Archive · 27 Sep 2026
India Builds Indigenous AI Spine for Future Warfare
India’s armed forces are building a large artificial-intelligence system to help with future warfare.
The system is being called an “AI spine.”
Officials said some extra computer power was provided during Operation Sindoor.
The Army is working with Indian companies on the project.
The Navy is developing its own system.
India considered working with an international company such as Palantir.
Officials decided that sharing so much sensitive information made an Indian-led effort more suitable.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also pointed to work on quantum technology and hypersonic capabilities.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India is building an AI “spine” for its armed forces.
Some AI-related computing capacity was provided during Operation Sindoor, with the effort now expanded.
The Navy is developing its own system, while the Army is working with Indian industry partners.
India considered a global partner such as Palantir but rejected the idea over data-sensitivity concerns.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted AI, quantum technology, hypersonics, and indigenous defence research initiatives.
- Who
- India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Indian armed forces, Indian industry partners, and the National AI Mission.
- What
- India is developing an indigenous AI “spine” for the armed forces and expanding computing capacity for military AI applications.
- When
- The announcement was made at the NDTV Defence Summit; some AI-related efforts took place during Operation Sindoor last year.
- Where
- At the NDTV Defence Summit in Delhi; the systems are being developed for India’s armed forces.
- Why
- Officials said military data is highly sensitive and that developing the capability domestically would avoid sharing large volumes of information with a global partner.
Indigenous development
Global partnership
Control of sensitive military data
Indigenous development
Indian officials said the volume and sensitivity of data made it essential to develop the capability domestically with Indian industry partners.
Global partnership
A global technology partner such as Palantir was considered because international firms can offer established data-analytics and AI systems, although the proposal was ultimately shelved.
- Project
- An AI “spine” for India’s armed forces
- Army approach
- Working to tie up with Indian industry partners
- Navy approach
- Developing its AI system independently
- International partner considered
- Palantir or another global partner
- Operational use mentioned
- Some additional AI computing capacity was attempted during Operation Sindoor
- Related technologies
- AI, quantum technology, and hypersonics
- Research initiative
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation established a centre to promote indigenous quantum capabilities