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Building Defence Indic AI-Language Models in India
Introduction:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming defence globally. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, focusing on emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning (ML). India must develop its own Indic-language Large Language Models (LLMs) to ensure strategic autonomy and digital sovereignty.
Current AI Integration in the Indian Armed Forces
- Establishment of DAIPA (2018): The Defence Artificial Intelligence Projects Agency spearheads AI initiatives in the armed forces.
- AI-based Chatbots and Virtual Assistants:
- SAMADHAN: AI chatbot aiding officers with procurement policies.
- SAMBANDH: AI assistant for war veterans and widows.
- International Comparisons:
- The US has developed SergeantAI.
- China has developed ChatBIT and Virtual AI Commander.
- Need for Next-Gen AI: Current AI tools are basic; advanced LLMs for defence applications are needed.
Why India Needs Defence-Specific Indic Language LLMs?
- Strategic and Operational Necessity
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- Command and Control Systems: AI tools can provide real-time battlefield insights in Hindi and regional languages.
- Intelligence Operations: AI-driven analytics can enhance military intelligence capabilities.
- Wargaming and Simulations: AI can assist in training, tactical analysis, and mission planning.
- Defence Policy and Doctrine: AI-generated reports in Indic languages can improve policy formulation.
- Leveraging India’s Linguistic Diversity
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- AI models must incorporate Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, and other languages.
- Military archives, institutional records, and government databases should be digitised for training AI.
- Indigenous AI and Digital Sovereignty
- China has Sinic-language LLMs (DeepSeek V3).
- The US has a Defence Llama.
- India must develop closed-source defence LLMs for self-reliance.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
- Data Collection & Annotation: Military data is highly sensitive and requires a secure AI training framework.
Key Defence Tech Startups in India
- AGNIT Semiconductors (2017) – Bengaluru: Specialises in GaN-based defence electronics.
- AjnaLens (2014) – Mumbai: Develops AR/VR headsets for military training.
- Big Bang Boom Solutions (2018) – Chennai: Focuses on anti-drone technology and bulletproof jackets.
- Constelli (2017) – Hyderabad: Develops electronic warfare tools.
- EyeROV (2016) – Kochi: Builds underwater drones for naval surveillance.
- Flying Wedge (2022) – Bengaluru: Specialises in UAVs and autonomous weaponry.
- Computational Resources: Large-scale AI models demand high-performance GPUs and cloud computing infrastructure.
- Interagency Collaboration: The MoD, DAIPA, DRDO, private AI firms, and government research institutions must work together.
- Policy and Ethical Considerations: Responsible AI development should align with India’s Official Language Act.:
- Project Udbhav can guide ethical AI training by incorporating historical Indian warfare strategies.
Conclusion
- Developing Indic-language Defence LLMs is crucial for India’s AI-driven military modernisation.
- Indigenous AI capabilities will enhance national security, digital sovereignty, and operational efficiency.
- Defence startups are pivotal in reducing import dependency and strengthening India’s global defence technology footprint.
- Government funding, private-sector collaboration, and strategic investments will be key to India’s leadership in military AI innovation.
