New Delhi, India July 7th, 2025 — Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly redefining the future of military strategy and warfare, with nations investing heavily in emerging technologies to strengthen their defense capabilities. Among the front-runners in this domain is China, which has strategically integrated AI into its warfighting functions under a concept termed “intelligentised warfare.” This transformation is being enabled by advancements in big data analytics, machine learning, predictive modeling, and natural language processing—technologies that are not only data-intensive but also demand significant energy inputs, including large-scale grid power and spinning reserves.

Even prior to the launch of China’s DeepSeek model, the country’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had begun systematically deploying AI solutions to enhance the precision and responsiveness of its battlefield systems. By using AI to automate and optimize artillery fire, China has reduced shot intervals while improving target accuracy. In parallel, generative AI technologies are being integrated with military drones to autonomously identify and engage enemy radar systems with greater precision, enabling real-time tactical superiority. The progress achieved through DeepSeek and similar platforms is expected to further accelerate China's AI-driven military innovations.

This technological edge is also being extended beyond China’s borders. India’s security establishment has expressed concern over Beijing’s growing support to Pakistan in the AI and defense technology domains. Experts highlight China’s involvement with the Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing of the Pakistan Air Force, established in 2020, which is currently advancing its Cognitive Electronic Warfare program. The initiative aims to leverage AI and machine learning to enhance analytical and tactical decision-making capabilities on the battlefield. During Operation Sindoor, indications emerged that some of these capabilities may have been operationalized, with live satellite updates and backend data analysis possibly being facilitated by China to support Pakistan's actions.

According to Lt General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), the ability of Pakistan to respond in real-time suggests advanced situational awareness facilitated by sophisticated C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) frameworks. He emphasized the critical importance of civil-military integration in these domains to enhance India's preparedness. Master General Sustenance Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla echoed this sentiment, noting that geopolitical shifts and the accelerating pace of technological innovation are reshaping military doctrines and creating more complex and intense battle environments.

This shift toward a multi-domain operational model—incorporating land, air, sea, space, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum—has been a central feature of China's defense modernization. India, by comparison, has considerable ground to cover in developing parallel capabilities.

Alexandr Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI, highlighted the challenge armed forces face in analyzing vast amounts of cross-domain data to predict adversarial moves and formulate deterrence strategies. He emphasized that the inability to process this information efficiently through existing systems makes AI adoption not just strategic but essential for future readiness.

However, it is also important to recognize the critical limiting factor in this transformation: energy. AI systems, particularly those used in military and defense applications, require massive energy inputs to process data in real-time. As the digital battlefield expands, energy security will be a decisive element in determining military effectiveness.

In summary, as AI continues to reshape global defense capabilities, China’s advancements—and its collaboration with strategic partners like Pakistan—pose a significant strategic challenge for India. Bridging this gap will require targeted investments in AI infrastructure, energy resilience, civil-military integration, and advanced C4ISR systems to secure India's national interests in an increasingly complex security environment.