Defence Ministry Stresses Technological Superiority and Launches AI Applications at Air Force Conference
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Air Force Commanders' Conference in New Delhi on November 12, 2026, emphasizing the critical need for the Defence Forces to strengthen both offensive and defensive dimensions of the 'element of surprise' to maintain operational readiness against conventional and emerging threats. Singh highlighted that rapid technological advancements and the evolving nature of modern warfare necessitate enhanced intelligence and surveillance capabilities, better system integration, and proactive threat identification.
The Minister asserted that contemporary conflicts are extending beyond traditional battlefields into non-contact domains, with missiles, drones and advanced weapon systems playing significant roles. Referencing the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, he noted that drones and air defence systems have emerged as critical components of modern warfare. Singh specifically exhorted Commanders to prepare for emerging challenges including kamikaze drones, surveillance operations, and counter-drone operations.
Singh called upon the Indian Air Force to develop dedicated doctrines and architectures for emerging warfare domains including electronic, cyber and space warfare. He emphasized that future conflict victory would depend not merely on aircraft numbers but on technological sophistication, response speed, and preparation precision. The Minister urged Commanders to make these emerging challenges a core priority and integrate them into institutional thinking, planning and operational processes.
During the conference, Singh launched a suite of Artificial Intelligence applications developed in-house by the IAF's AI Centre of Excellence of the Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking (UDAAN). These applications are designed to automate and expedite tasks across operations, administration and aerospace safety domains, and are deployed on the IAF's secure network, representing a significant milestone in the force's technology-driven transformation.
The Minister commended the IAF for effectively implementing its doctrines and operational methods during and after Operation Sindoor, appreciating the professionalism, restraint and judgement demonstrated by air warriors. He noted that lessons from this operation are reflected in the IAF's evolving operational procedures, particularly through increased emphasis on drones and air defence systems vital to national security.
Singh highlighted the coordinated contributions of all three Services demonstrated during Operation Sindoor and emphasized that jointness and integrated efforts must continue to guide military planning and operational execution. The conference, themed 'The Year of Empowerment: Maximising Efficiency Through Decentralisation', was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and other senior defence officials including Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all Commands, Principal Staff Officers and Director Generals.