AI Warfare: Can India take the lead?
AI: The New Backbone of Military OperationsadvertisementBy 2030, AI is projected to become the backbone of global military operations, merging land, sea, air, space, and cyber warfare into a unified, intelligent theatre. Modern armies cannot remain relevant without embracing this technology, as AI systems now process more data in seconds than human generals can analyse in days.India has recognised this paradigm shift. The Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 the 'Year of Reforms', with AI and robotics taking centre stage. This isn't merely symbolic: over 75 AI-powered defence products have been indigenously developed, ranging from autonomous drones to smart surveillance and cyber defence platforms.Building India's AI-First Military StrategyThe creation of the Defence AI Council (DAIC) and the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) signals India's serious commitment to AI integration. Each service arm, the Army, Navy, and Air Force, now operates dedicated AI working groups, with annual budgets allocated and comprehensive roadmaps established.On the ground, this technology is already operational. In Kashmir, AI-powered drones patrol terrain too dangerous for human forces. Along the Line of Control, swarm drones provide area denial and predictive threat detection. The Avekshan system distinguishes between livestock and genuine threats, filtering false alarms while delivering real-time alerts.Combat-Ready InnovationsIndia's drone capabilities showcase its AI ambitions most clearly. Surveillance UAVs like Heron and Rustom sweep vast border zones with precision, while combat drones like Rudrastra execute strikes in hostile terrain. Swarm technology enables dozens of AI-powered drones to operate as a collective intelligence, jamming enemy radars and intercepting intrusions.The Indrajaal defensive drone shield protects 4,000 square kilometres using AI-driven interception technology. The D4 Anti-Drone system, featuring 360-degree radar and laser tracking, has intercepted over 80% of rogue drones encountered.Smart Borders and Strategic DefenceIndia's extensive borders now feature 'smart' defensive systems with laser walls, facial recognition, motion sensors, and real-time alerts. Project Himshakti utilises satellite data and AI modelling to predict potential cross-border movement routes, shifting focus from reaction to anticipation.Beyond Government: A Growing EcosystemIndia's AI defence ecosystem extends beyond government laboratories. Startups like ideaForge and DSRL produce battlefield-ready drones and surveillance tools, while the iDEX initiative fuels defence technology entrepreneurship. Microsoft's $3 billion commitment to India's AI infrastructure demonstrates international confidence in the country's potential.advertisementGlobal Ambitions and ChallengesWith a $5 billion defence export target by 2025, India eyes international markets for its AI-enabled products. These technologies often have dual-use civilian applications in disaster response, logistics, and medical aid, expanding market opportunities and diplomatic influence.However, challenges remain: procurement delays, fragmented frameworks, ethical considerations, and shortages of AI-literate personnel. The critical question is whether India can maintain momentum in a rapidly evolving global landscape where China, the United States, and Israel continue advancing their own AI warfare capabilities.India stands at the threshold of military innovation, ready to become not just AI-ready, but AI-dominant in the algorithmic age of warfare.- Ends
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First Post
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Forging the shield: How SMPP is leading India's defence revolution
With its roots in deep engineering and a clear mission to strengthen India's self-reliance in defence, SMPP's journey is a testament to the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat In the rugged terrains of Kashmir, along the high-altitude borders of Ladakh, and across the dense forests of central India, Indian soldiers face grave risks every day. Amidst these dangers, a silent yet robust layer of protection stands between life and death: state-of-the-art bulletproof gear. Behind much of this armour is one Indian company quietly revolutionising defence manufacturing—SMPP Ltd. With its roots in deep engineering and a clear mission to strengthen India's self-reliance in defence, SMPP's journey is a testament to the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. From being a pioneer in ballistic protection to venturing into drones and large-calibre ammunition, the company, led by its CEO Mr. Ashish Kansal, has carved a remarkable trajectory, now culminating in its latest win: the Emergency Procurement 5 (EP-5) order from the Ministry of Defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The EP-5 Milestone: More Than Just a Contract SMPP's recent EP-5 order involves the supply of 27,700 advanced Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs) and 11,700 Ballistic Helmets—gear that's capable of withstanding the most lethal armour-piercing (AP) rounds and hard steel-core bullets. Unlike conventional protective gear, these jackets are tested to take six AP shots on a single monolithic plate—far exceeding global benchmarks, which typically require resistance to just one or two such impacts. More from Business How Indian fintech startups are driving Malaysia's UPI-like digital payments revolution This order is not just a business win. It is symbolic of India's maturing defence ecosystem. 'These products are 100% IDDM—Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured,' says Mr. Kansal. 'They reflect not only our commitment to our soldiers but also to the Government of India's vision of a self-reliant nation.' The helmets included in the order use a patented design—granted in India and the U.S.—that offers protection from hard-core rifle rounds, a capability rarely seen even in elite global defence gear. 'A soldier can often survive a body wound, but a bullet to the head is almost always fatal,' explains Kansal. 'That's where our helmet makes all the difference.' Handover Ceremony of 186,138 Nos. Bullet Proof Jackets to Indian Ministry of Defence Building on Three Decades of Innovation Founded over 30 years ago by an IIT graduate, Dr. SC Kansal, SMPP began as an engineering firm and gradually emerged as a specialist in personal armour systems. Its first vertical—armour protection for personnel and platforms—was quickly followed by a second: the manufacturing of artillery ammunition. Carrying forward the legacy under the leadership of Mr. Ashish Kansal, himself an IITian, SMPP is now venturing into a third vertical, drones and counter-drone systems, with several products already tested and cleared by Army Headquarters. 'Our vision is to work across as many critical technologies as possible,' says Kansal. 'Whether it's soldier protection, firepower, or new-age surveillance, we want to be a catalyst in India's march toward Atmanirbharta.' Indeed, SMPP has already supplied over 1.86 lakh bulletproof jackets and 2 lakh ballistic helmets to the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. Its past victories include sweeping all four contracts under the earlier Emergency Procurement 4 (EP-4) initiative—ranging from jackets and helmets to ballistic shields, including a customised version of helmets for Sikh soldiers, a first in Indian defence manufacturing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Science Behind the Shield What sets SMPP apart is its relentless focus on research and innovation. With a strong in-house R&D team, the company is constantly working to stay ahead of evolving battlefield threats. 'Our gear is not static,' explains Kansal. 'We update based on changing ammunition threats, soldier comfort, and operational requirements.' Take, for example, their use of CaraSTOP-B4C—an in-house manufactured boron carbide ceramic, among the hardest materials known to science. This ceramic is not only used in SMPP's ballistic gear but also in India's major military helicopters and globally deployed transport aircraft. To ensure uniform quality, each batch of this ceramic undergoes a proprietary X-ray screening process—designed to detect microscopic defects like air gaps, internal cracks, or low-density pockets. 'It took years of data and experimentation to get it right,' says Kansal. 'But we're now confident that what we produce meets the highest standards—Indian or international.' SMPP's gear also meets and exceeds global norms, including BIS Level 6 and NIJ Level III+, offering protection against AP rounds and AK-47 hard steel-core bullets. Many of these innovations are protected under patents; out of 17 patent filings, nine have already been granted, including the game-changing ballistic helmet design. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Truly Indian Defence Story For Kansal, SMPP is not just a business; it's a mission rooted in national pride. 'Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just a slogan for us,' he says. 'It's our daily mantra.' SMPP's achievements in the 'Make in India' story go well beyond domestic contracts. Its exports span over 25 countries, including Armenia, Colombia, the Philippines, France, Germany, Brazil, and the USA. Notable among these is the supply of 60,000 ballistic helmets and 45,000 bulletproof plates to Armenia, and a major vehicle armouring project for Colombia—both accomplished with uncompromising quality and precision. And SMPP is not stopping there. A sprawling 800-acre facility is under construction in Himachal Pradesh for the indigenous manufacturing of large-calibre ammunition. The company has already secured industrial licenses for tanks, artillery, mortars, and infantry-support weapons. 'This move will help India reduce imports in a sector that provides strategic deterrence,' says Kansal. Hosted General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, Algeria Innovation Through Inclusion SMPP's commitment to inclusivity is also visible in its product design. For instance, its specially developed ballistic helmets for Sikh soldiers reflect a deep understanding of operational comfort and cultural sensitivities. 'The design includes a discreet rise to accommodate the turban comfortably while blending seamlessly with standard combat attire,' explains Kansal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This philosophy extends to all of SMPP's R&D: protection without compromise on comfort. From dynamic weight distribution systems to high-buoyancy jackets for riverine and amphibious operations, the company's products are made to adapt to the unique physical and tactical demands of Indian forces. The Roadblocks Ahead—and the Way Forward Despite its successes, Kansal acknowledges the systemic challenges that still plague the Indian defence industry—especially for MSMEs. 'Sustaining defence manufacturing is not easy,' he says. 'Without long-term contracts, the business becomes cyclical. The single-buyer nature of defence procurement means every new order comes with a fresh round of trials and tests, often in complex, highly competitive environments.' He believes the solution lies in deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors. 'We've built a vast ecosystem of defence PSUs over the decades. It's time to leverage their scale and our agility together. The goal should not be who leads the project, but how to co-create the best, most competitive product globally.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Welcoming Mr. Salvador Melchor B. Mison, Jr., Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management, Department of National Defense, Philippines The Journey So Far, and the Road Ahead For Kansal, there have been many defining moments—the accolades from Defence Ministers, the patents granted, and the international wins. But if he had to choose one, it would be the landmark contract to supply 1,86,138 bulletproof jackets to the Indian Army. 'That changed everything for us. It was our moonshot.' As he reflects on the company's journey, his thoughts turn to the next generation. 'My message to young engineers and innovators is simple,' he says, quoting Robert Frost: 'The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.' 'With emerging fields like AI, quantum computing, and robotics redefining warfare, India needs you. But we also need to make the system faster—less red tape, more responsiveness—if we are to truly unlock our nation's potential.' Conclusion: Towards Viksit Bharat As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, companies like SMPP are laying the foundation for a secure, self-reliant, and technologically advanced future. In a world where the lines between warzones and peacetimes are increasingly blurred, SMPP's mission is clear: empower our soldiers, strengthen national defence, and build for the world, from India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Because in the fight for sovereignty, the greatest weapon is self-belief. And the strongest armour is the one built at home.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
How India's Make in India push is reshaping its military arsenal
For decades after independence, India was the world's biggest arms importer, sourcing everything from artillery to fighter jets from abroad. That dependence left the country strategically vulnerable. Today, the equation is changing. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), the government is pushing to replace imports with homegrown equipment, and even sell it abroad. The shift is being driven by policy reform, industrial restructuring and a wave of indigenous technological breakthroughs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo Breaking the import habit Until recently, more than two-thirds of India's defence needs came from foreign suppliers. The arsenal was filled with Bofors guns, Soviet MiG fighters and imported tanks. That began to change in 2014 with the launch of Make in India, which put defence manufacturing at the heart of its agenda. The results are measurable: Live Events Production surge: Indigenous defence output hit Rs 1.51 lakh crore in FY 2024–25—an 18% growth over the previous year. The target for 2029 is Rs 3 lakh crore. Procurement shift: Under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, 'Buy Indian (IDDM)' gets top priority. In FY 2024–25, the Ministry of Defence signed a record 177 contracts with domestic industry, amounting to Rs 1.68 lakh crore. Currently, 65% of India's defence equipment is made domestically. The policy playbook The government's push for self-reliance is backed by a dense framework of policies and institutions: Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 – The master plan to reach Rs 3 lakh crore in output and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029. Positive Indigenisation Lists – Five lists banning imports of over 5,500 items, guaranteeing orders for domestic producers. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) – Launched in 2018 to bring startups and MSMEs into defence R&D. Success stories include drone-based surveillance systems from Sagar Defence Engineering. The government has earmarked additional funds for iDEX to accelerate innovation. Defence industrial corridors – Two manufacturing hubs in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to attract investment and create supply chains. Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board – In 2021, the OFB was split into seven defence PSUs to boost efficiency and competitiveness. FDI reforms – The government has liberalised the Foreign Direct Investment policy in defence, allowing up to 74% through the automatic route and 100% with government approval. This aims to attract foreign players to set up manufacturing in India and facilitate technology transfer. The export surge A decade ago, India's defence exports were barely a blip, rs 686 crore in FY 2013–14. By FY 2024–25, they had hit a record Rs 23,622 crore, a 34-fold increase over the decade. Private sector lead: Around 60% of exports now come from private companies. Global reach: India sells to over 100 countries, with major buyers including the USA, France, and Armenia. The portfolio ranges from bulletproof jackets and patrol boats to advanced systems like the BrahMos cruise missile. High-profile wins: The BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines put India on the map as a supplier of advanced weaponry. Talks are underway with other nations to export the LCA Tejas and the Akash missile system. Flagship indigenous projects LCA Tejas – A homegrown fighter jet with over 85 private firms in its supply chain. The Mk1A variant, featuring upgraded radar, avionics, and weapons, is in its final development stage, with first deliveries to the IAF expected by the end of 2025. Work is also progressing on the more advanced Tejas Mark 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter, with the AMCA programme's execution model formally approved. INS Vikrant – India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022, marking a leap in shipbuilding capability. Missile systems – From the Agni and Prithvi series to the BrahMos, India's missile programme has matured into one of the world's most diverse. The indigenous Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missile has also been successfully test-fired from the LCA Tejas platform. The road ahead Self-reliance is still a work in progress. Engines, sensors and some high-tech components still have to be imported, and major projects can stretch over decades. Scaling production fast enough to meet both domestic needs and export demand is still a challenge. The government's policy of attracting foreign defence companies to invest and manufacture in India, along with a renewed focus on private–public partnerships, is central to bridging these gaps and accelerating development. But the direction is clear. With targets set, policies in place and industry capacity growing, India is building more than just weapons -- it is building strategic autonomy. That means fewer dependencies, stronger bargaining power, and a credible claim to being not just a buyer in the global arms market, but a supplier shaping it.
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Pakistan Lost Rs 4.1 Billion After Airspace Ban On Indian Flights: Report
Islamabad: Pakistan's airport body suffered a loss of Rs 4.1 billion in over two months due to the closure of airspace for Indian airlines, according to official data. Pakistan and India closed their respective airspaces for each other's airlines following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The airspace ban was extended after ties between the two countries deteriorated due to the four-day conflict as India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and destroyed terror infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan. The Ministry of Defence informed the National Assembly on Friday that the closure of airspace to Indian-registered aircraft has cost the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) a loss of Rs 4.1 billion, reported the Dawn newspaper. The ministry said the shortfall, from April 24 to June 30, was in overflying revenue. It added that the amounts reflected "revenue shortfalls, not overall financial losses" and noted that overflight and aeronautical charges remained unchanged. Pakistan's airspace is open to all except Indian airlines and aircraft. Similarly, Pakistani carriers remain banned from Indian airspace.
