Indian forces have revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) played a key role in Operation Sindoah, a recent cross-border counterterrorism mission in Pakistan earlier this year following the Pahargam terrorist attacks. This disclosure highlights India's ability to advance in the digital warfare.
Lt. Gen. Rajiv Kumar Sani, executive director of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers and former Director of DG Information Systems, informed Delhi reporters that AI tools have been heavily used to review heatmap, analyze intelligence and generate heatmaps to efficiently prioritize resources during missions.
“We used AI to generate predictive models, heatmaps and real-time Intel analytics. It helped us identify enemy movements and allocate resources more effectively,” explained Lt. Gen. Sahni.
Sahni also highlighted the importance of the Army's Anuman 2.0 weather forecasting app. He further elaborated on how the military adopted reliable models, satellite tracking systems, and real-time data feeds to monitor enemy infantry positions across borders.
The Indian Army designated 2024-25 as the “year of technology absorption,” indicating major advances in digital transformation. This shift has increased users by 1,200% and increased data storage capacity by 620%, which strengthens the Army's integrated digital infrastructure.
The Army's AI-enabled systems include the Electronic Intelligence Matching and Analytics System (ECAS) and Trinetra systems to identify critical threats. This provides a common operational diagram for improving coordination and situational awareness.
To further innovate AI, the Army established the Army AI Research and Latent Centre (AARIC) in Bengaluru last year. The initiative aims to work with Defense Research and Development Organizations (DRDOs), academic institutions, and private industry partners to accelerate the development and integration of next-generation AI technologies into military operations.
Lt. Gen. Sahni concluded by saying that the success of Operation Sindoor highlighted how AI has revolutionized modern warfare and that the Indian Army has increased its ability to “be faster, smarter and more connected than ever.”
