Military leaders showcase indigenous technology for secure and networked operations

The Indian Army is making significant strides in its transition toward becoming a data-driven and AI-empowered force. During the AI Impact Summit 2026, Major General VTS Varaich, ADG of Information Systems, emphasised that the Indian Army AI implementation is a long-term journey focused on achieving technological self-reliance. This evolution aligns with the national vision of creating secure, indigenous digital capabilities that serve both military and civilian purposes.

Speaking at the event, Major General Varaich noted that the integration of artificial intelligence is not a new endeavor but a consistent process backed by clear leadership vision and strategic funding. He highlighted that the goal is not merely to follow global trends but to deploy functional, high-impact technology. Through partnerships with the Indian industry and organizations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Army is developing "global best" solutions to enhance the efficiency of commanders and soldiers on the ground.

A major focus of this digital shift is the readiness for multi-domain operations. The Army has integrated its networks and is actively working on cutting-edge fields beyond AI, including quantum computing and advanced communications. Major General Varaich stressed that this progress is driven by "will and desire" rather than just budget allocations.

However, with the rise of AI comes the challenge of synthetic media. The Major General addressed the growing threat of deepfakes, stating that the Army is developing trust algorithms with over 99.5% accuracy to counter these risks and protect critical infrastructure.

Several indigenous innovations were showcased at the summit, reflecting the breadth of the Indian Army AI implementation strategy:

• EKAM: A secure, air-gapped AI cloud platform ensuring data sovereignty.
• SAM-UN: A geospatial tool for mission planning and disaster response.
• PRAKSHEPAN: An AI system for predicting landslides and floods.
• XFace: Advanced facial recognition for high-level security.
• Driver Fatigue Detection: Real-time sensors to prevent accidents by alerting drowsy drivers.

These tools represent a decisive shift toward a networked ecosystem. By prioritizing domestic innovation, the Indian Army is not only strengthening national defense but also contributing to disaster resilience and the country's broader technological growth.

​​​​​​​With Agency Inputs and Image Source: ANI