Indian Army’s Digital Battlefield Revolution: Indigenous Electronic Warfare and AI at the Core of Modernisation

The Indian Army is undergoing a profound transformation, embracing next-generation technologies to strengthen its combat effectiveness in the modern digital battlespace. At the heart of this shift lies a focused effort to modernise electronic warfare (EW) capabilities through the integration of indigenous systems like SAMBHAV, Samyukta, and Himshakti, alongside cutting-edge artificial intelligence platforms. These advancements are not only enhancing traditional battlefield capabilities but also enabling the Army to gain superiority in the electromagnetic and information domains—an increasingly decisive factor in contemporary warfare.

SAMBHAV: A Secure Communication Game-Changer

SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) is a major leap forward in secure communication for the Indian Army. Built with advanced encryption and designed for 5G-ready networks, this mobile ecosystem enables soldiers to maintain secure connectivity even during movement, significantly improving real-time coordination and reducing the vulnerabilities of traditional mobile systems.

With more than 35,000 SAMBHAV units slated for deployment in two phases, the Army aims to ensure end-to-end encrypted communication in operational zones. This secure mobile system has been developed in collaboration with Indian academia and industry experts, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence solutions. SAMBHAV also supports the Indian government’s vision of “civil-military fusion,” leveraging public mobile infrastructure while layering military-grade security over it.

Cyber Units: Expanding the Army's Digital Footprint

Complementing this rollout is the establishment of Command Cyber Operations Support Wings (CCOSWs), specialised cyber units designed to fortify the Army's cyber defence posture. These wings, stationed across operational commands, are tasked with defending digital infrastructure, conducting cyber surveillance, and ensuring that advanced communication systems like SAMBHAV remain secure from electronic espionage or disruption.

Each CCOSW is trained in state-of-the-art cyber warfare tactics and is integrated into broader operational planning, reflecting the growing role of cyber warfare as a tactical and strategic tool. This approach ensures layered protection of critical infrastructure and enables rapid cyber counteraction during both peacetime and conflict.

Samyukta and Himshakti: Indigenous EW Powerhouses

India's focus on self-reliance is also evident in the successful development of Samyukta and Himshakti—homegrown electronic warfare platforms tailored to India’s operational needs. Samyukta is designed to detect, intercept, and jam enemy electronic communications in the tactical battlefield environment, making it a key asset for battlefield dominance.

Himshakti, on the other hand, is optimized for high-altitude operations, particularly suited for mountainous terrains like the Northern borders. These systems enable the Army to map, exploit, and dominate the electromagnetic spectrum, disrupting enemy communications while protecting its own.

Such indigenous systems are a testament to India’s growing capability to design and manufacture complex defence technologies in-house, reducing dependence on imports and building long-term strategic autonomy.

AI: The Brain Behind the Digital Frontier

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s military modernisation drive. From surveillance to decision-making, AI-powered systems are rapidly redefining the way threats are identified and addressed. Motion Detection & Target Identification Systems powered by AI are now deployed along sensitive borders, capable of real-time alerts using data from thermal cameras, night vision sensors, and long-range optics.

Another groundbreaking advancement is the AI-driven "Continuously Observing Ubiquitously Available Surveillance System," which operates without requiring constant human oversight. It addresses limitations like line-of-sight issues and energy dependency, while providing uninterrupted, smart surveillance in volatile regions.

Furthermore, AI algorithms are being embedded into EW systems to improve jamming efficiency, electromagnetic spectrum analysis, and rapid countermeasure deployment. These AI tools enhance decision-making speed, precision targeting, and situational awareness, all crucial in today’s high-velocity conflicts.

Strategic Vision: Multi-Domain Operations and 2025 Reforms

All these initiatives are part of a broader roadmap set by the Ministry of Defence, which has declared 2025 as the "Year of Reforms." This declaration signifies an institutional push toward technology-driven transformation, integrated theatre commands, and multi-domain operations (MDO). MDO aims to synchronise military efforts across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, establishing a unified combat approach.

India’s electronic warfare doctrine is also evolving based on global conflict lessons. The Indian Army is studying models like Israel’s operations against Hezbollah, where precision electronic warfare combined with psychological tactics created massive disruption without full-scale military engagement. These insights are shaping India's approach to integrated non-kinetic warfare.

Joint military exercises now routinely simulate cyber-electronic warfare scenarios, highlighting the growing emphasis on readiness in contested electromagnetic environments.

Conclusion

The Indian Army’s modernisation push—spearheaded by systems like SAMBHAV, Samyukta, Himshakti, and AI-based platforms—is transforming how India prepares for and fights wars. With an increased focus on indigenous development, real-time surveillance, AI-enabled decision-making, and digital dominance, the Army is not only bridging the gap between conventional and modern warfare but also preparing to lead in the future battlefield.

These initiatives form the backbone of India's move toward a combat-ready, technologically empowered force capable of securing its interests across all domains. While challenges persist in integrating these technologies seamlessly and training personnel to their full potential, the ongoing commitment and strategic clarity ensure that the Indian Army is on a strong path to achieving information and electronic superiority in the 21st century.