The Dawn of AI-Enabled Warfare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally altering the landscape of modern combat. Just as electronic devices simplified life for previous generations, AI now brings unprecedented coherence to military systems. Today, we stand at the threshold of an AI-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) framework, where interconnected devices communicate seamlessly, enhancing operational efficiency in ways still unfolding.
In the military domain, AI—though still in its infancy—has significantly changed warfare conduct. It enhances sensor and shooter capabilities and revolutionizes system interactions. While civilian IoT has not yet achieved the level where locking your door signals your car to start, similar capabilities have been demonstrated by the US and Israel in West Asian conflicts. AI-Decision Support Systems (AI-DSS) are climbing the value chain, becoming essential decision-aid tools for military leadership and command centers. The integration of AI into combat represents a revolution in military affairs, perhaps less glamorous than tanks or bombers but equally transformative, embedded across multiple battlefield systems to amplify warfighter effectiveness.
Operation Sindoor: AI in Action
Though AI's impact on combat has gained attention in the Iran conflict, the Indian armed forces employed such systems during Operation Sindoor. The military used 23 distinct AI systems to strike targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir with a remarkable 94% accuracy rate. This statistic was revealed by Lieutenant General Rajiv Kumar Sahni, Director General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, who served as DG Info Systems during the 88-hour conflict. This precision was achieved using various gun and missile systems. Lt Gen Sahni discussed AI's role in Op Sindoor at an event in October.
AI not only enhanced the Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act (OODA) loop but also generated predictive intelligence from data meticulously collected over two decades during Op Sindoor's active phase.
Project Maven: A Game Changer
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CentCom), stated last month that Americans are leveraging AI in conflict. "Our war fighters are using advanced AI tools. These systems process vast data in seconds, enabling leaders to cut through noise and make smarter decisions faster than the enemy," he said. This refers to Project Maven, which began as the Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team (AWC-FT) by the Department of Defence and intelligence agencies. "Maven" is Yiddish for a dependable expert, akin to the term "guru" in India.
Removing the Fog of War
The AWC-FT's mission was daunting, as outlined in Project Maven's founding document: "The objective is to turn the enormous volume of data available to DoD into actionable intelligence and insights at speed." Initially, it automated Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) of videos from Unmanned Aerial Systems over Iraq and Syria fighting Islamic State. The system integrates data from traditional sensors and social media to create a comprehensive picture, enabling commanders to make decisions in minutes—tasks that traditionally took hours or days.
The Need for Project Maven
The US military possesses superior intelligence-gathering capabilities, deploying hundreds of manned and unmanned systems and space assets collecting terabytes of data daily. Despite Pentagon efforts, most video footage remained unseen and unactionable. Project Maven aimed to derive actionable intelligence from this underutilized data. For example, after an IED blast, analysts could review footage to identify bomb planting and the perpetrator's movements. The project sought to create a system that detects suspicious activities and alerts forces to dangers.
From Kill Chains to Kill Webs
For decades, military education focused on shortening the OODA loop through a linear kill chain: find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess. Kill chains are linear, with adversaries aiming to break them. Kill webs, however, offer greater connectivity and redundancy. Like a web, information flows from multiple nodes (sensors or shooters) to a commander, who can strike with the best available weapon. AI-DSS reduces the OODA loop by intelligently identifying targets from vast sensor data and prioritizing them. AI has been crucial in the Israeli-American coalition striking over 10,000 targets in Iran. The Times of Israel reported over 13,000 US strikes and 4,000 Israeli strikes, with AI aiding target location.
Before Maven: Gospel and Lavender
After the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, IDF's Unit 8200 created AI systems Lavender and Gospel to counter Hamas. Lavender generated a list of 37,000 individuals for targeting, while Gospel targeted Hamas operatives, according to the London-based Institute of International Strategic Studies. Russia and Ukraine also use AI-based systems in their ongoing conflict.
AI in the Indian Military
The Indian armed forces are rapidly adopting AI across combat and support functions. AI enhances intelligence, logistics, meteorology, human resources, medical services, training, inventory management, war gaming, and more. INS Surat, a Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyer, is India's first AI-enabled vessel. Systems like Akashteer, Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS), and Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) perform roles similar to Project Maven, integrating sensors and shooters for efficient target prosecution.
India's modernization drive includes establishing the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) and Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) to promote AI integration. Jointness and integration are central to both India's upcoming Integrated Theatre Command and AI. Future theatre commanders will manage broad frontiers with numerous sensors and weapons, making AI indispensable.
Peaceful Uses and Ethical Considerations
The US military used Maven AI to create a 'common picture' during Typhoon Halong in Alaska in 2024. However, AI in combat raises ethical questions. All AI systems maintain a human-in-the-loop. In December, the UN adopted a resolution on 'Artificial Intelligence in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security.'
While AI provides superhuman speed, "Trust moves at human speeds," noted Lt Gen Vipul Singhal, Deputy Chief of Army Staff for Information Systems and Training. The armed forces continuously improve these systems with other agencies to ensure foolproof operation. As the saying goes, 'no plan survives contact with the enemy,' but with high stakes, system reliability is paramount.
