The Army is embracing artificial intelligence as part of a broader transformation to become a future-ready, data-driven force powered by automation and digitization. The initiative, dubbed “Boots to Bite,” builds on the long-standing adage of putting soldiers on the front lines, or “boots on the ground,” and parallels this with the new need for “terabytes” of data to empower soldiers.
This transformation is built on three pillars: digitization, automation, and AI. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on November 28 announced the plan, officially titled ‘Digitalization-3’.
The plan documents 100 applications organized around two themes. One of them is called “Digital Sena” and focuses on 40 cutting-edge digitization and automation initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and logistics.
Among the key technologies being integrated are ground-tethered UAVs with electronic systems capable of interfering with enemy drones. Other key developments include Indigenous Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which leverage spatial data and advanced analytics to improve efficiency in decision-making, planning, and operations; Integrating disparate data sources provides commanders with a common operational picture of the battlefield, terrain, and logistics.
To become an AI-enabled force, the Army has developed 60 AI-powered solutions, including indigenous “small language models,” and plans to deploy software using AI-as-a-Service. These tools highlight how AI is transforming operations, surveillance, decision support, and autonomous systems to enable faster awareness and better battlefield decision-making.
The flagship project named “Ekam” is also designed to provide a unique, secure, military-specific AI solution aligned to operational principles and sensitive data sets. These include cutting-edge AI services such as document analysis, military communications generators, and translation tools. Phase II of ‘Ekam’ focuses on building the first Indigenous Large Language Model (LLM) for the Indian Army.
As part of its push for future technology, the Army has also developed “climatology” applications created through scientific collaboration. The system integrates over 20 years of geospatial data extracted from over 35 parameters to provide accurate predictions of landslides and avalanches.
