The Indian Army is redefining combat readiness by embedding AI into its kill chain, promising smarter, faster, and deadlier operations. Unveiled at the Bharat Mandapam AI Impact Summit 2026, this push signals a paradigm shift: wars won through algorithms, not just artillery.
Experts gathered for the ‘Smartizing the Kill Chain’ seminar to explore AI’s potential in weaponizing platforms like tanks, drones, and sensors. The agenda? Elevate every combat stage with rapid intelligence, pinpoint strikes, and predictive prowess that outpaces adversaries.
AI’s foresight in maintenance—spotting issues via data patterns—will deploy fixes preemptively, banishing breakdowns. DG EME Lieutenant General Rajiv Kumar Sahni urged industries to harness AI for threat prediction and system modernization. ‘Turn data floods into decision floods,’ he advocated, stressing analytics for agile logistics.
Unmanned systems, counter-drone tech, and robots stole the show, essential for tomorrow’s decisive blows. Retrofitting old gear with AI sensors offers high-impact upgrades on lean budgets. Debates highlighted drone swarms and robotic sentinels as game-changers.
AI will optimize logistics by modeling supply flows, part needs, and service timings, ensuring nonstop operations. Commanders benefit from live feeds on equipment status, sharpening tactical edges.
Rooted in self-reliance, industry ties, and AI innovation, this blueprint crafts ‘smart warfare’ for India. Battlespaces expand to digital domains, where the Army’s proactive stance positions it as a frontrunner.