New Delhi: In a significant move towards improving mobility and protection, the Indian Army is collaborating with subject matter experts to create an Artificial Intelligence (AI) roadmap, as revealed by Army Chief General Manoj Pande.
At NDTV's inaugural Defence Summit, it was revealed that the roadmap encompasses diverse AI projects, including natural language processing, facial recognition, vehicle tracking, satellite imagery analysis, and various autonomous systems.
General Pande outlined the ongoing initiatives, stating, "A tri-services project is being undertaken to develop a high-powered computing AI cloud. We are in the process of preparing the AI roadmap in consultation with subject matter experts, which will serve as good for the next 20 to 25 years."
The Army is actively involved in projects such as robotic surveillance platforms, autonomous combat vehicles, and manned-unmanned cleaning solutions. Additionally, the exploration of 5G communications for training and operations is underway.
Emphasizing the role of modernization and technology infusion as a key pillar of transformation, General Pande highlighted advancements in battlefield situational awareness.
This includes border surveillance systems, surveillance drones for target acquisition, precision fires, swarm drones, new artillery platforms, enhanced night fighting capabilities, and upgraded communication systems down to the soldier level with software-defined videos. The deployment of terrain-specific electronic warfare systems, drones, anti-drone systems, and logistic drones is also part of the army's strategy.
However, the Army Chief acknowledged the need for balance, noting that the simultaneous modernization or replacement of vintage platforms is neither feasible nor desirable. The intention is to increase the ratio of vintage to current to state-of-the-art equipment substantially by 2030, aligning with a focused 'aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) capability development roadmap.