Human-Machine Teaming: A Glimpse into the Future of Indian Army’s AI-Assisted Military Operations

The Indian Army is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into combat operations, transforming how soldiers engage in battle. Human-machine teaming (HMT) is central to this shift, combining AI-driven decision-support systems, robotic combat units, and Augmented Reality (AR) interfaces to enhance operational effectiveness.

With tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and emerging regional threats, AI-human hybrid warfare is no longer a distant concept but a necessity. AI is not replacing soldiers but augmenting their capabilities, allowing faster decision-making, improved battlefield awareness, and reduced casualties. India's Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) and the Army Design Bureau's (ADB) AI initiatives are committed to this transformation, aligning with global military trends.

AI-Powered Decision-Support Systems

AI-driven decision-support systems are revolutionising battlefield command structures. The Indian Army's Combat Information Decision Support System (CIDSS) processes intelligence from satellites, drones, and ground sensors, delivering real-time, actionable insights. This mirrors global advancements such as the U.S. Army's Project Convergence, which reduces the time between target identification and strike from 20 minutes to seconds.

NATO's AI-enabled decision Support (AIDE) is similarly designed to accelerate battlefield coordination. India is developing indigenous AI-driven decision-making tools to ensure rapid response capabilities. As warfare becomes more data-centric, commanders equipped with AI assistance will be able to anticipate enemy actions with greater accuracy.

Robotic Combat Assistants and Autonomous Warfare

The deployment of AI-powered unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and autonomous drones is redefining modern combat. The Indian Army has inducted Robotic Mules for logistics in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, reducing the burden on troops. AI-powered swarm drones, capable of executing coordinated attacks, were successfully demonstrated in 2021, aligning India with advanced drone warfare programs seen in the U.S. and China.

Additionally, Quadruped Robots and AI-assisted surveillance platforms, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Indian startups, are being incorporated for reconnaissance and urban warfare. Much like the PLA's Feihong-98 drones, these systems can operate in contested environments without risking human lives.

Advantages of AI-Human Teaming in Combat

The integration of AI into combat operations brings multiple benefits. First, AI enhances situational awareness by analysing vast real-time intelligence streams, detecting enemy movements, and predicting threats. Second, AI-enabled autonomous systems improve force survivability by taking on high-risk tasks, such as reconnaissance and precision strikes.

The Indian Army's interest in deploying AI-driven UGVs for mine detection along the LoC is a step toward reducing casualties. Third, AI enables seamless coordination between forces, enhancing network-centric warfare. India's Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) and Tactical Communication System (TCS), developed under the Make in India initiative, will integrate AI into real-time, multi-domain operations, mirroring the U.S. Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) framework.

Global Trends and India's AI-Driven Future Warfare

Major military powers are investing heavily in AI warfare. The U.S. Department of Defense has allocated $1.5 billion to AI research under the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC). China's Artificial Intelligence Development Plan prioritises AI-based combat innovation, integrating autonomous weapons and AI-assisted decision-making into the PLA's force structure. Russia has already deployed AI-driven robotic combat vehicles like the Uran-9 in Syria and Ukraine.

India's Defence AI Council (DAIC) and the AI Centre of Excellence at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) are spearheading AI research and development. Collaborations with DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and private defence startups indicate a concerted push toward AI-driven warfare capabilities.

Human-machine teaming is transforming the future of warfare, where AI-powered decision-making, autonomous combat systems, and AR-based soldier interfaces will define military engagements. The Indian Army is strategically advancing its AI capabilities, ensuring its forces remain combat-ready in an era of rapid technological change. However, integrating AI into combat requires careful oversight.

Ensuring cybersecurity resilience, ethical AI deployment, and robust algorithmic reliability will be critical to maintaining military effectiveness. As India navigates the complexities of AI-human hybrid warfare, balancing technological advancements with strategic caution will be key to shaping future battlefields.

Ashu Maan is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He is currently pursuing his PhD from Amity University, Noida, in Defence and Strategic Studies.