hypersonic scramjet engine. This technology will be used to power the HSTDV and the HAWC.

Directed Energy Weapons

India is actively researching and developing directed energy weapons (DEW), such as high-energy laser systems and microwave weapons, for use in air and missile defense, electronic warfare, and communications.

High-energy Laser Systems. DRDO has been researching and developing high-energy laser systems to disable or destroy incoming missiles and aircraft. DRDO is also working on microwave weapons for use in electronic warfare. These weapons can be used to disrupt or damage electronic systems, such as radar and communications systems.

Laser-based Communication System. The Department of Space has been developing a laser-based communication system that uses a beam of laser light to transmit data through the atmosphere.

Solid-state Laser Technology. DRDO is also working on solid-state laser technology for use in high-energy laser systems.

Space-based Assets

India has been developing a variety of space-based assets for military use, including communication, navigation and reconnaissance satellites, military satellite launch vehicles and space-based early warning systems.

Communication Satellites. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a number of communication satellites that can be used for military and civilian purposes.

Navigation Satellites. ISRO has developed a regional satellite navigation system called NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) which provides accurate positioning and timing information for military and civilian use.

Reconnaissance Satellites. ISRO has developed a number of reconnaissance satellites that can be used for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance. These include the Cartosat series of satellites which provide high-resolution imagery.

Military Satellite Launch Vehicles. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) are used to launch military and civilian satellites into orbit.

Space-based Early Warning Systems. Space-based early warning systems is being developed to detect and track incoming ballistic missiles, and other potential threats to Indian airspace.

Quantum Communication and Quantum Computing

In summary, India is actively researching and developing Quantum communication and Quantum computing technology for defence applications, with a focus on Quantum key distribution, quantum computing, quantum random number generator, and quantum communication network. DRDO and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have been leading the development of these technologies.

QKD uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys, making it extremely difficult to hack.

DRDO has been researching the use of quantum computing for cryptography, simulation and optimization. A quantum random number generator has been developed that can be used for cryptographic applications, such as key generation and encryption. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are also actively researching and developing quantum computing technology.

Quantum Communication Network. DRDO is also researching the development of a quantum communication network that would be able to transmit information securely using quantum cryptography.

Critical Technologies for Next-gen Fighter Aircraft

Several critical technologies are required for military aerospace and next-gen fighter aircraft. These include:

• Stealth technology by reducing the radar cross-section of an aircraft to make it more difficult to detect by radar. This can be achieved through the use of advanced materials and shaping techniques.

• Avionics systems that can integrate and process a large amount of data from various sensors, including radar, infrared, and electronic warfare systems, to improve situational awareness and decision-making.

• Supersonic and hypersonic propulsion that enable aircraft to fly at supersonic or hypersonic speeds, greatly increasing their speed and range, as well as their ability to evade enemy defences.

• Directed energy weapons like laser and microwave weapons that can be used to disable or destroy enemy aircraft, missiles and other targets.

• The use of advanced materials, such as composites, that can withstand high temperatures and stresses, as well as structures that can withstand high-g manoeuvres are critical for next-generation fighter aircraft.

Complexities Involved in Development of Aeroengines

The development and manufacture of aeroengines is a complex and challenging process that involves a number of technical, logistical, and financial complexities. Some of the major complexities involved in this process include:

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Techniques. Aeroengines are made from a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and composites, which must be engineered and manufactured to exacting tolerances to withstand the high temperatures, pressures, and loads encountered in flight.

Complex Design and Engineering. Aeroengines are highly complex systems that require advanced design and engineering techniques to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability. This includes the use of computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and other advanced simulation tools to model and optimize the engine’s performance.

High Development and Manufacturing Costs. Developing and manufacturing aeroengines is an extremely costly process, involving significant investments in research and development, engineering, testing, and production facilities.

Critical Technologies for Next-gen Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Some critical technologies for next generation armoured fighting vehicles include:

• Active protection systems (APS) which detect and intercept incoming projectiles before they can hit the vehicle.

• Advanced armour materials, such as ceramic and composite materials, that can provide better protection against high-powered weapons.

• Electric drive systems and hybrid powertrains to improve mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

• Advanced sensors and networking systems to improve situational awareness and communication among vehicles and with command and control centres.

• Autonomous capabilities such as autonomy and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making and reduce the risk to crew members.

• Stealth technology to reduce the vehicle’s detectability by enemy sensors.

• Laser weapons, directed energy weapons, to provide longer range and more precise firepower.

Critical Technologies for Next-gen Submarines

Next-gen submarines require some critical technologies as follows:

• Advanced stealth technology to reduce the submarine’s detectability by enemy sensors. This includes quieting systems for the propulsion, electrical and mechanical systems, as well as hull coatings and designs that minimize the submarine’s acoustic, magnetic and electromagnetic signatures.

• AIP (air-independent propulsion) systems that allow the submarine to operate for extended periods without surfacing. This can include fuel cells, closed-cycle diesel engines, or Stirling engines.

• Advanced sensors, including sonar systems, for improved underwater detection and classification of other vessels and submarines.

• Integrated communications and networking systems to improve the submarine’s command, control, and information-sharing capabilities.

• Hybrid electric drive propulsion system that allows extended low-speed operations and silent running, as well as increased range and endurance.

• In the case of next-gen frigates and destroyers, additional technologies, as follows, are required:

• Advanced propulsion systems, such as gas turbine or integrated electric drive, to improve the ship’s speed, range, and manoeuvrability.

•  Advanced sensors, including radar, sonar and electronic warfare systems, for improved situational awareness and threat detection.

• Integrated communications and networking systems to improve the ship’s command, control, and information-sharing capabilities.

• Advanced armour materials and active protection systems to improve the ship’s survivability against incoming projectiles.

Way Ahead

India is a significant player in the defence and aerospace industries, with a strong focus on developing advanced technologies. The country has a robust domestic defence industry, which produces a wide range of military equipment and weapons systems, including tanks, fighter jets, and warships. India also has a growing aerospace industry, with several major companies and research institutions including DRDO working on developing new technologies in areas such as satellite launch vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and hypersonic vehicles. Additionally, India has a strong tradition of scientific research, including in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science, which it is leveraging to develop advanced technologies for defence and aerospace applications.

To further enhance its capabilities and catch up with the world leaders in advanced technologies, India should increase investment in research and development; encourage collaboration and partnerships between its defence and aerospace companies, research institutions, and international partners; create a conducive policy environment (funding, tax incentives, and other benefits); increase indigenization with a focus on building capabilities in design, development, and production of defence equipment; and emphasize on education and training (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

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Steps are being taken by the armed forces to ensure effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in fighting conflicts, which is fast becoming a critical operational necessity that may well decide the outcome of wars in the future. Army, Navy and IAF to DRDO labs, are increasingly focusing on AI to enable faster decision-making and shortening the sensor-to shooter loop, AI-powered surveillance and weapon systems.

China is leagues ahead with its long-standing focus on “informatized” and “intelligentized” warfare.

The Indian defence establishment, on its part, now has a Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) led by the defence minister to provide overall guidance and support. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, incidentally, had earlier declared that “25 defence-specific AI products” will be developed by 2024.

A Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) has also been created under the secretary (defence production), with Rs 100 crore earmarked annually for AI-enabled projects.

Indian Navy has launched major projects and initiatives to incorporate new-age advanced technology into the service at systems and processes levels. Along with the centres of excellence, the navy has begun exposing its personnel to academics and experts from outside, keeping the future in mind.

To equip the Indian Navy with modern era technologies, a workshop on the contemporary topic ‘Leveraging Al’ was organized by the Navy’s premier technical training institute INS Valsura from 19 to 21 January 2022.

The workshop witnessed the participation of renowned IT Companies like Google, IBM, Infosys and TCS who shared the industry perspective during the three-day event. Conducted under the aegis of Southern Naval Command, the mega event also included distinguished academicians from IIT Delhi, New York University, Amrita University and Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA- IICT), who deliberated about the usage of latest trends and applications of Artificial Intelligence.

The Navy has 30 ongoing AI projects encompassing autonomous systems, maritime domain awareness, perimeter security, decision-making, predictive inventory maintenance and management. The Navy is also creating an AI centre of excellence (CoE) at INS Valsura in Jamnagar, which already has a modern lab on AI and Big Data Analysis (BDA). A state-of-art lab on AI and BDA was also set up in January 2020.

The creation of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the field of AI at INS Valsura, will be instrumental in the progress of pilot projects related to the adoption of AI and BDA in the domain of maintenance, HR and perception assessment. Likewise, the Indian Navy is also unifying and reorganising its enterprise data, as data is the fuel for all AI engines.

Understanding the strategic importance of these niche technologies, the Indian Navy has also created an ‘AI Core Group’, which meets twice a year for assessing all AI/ ML initiatives.

The periodic reviews of AI projects are being held to ensure the adherence of the promulgated timelines and to steer the AI initiatives, which are envisaged to have both tactical and strategic level impact. Further, the Indian navy also conducts training in AI/ ML across all levels of specialty for its officers and sailors. These trainings take place both within Navy’s own training schools as also renowned Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Notably, big and small AI linked courses have been training several personnel of the India Navy.

Background

The AI Task Force set up in 2017 had also made recommendations on how to make India a significant power in AI, in terms of both offensive and defensive needs, especially in aviation, naval, land systems, cyber, nuclear and biological warfare arenas.

Initial tenders or RFIs (requests for information) were also floated on dual-use AI capabilities.

The Indian Navy and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) inked an MoU, in April 2019, to undertake joint research and development of advanced technologies for the Indian Navy.

The document provided a formal framework for interaction between the Indian Navy and CSIR. It will facilitate joint R&D activities in diverse fields of mechanical, electronics, communication, computer science, propulsion systems, metallurgy and nanotechnology.

Some of the projects under the MoU included:

• Development of alternative desalination technologies

•  Installation of wireless MEMS-based sensors for remote operation

• Residual Life Assessment studies of Gas Turbine Generator blades to improve reliability

Earlier in 2019, the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) had organised the NSTL – Academia Meet with the theme Artificial Intelligence for Naval Systems. A gathering of the academia and the Navy had proved to be an ideal platform for deliberation and discussion on AI and its application in defence systems, with specific emphasis on naval systems.

In March 2019, a combat management system developed by a private company was handed over to the Indian Navy. The CMS was created for India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, also known as IAC-1 or Vikrant and was developed by Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division in collaboration with Weapon and Electronics System Engineering Establishment and MARS, Russia.

This naval CMS has the capability:

•  Connects a ship’s sensors

•  Weapons

•  Data links

• Support measures to the staff performing combat tasks

•  Have sensor control

•  Sensor data fusion

•  Threat evaluation

•  Weapons control

AI will help in identifying potential threats unambiguously and immediately. It will also help the command team make informed decisions faster and rapidly detects and evaluate potential threats removing anomalies.

However, there are certain factors that need to be addressed so that they do not stand in the way of technical progress in the Indian Navy:

•  Lack of Data science talent internally

•  Lack of AI initiatives for the Navy

• Undeveloped eco-system for enterprise-level exploitation.

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