Technology – Emerging Innovations Reshape India’s Military Future
Technology – The accelerating influence of advanced technologies is redefining how nations prepare for the future, senior Army officials said at a recent academic gathering in Pune.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, stated that discussions at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 highlighted the sweeping changes technology is bringing to warfare, business and society. Speaking at the 32nd Foundation Day celebration of the Army Institute of Technology (AIT), he stressed that the pace of innovation is reshaping global power structures.
Technology as a Strategic Force Multiplier
Addressing students, faculty and military officials, Lt Gen Seth observed that the current decade represents a turning point in technological advancement. He noted that modern tools and systems are no longer merely supportive assets but central pillars of national strength.
According to him, developments showcased during the summit illustrated how emerging capabilities are influencing military doctrines, industrial growth and social systems. He underlined that technological progress now plays a decisive role in determining a country’s economic competitiveness and defence preparedness.
The senior officer pointed out that for the Indian Army, adapting to these rapid changes is not optional. Instead, it is a strategic necessity that will define operational readiness in the years ahead.
Decisive Decade for Military Modernisation
Lt Gen Seth described the ongoing period as a crucial phase of transformation for the Army. He explained that the force is actively working to absorb and integrate advanced systems into its structure and operations.
A key focus of this transition, he said, is self-reliance in defence capabilities. By strengthening domestic research, development and production, the Army aims to reduce dependence on external sources while enhancing operational effectiveness.
The transformation effort, he added, involves structured adoption of new technologies and improved coordination between military institutions, industry partners and academic bodies.
Army Institute of Technology’s Expanding Role
As Patron-in-Chief of the Army Institute of Technology, Lt Gen Seth commended the institution for its consistent academic performance and contribution to the nation’s technical workforce. Established under the Army Welfare Education Society, AIT has steadily developed into a respected engineering institute.
He said the institute has played an important role in nurturing engineers, researchers and innovators who contribute to both civilian industries and defence-related sectors. The annual foundation event, he noted, is a reminder of the institution’s mission to blend academic excellence with national service.
The ceremony also included recognition of outstanding students, faculty and staff members, reflecting the institute’s emphasis on merit and achievement.
Focus on Dual-Use Technologies
During his address, Lt Gen Seth urged students and faculty to concentrate on areas that have both civilian and defence applications. He identified fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, big data analytics and augmented reality as critical domains for future development.
He encouraged young engineers to think beyond conventional career paths and explore innovation-driven opportunities. According to him, breakthroughs in these sectors can strengthen both industrial growth and national security.
He also highlighted internship programmes offered by the Indian Army, inviting students to gain hands-on exposure to defence projects and research initiatives. Such collaborations, he said, would help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
Aligning Innovation with National Priorities
Lt Gen Seth concluded by reiterating that technological advancement must align with broader national objectives. Building indigenous capacity, fostering innovation ecosystems and preparing a future-ready workforce are, in his view, interconnected priorities.
He told the gathering that the transformation underway is not confined to the military alone. Rather, it reflects a larger shift affecting governance, industry and society as a whole.
The event closed with a renewed commitment from the institute to uphold its guiding motto, “Onward to Glory,” symbolising its aspiration to contribute meaningfully to the country’s technological and strategic future.