NEW DELHI, — India is developing an indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) layer for its armed forces and expanding domestic production of conventional ballistic missiles to reduce costs and strengthen military preparedness.
Speaking at the KPMG Agrasar Bharat Manch event on October 23, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh outlined the plans to prepare the armed forces for technology-driven warfare and increase domestic manufacturing capacity.
India Develops Indigenous Military AI
The Ministry of Defence, working with the IndiaAI Mission, is developing a dedicated military AI layer to support data fusion, target acquisition and decision-making. The system aims to shorten the sensor-to-shooter loop, allowing information gathered by surveillance systems to be processed more quickly for operational responses.
The computing infrastructure required for the project is being procured. The government plans to work with private-sector companies already selected under the national AI initiative.
Singh stressed that technological sovereignty is essential because military AI systems will handle sensitive operational data. Reliance on foreign companies could create security risks or limit access to critical technology. India remains open to cooperation with trusted foreign countries but prioritises developing these capabilities domestically. Human oversight of operational combat decisions will remain necessary despite the integration of AI.
DRDO Opens Missile Technologies to Industry
Alongside digital modernisation, India is increasing the production of conventional ballistic missiles to lower costs and build the industrial capacity required for prolonged, high-intensity conflicts.
Singh, serving as acting chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said conventional missile technologies developed over several decades have been placed in the public domain to enable wider domestic production.
Nearly 17 major private- and public-sector companies have either signed Production of Technology (POT) agreements or are in the process of receiving technology transfers for conventional missiles of different ranges.
The initiative aims to expand manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Singh said India can produce missiles at nearly one-fourth the price charged by foreign manufacturers.
Drawing lessons from recent conflicts, including Iran's experience, Singh highlighted the need for larger quantities of conventional ballistic missiles and drones in future warfare. Expanding production is intended to strengthen India's strategic deterrence and wartime readiness.
The initiatives form part of India's broader defence modernisation efforts, which address AI, drone warfare, cyber threats and precision weapons while strengthening domestic technological capabilities and manufacturing.
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