'AI Will Not Replace the Soldier, But Change How He Fights': Lt Gen Puneet Ahuja
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Lt Gen Puneet Ahuja said artificial intelligence will reshape battlefield operations rather than replace soldiers, speaking at News18 DEFCON 2026 in New Delhi.
AI To Change The Modern Battlefield
Ahuja, Director General Strategic Planning at Army Headquarters, said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities and electronic warfare are changing how militaries prepare for conflict.
His comments came during a discussion at News18 DEFCON 2026, where he drew on his operational experience during Operation Sindoor and addressed the changing character of warfare. News18 had identified drones, AI, cyber and electronic warfare as key areas for his session.
The focus, according to Ahuja's remarks, is not on removing the human soldier from the battlefield but on giving personnel technology that can improve decision-making, situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
Technology And The Soldier
AI-enabled systems can process large volumes of information and support commanders and troops in areas where speed and the ability to interpret battlefield data are increasingly important.
At the same time, the role of trained military personnel remains central to how such technologies are deployed and decisions are taken on the ground.
Ahuja's remarks reflect a wider shift in military planning, with armed forces examining how autonomous systems, drones, cyber tools and data-driven capabilities can be integrated with conventional military formations.
Lessons From Operation Sindoor
Ahuja also brought his experience of Operation Sindoor into the discussion on future warfare. Before moving to Army Headquarters, he served as Chief of Staff of Western Command and had earlier handled operations-related responsibilities during the operation.
The experience has added to the Army's focus on technology-led operations and the need to adapt tactics as battlefield systems evolve.
Defence Technology Takes Centre Stage
News18 DEFCON 2026, held in New Delhi, brought together senior military officers, policymakers, diplomats and defence-industry leaders to discuss India's defence and security priorities.
The summit's agenda includes indigenous defence manufacturing, aerospace capabilities, cyber security, space and unconventional warfare, alongside the growing use of emerging technologies in military operations.
