Lieutenant-General Rajiv Kumar Sahni assumed the appointment of Director General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of EME, in New Delhi on October 1, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi via PTI
The Indian Army has embarked on a major modernisation drive under its “Decade of Transformation” initiative, focusing on automation, digitisation, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics to enhance operational readiness, said Lieutenant-General Rajiv Kumar Sahni, Director General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DG EME) on Monday (October 6, 2025).
He said that the years 2024–2025 have been declared the “Year of Technology Absorption”, aimed at ensuring technological upgrades reach soldiers on the ground, not just higher headquarters. The initiative runs in parallel with the Ministry of Defence’s “Year of Reforms”, designed to accelerate institutional change and strengthen joint capabilities.
Mr. Sahni was Director General of Information Systems (DGIS) during Operation Sindoor.
During his tenure as DGIS, the Army achieved a 1,200% increase in digital users and a 620% rise in data storage capacity, creating a more connected and efficient digital ecosystem to support faster decision-making.
“AI has become a force multiplier for the Army, demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, where AI-based tools enhanced surveillance, intelligence, and precision targeting. Key systems include the Electronic Intelligence Collation and Analysis System (ECAS), TRINETRA (integrated with Project SANJAY), and predictive modelling and weather forecasting tools, all of which improved coordination and situational awareness,” he said while speaking to media persons here.
He further said that the Army is pursuing responsible and phased AI adoption, focusing on areas that reduce risk to personnel and improve decision making, while maintaining meaningful human control and strong ethical governance.
To sustain this digital shift, personnel are being upskilled in AI and data science, and a Defence AI Governance Council is being established to align practices with international standards.
Unified AI Platform, an indigenous initiative, is also under development to integrate operational, intelligence, logistics, and training applications. Together, these initiatives aim to make the Indian Army a technology-driven, future-ready force, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Published – October 06, 2025 10:00 pm IST
