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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the character of warfare, ushering in an era of “agentic warfare”—a paradigm where autonomous systems, not humans, are poised to dominate the battlefield. Military strategies today increasingly hinge on multi-domain operations (MDO) involving land, air, sea, cyber, and space, where decision-making speed, precision, and adaptability are crucial. AI is central to enabling this shift—but it comes with a critical caveat: energy dependency.

AI and the New Battlefield

Modern warfare relies on Big Data analytics, machine learning (ML), predictive modelling, and natural language processing (NLP)—tools that demand not only computational power but also massive energy inputs. Countries like China have already made significant strides. Its military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is actively integrating AI into combat functions under the doctrine of “intelligentised warfare.” Applications range from automating artillery systems to deploying generative AI-enabled drones for radar targeting.

China’s AI developments, such as the DeepSeek model, complement battlefield deployments. Of concern to India is China’s support to Pakistan’s Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing (PAIC), which focuses on Cognitive Electronic Warfare. India’s Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Rahul Singh, revealed that Pakistan possibly used real-time Chinese satellite intelligence and AI analytics during Operation Sindoor.

India’s Response and Gaps

India was an early mover, establishing the DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in 1986 to develop AI applications for target recognition, navigation, logistics, and mine detection. However, the pace of deployment has lagged, especially compared to China. Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla underlined the increasing intensity of warfare, emphasizing the necessity of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and civil-military fusion to enhance readiness.

The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) notes the growing global use of AI in weapon systems, battlefield simulation, and cyber defence. For instance, Ukraine’s AI-powered drones have autonomously struck Russian oil facilities. Israel’s “Lavender” AI system has reportedly identified over 37,000 Hamas targets, exemplifying the real-time integration of AI in warfare.

Energy: The Hidden Backbone

While AI’s capabilities are evident, its energy appetite is equally significant. AI infrastructure—data centres, servers, and cooling systems—requires vast amounts of electricity, often from stable sources like nuclear energy. India’s current installed nuclear capacity (~7.5 GW) is starkly inadequate when compared to countries like South Korea (over 22 GW), limiting India's long-term AI defence potential.

Kris P. Singh, CEO of Holtec International, argues that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) placed near AI data hubs could be the solution. He proposes co-locating SMRs with military or strategic data centres to power next-generation capabilities like drones, smart soldiers, and robotics. India's past policy to limit thermal power and insufficient storage in renewable energy has created grid instability, further compounding the challenge.

Way Forward

To remain strategically relevant, India must:

• Accelerate AI adoption in defence through institutional synergy and private sector participation.
• Invest in energy infrastructure, particularly clean, stable sources like SMRs.
• Promote indigenous AI R&D, focusing on secure, sovereign data ecosystems.
• Establish MDO doctrines incorporating AI, space, and cyber capabilities.

In the agentic age, the nation that combines AI mastery with robust energy capacity will define the future of warfare. India’s security strategy must urgently align with this reality.