In a significant demonstration of India’s advancing digital warfare capabilities, the Indian Army has confirmed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) played an essential role during Operation Sindoor, a recent cross-border counter-terror mission conducted in Pakistan in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking at a press briefing in Delhi, Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni, Director General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and former DG Information Systems, revealed that AI tools were instrumental for tasks such as review, intelligence analysis, and heat map generation. These technologies enabled the Army to prioritize resources effectively during the mission.
“We used AI to generate predictive models, heat maps, and real-time intel analysis. It helped us identify enemy movement and allocate resources more effectively,” Lt Gen Sahni articulated, emphasizing the paramount importance of these tools.
One standout component of the operation was the Army’s Anuman 2.0 weather forecasting app, which facilitated precision targeting and operational planning in challenging terrains. Lt Gen Sahni noted that the military utilized “reasonably assured models, satellite tracking systems, and real-time data feeds” to monitor enemy infantry positions across the border.
As a part of its strategic evolution, the Indian Army has designated the year 2024–25 as the “Year of Technology Absorption.” This initiative signifies a notable leap in the Army’s digital transformation, marked by a staggering 1,200% rise in users and a 620% expansion in data storage capacity. Such advancements are crucial in fortifying the Army’s integrated digital backbone.
Among the enhanced AI systems currently in operation are the Electronic Intelligence Collation & Analysis System (ECAS), designed for critical threat identification, and the TRINETRA System, which offers a Common Operational Picture to improve coordination and situational awareness during missions.
Further amplifying its innovative capabilities, the Army established the Army AI Research and Incubation Centre (AARIC) in Bengaluru last year. This initiative, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), academic institutions, and private industry partners, is aimed at expediting the development and integration of cutting-edge AI technologies into key military functions.
According to Lt Gen Sahni, the successful implementation of Operation Sindoor serves as a testament to how AI is reshaping contemporary warfare. He stated that the transformation makes the Indian Army “faster, smarter, and more connected than ever before,” underscoring the vital role of technology in modern military operations.
