IAF Chief Says New-Age Technologies Will Change The Future Wars While India Inducts SWARM Drones, Loitering Munitions And Jet Packs

New-age technologies like AI, quantum computing, robotics, and autonomous systems have changed the way future wars will be fought, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari said.

He was giving a lecture in an industry seminar titled “India’s Aerospace Capabilities and Technology requirements”.

India is already a pioneer in certain unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technologies. India became one of the first countries of the world to operationalise autonomous SWARM drones when the forces took delivery of SWARM drones made by NewSpace Research at the eve of Aero India 2023 in February.

India is also testing loitering munitions, autonomous load carrying mules and jet packs for operationalising advanced cutting-edge technologies.

The IAF Chief listed hypersonic weapons, long-range radars, and AI-based autonomous systems as some systems that can be a deciding factor in a future war.

He also added that the application of quantum computing, AI, robotics, and autonomous systems in the aerospace sector will potentially transform the way wars are fought.

The integration of highly mobile AI-based intelligent systems interconnected with quantum computing, operating across multiple domains will be a game changer in decision-making and help shorten the time taken to engage a target.

“These systems need to be highly mobile and interconnected, supported by communication and operating across domains. AI-assisted military options will take the form of multi-domain integration, cross-domain attack, and interfacing between manned and unmanned systems,” the IAF Chief said.

“In the future, artificial intelligence and quantum computing in tandem may prove to be a game changer providing quick and accurate inputs and enabling time-critical decisions,” he added.

These advancements will also increase the demands for AI-assisted highly autonomous UAVs equipped with quantum computing which will redefine concepts like joint manned-unmanned teaming.

“Development of UAV technology within the realm of quantum computing would enhance concepts like joint operations of manned jets and unmanned jets,” the IAF Chief said.

He also said that he is looking forward to the induction of Made-in-India Tejas MK-1A Fighter Jet and HTT-40 Trainers and long-range radars and indigenous helicopters.

The IAF chief added that the IAF is fully committed to acquiring Tejas MK-2 and AMCA.