Artificial Intelligence in Military Domain: Review of Indian Defence Forces AI Policy

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“Artificial Intelligence in Military Domain,” is an institutional policy paper prepared by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India as a framework for adopting and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Indian Armed Forces. Here is a review of the policy paper by A Sathwik Raja Bose.

AI is recognised as a revolutionary technology capable of shaping modern warfare, it enhances operational efficiency, improves decision-making, strengthens cybersecurity, and optimizes logistics and maintenance functions. The framework adopts a whole of government and whole of ecosystem approach by encouraging co -operation among defence services, academia, industry, startups, and research institutions.

One of the major strengths of the document is its comprehensive treatment of AI in the military domain. Instead of limiting AI applications to combat operations, the framework discusses its usefulness in intelligence gathering, surveillance, intelligence gathering, logistics management, predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, cyber defence, training, and command support. This broad scope reflects an advanced understanding of how AI can contribute across the military value chain.

Another notable feature is the significance of responsible and trustworthy AI. The framework signifies ethical concerns around autonomous systems and underlines the importance of human oversight, accountability, transparency, and compliance with international humanitarian norms. Such an approach is   crucial for growing global debate regarding Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) and the future of AI enabled warfare.

The policy also rightly identifies data infrastructure, secure communication networks, cloud computing, and advanced computing capabilities as fundamental requirements for military AI adoption. Furthermore, its focus on capacity building through specialized training, skill development, and institutional learning, we need to recognize that technological transformation requires both human expertise and organizational adaptation.

Even with its strong points, the framework has certain limitations. While it has a clarity of strategic vision, it provides limited details regarding implementation timelines, budgetary allocations, and measurable performance indicators. The success of military AI initiatives relies on implementing of data quality, interoperability among services and institutional readiness areas that require more detailed operational guidance. Moving ahead the framework could engage more extensively with cybersecurity threats such as adversarial attacks, algorithmic manipulation and vulnerabilities arising from AI dependence.

The document could also gain from a deeper discussion on legal and strategic implications of autonomous military technologies, especially in relation to international humanitarian law, accountability mechanisms, and escalation risks in future conflicts. As military AI continues to evolve rapidly, governance frameworks will become increasingly significant alongside technological advancement.

Overall, the policy framework represents an important step toward India’s defence modernization agenda. It proves a clear recognition that future military effectiveness will increasingly depend on data driven, decision making, intelligent systems and human machine collaboration. By promoting indigenous innovation and fostering partnerships across sectors, the framework contributes to India’s broader vision of technological self-reliance and strategic preparedness.

Overall Assessment

The document is well structured, forward looking, and strategically relevant. It successfully outlines the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption in the defence sector while emphasizing ethical responsibility and institutional preparedness. However, great clarity regarding implementation mechanisms, resource allocation, and governance structures would further strengthen its effectiveness as a policy roadmap.

A. Sathwik Raja Bose is a research intern with Security Risks Asia