Sep 5 – The Indian Army is accelerating its technology-driven transformation, with artificial intelligence, quantum technology, 6G, high-performance computing and unmanned systems becoming increasingly central to military modernisation.
The Army has designated 2026 as the Year of Networking and Data Centricity, signalling a major focus on connecting platforms, sensors, personnel and information systems to improve operational awareness and decision-making.
The initiative forms part of a wider transformation programme covering artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced communications, space-based systems and unmanned platforms.
The emerging approach places information at the centre of military capability, with the ability to collect, process and share data becoming increasingly important alongside conventional weapons and equipment.
Networking becomes a core capability
The Army’s focus on networking and data-centricity reflects the growing importance of information flows in modern warfare.
Its transformation framework emphasises internal networking, joint connectivity among the three services, integration of platforms and sensors, data architecture and governance, AI-enabled network management, cyber defence and advanced analytics.
The approach marks a shift from treating individual platforms as the centre of military capability towards connecting them within a common information environment.
The Army Commanders’ Conference in April also discussed technology infusion, networking and data-centricity as part of efforts to prepare the force for future operations.
AI moves towards operations
Artificial intelligence is emerging as another major pillar of the transformation.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence reported that a high-performance computing AI cloud was being developed for use across the three armed services.
The Army is also participating in national technology missions and has established technology clusters involving IITs and other research institutions.
It has established an AI Incubation Centre in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited and is working with IIT Madras on innovation.
The growing relationship between the military, academia, public-sector technology companies and start-ups is significant because many emerging defence technologies require expertise beyond traditional military research.
Quantum technology enters defence
Quantum technology is also moving from research towards military planning.
In January 2026, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework, outlining a roadmap for incorporating quantum technologies across the armed forces.
The framework covers quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
Quantum communications could be particularly important for future network-centric operations, where secure transmission of sensitive information is critical.
6G opens a new frontier
The Army’s technology engagement also extends to next-generation communications.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee noted the Army’s involvement in national technology missions, including 6G and the National Quantum Mission.
Future military networks will require connectivity between sensors, command systems, weapons and autonomous platforms. This could allow information collected by one system to be rapidly shared with others across the battlefield.
IIT Madras and other research institutions are already working on 5G and 6G technologies, creating potential links between India’s civilian technology ecosystem and future military applications.
Drones reshape battlefield capability
Unmanned systems have become another major focus of modernisation.
The Army is developing capabilities involving both unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems.
Drones can provide surveillance, reconnaissance and precision capabilities, while counter-drone systems are increasingly important for protecting troops and critical military infrastructure.
Indigenous procurement expands
Technology modernisation is advancing alongside India’s push for greater domestic defence production.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee reported that the Army signed 479 capital acquisition contracts between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25. Of these, 419 contracts, representing about 91 per cent of the total contract value, were signed with Indian vendors.
For FY 2025-26, ₹22,600 crore, or 86 per cent of the Army’s capital acquisition allocation, was earmarked for indigenous procurement.
For FY 2026-27, ₹28,909 crore out of a proposed ₹34,150 crore capital acquisition allocation was set aside for domestic procurement.
The figures underline the growing link between technological modernisation and India’s drive for self-reliance in defence.
The transformation is therefore not simply about acquiring advanced technology. It is about creating an integrated military architecture in which networks provide connectivity, data provides information, AI supports analysis, quantum technologies secure future communications and drones extend operational reach.
With more than 300 capability schemes planned over the next decade, the Army’s technology agenda is being pursued as a long-term programme.
The designation of 2026 as the Year of Networking and Data Centricity gives that effort a clear institutional focus as India seeks to build a more connected and technologically advanced fighting force.
