India to Build Secure Military AI Layer

On 23 October 2026, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that the Ministry of Defence and the IndiaAI Mission are working to develop a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) layer for the armed forces. The proposed layer is intended to provide secure domestic computing for decision-making support, target acquisition and data fusion.

Military AI and operational functions

The military AI layer is intended to support a sensor-to-shooter loop, which connects information gathered by sensors with operational decisions and the use of weapons. Data fusion combines information from different sources to support a shared operational picture. Target acquisition involves identifying and locating potential targets for military action.

Computing resources for the proposed layer have been procured. The Defence Ministry plans to work with private-sector companies selected through the IndiaAI Mission. The stated objective includes developing domestic capabilities in critical defence technology, while partnerships with friendly foreign countries have not been ruled out.

Singh cited risks associated with dependence on foreign suppliers, including the possible withholding of technology and vulnerabilities such as backdoors or kill switches in critical systems.

IndiaAI Mission and safeguards

The Union Cabinet approved the IndiaAI Mission on 7 March 2024, with an outlay of ₹10,371.92 crore. The mission provides a national framework for expanding access to AI computing and supporting the development of indigenous AI models.

On 22 October 2026, BJP Lok Sabha member Kamaljeet Sehrawat referred to a domestic framework for assessing the trustworthiness of AI used in defence. Its stated principles include reliability, safety and transparency.

Multi-domain warfare and joint operations

On 24 October 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for preparation for future warfare through an integrated approach, multi-domain capabilities and coordination in joint operations. Multi-domain warfare can involve operations across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.

Important Facts for Exams

:

• The IndiaAI Mission was approved on 7 March 2024 with an outlay of ₹10,371.92 crore.
• Data fusion combines information from multiple sources for operational use.
• The stated AI trustworthiness principles for defence include reliability, safety and transparency.
• Multi-domain warfare includes operational domains such as land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.

The proposed military AI layer is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the IndiaAI Mission. Its planned functions include decision-making support, target acquisition and data fusion.