India developing indigenous AI layer for military services, Defence Secretary says

India building indigenous military AI layer

India is developing a sovereign, indigenous artificial intelligence layer for its armed forces to safeguard sensitive defence data and eliminate reliance on foreign technology in critical security operations. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced the national initiative at the KPMG Agrasar Bharat Manch, emphasizing that India must maintain complete domestic control over strategic software, datasets, and intellectual property powering its armed forces.

Under the project, the government is collaborating with domestic private sector enterprises selected through the IndiaAI Mission. The custom AI framework is designed to integrate into military command networks, enhancing key operational functions including target acquisition, decision-making, and intelligence fusion from multi-domain battlefield sensors.

Enhancing sensor-to-shooter operations

Singh highlighted the critical importance of modernising the armed forces' "sensor-to-shooter" process, which links battlefield sensors directly with operational response platforms. By applying domestic AI algorithms to process real-time intelligence gathered across various domains, military personnel can accelerate situational assessments and streamline threat analysis. Operational command and strike decisions will nevertheless remain strictly under human oversight.

The Defence Secretary noted that India cannot rely on foreign commercial entities for mission-critical defence systems, where data security and operational autonomy are paramount. While strategic collaboration with friendly nations remains open where beneficial, the sovereign AI stack will ensure that India retains total authority over its military hardware and software ecosystems.

Strengthening national defence capabilities

The AI development forms part of a wider modernization drive aimed at equipping the Indian military for technology-driven warfare. Alongside artificial intelligence, India is advancing key initiatives in quantum technology, autonomous drone fleets, and next-generation weapons systems, backed by active participation from domestic industry.

This technology drive aligns with broader national efforts to build robust AI governance structures. Through strategic programs like the IndiaAI Mission and high-level policy coordination, the government continues to expand compute capability, support local enterprise, and secure India's position as a self-reliant technological power.