Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the document at the Army Commanders’ Conference. The government statement highlights drones, modern technology, jointness and preparation for multi-domain conflict.

Doctrine comes before proof

A doctrine explains how an army intends to organise, train and coordinate. It can shape budgets and contracts, but it does not show that a specific system works at scale or has passed independent evaluation.

“AI” and “autonomy” cover very different functions: analysing imagery, suggesting routes, combining sensor data or contributing to target selection. Their maturity and risks are not equivalent.

Human control is the decisive issue

Automation can help commanders process information, yet models can be incomplete, biased or deceived by poor data. In war, mistakes can be irreversible.

International humanitarian law still applies, and responsibility cannot be transferred to software. Traceability, an effective stop mechanism and an identifiable human decision-maker are therefore essential.

Industrial and strategic competition

Drones, sensors, secure communications and edge computing involve civilian as well as military suppliers.

Investment may spill over into rescue, inspection and mapping, but dual use also requires security and export safeguards.

Ce qu’il faudra vérifier

The next evidence will come from approved budgets, awarded contracts, test results, operator training and oversight rules.

Conclusion

The next evidence will come from approved budgets, awarded contracts, test results, operator training and oversight rules.