On today’s battlefield, speed is survival. Radar operators in the Indian Army face a growing challenge, identifying whether a fast-approaching blip is an aircraft, a drone, a vehicle, or personnel. With skies crowded by UAVs, decoys, and stealth threats, human judgment alone is no longer enough.
To tackle this, the Army has patented an AI-based Automatic Target Classifying System, an indigenous AI radar solution that can instantly detect and classify targets. This innovation not only reduces operator workload but also brings artificial intelligence into Indian defence technology, reinforcing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
What is the AI-based Automatic Target Classifying System?
The system is an AI-powered automatic target classification radar tool.
Key Features
- Radar-agnostic design that can integrate with multiple radar platforms.
- Real-time radar analysis where AI algorithms classify signals instantly.
- Automatic discrimination that identifies whether a target is an aircraft, vehicle, or personnel.
- Reduced operator strain by delivering clear classification and cutting human fatigue and error.
In simple terms, this AI-based target detection system in India acts as a digital aide, ensuring soldiers get clarity faster in complex scenarios.
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Why This Patent is a Game-Changer
As someone tracking defence modernisation closely, I see this innovation as a critical step forward.
Key Benefits
- Speed vs. Saturation: Crowded radar screens filled with drones and decoys are sorted in seconds.
- Fewer Errors: AI reduces false alarms and misclassifications, especially during long shifts.
- Plug-and-Play Scalability: Works across Indian Army radar networks without waiting for costly OEM upgrades.
- Atmanirbhar Push: Strengthens India’s intellectual property in AI defence technology, opening doors for exports.
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The Innovator Behind the Patent
This breakthrough is credited to Colonel Kuldeep Yadav, a serving officer known for soldier-driven innovations. In 2023, he also secured a patent for an AI-powered accident-prevention system, showing a consistent focus on using AI to solve battlefield challenges.
Colonel Kuldeep Yadav’s AI patent shows how the Indian Army is encouraging its officers to not only use technology but also create indigenous solutions, proving that India is serious about placing artificial intelligence at the core of its future military doctrine.
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How It Fits India’s AI Defence Roadmap
India has been steadily embedding AI across its Armed Forces. From autonomous drones to AI-driven surveillance and counter-drone systems, the push is clear.
The AI-based Automatic Target Classifying System sits at the centre of this roadmap:
- Sense: Radars capture raw signals.
- Decide: AI classifies targets and prioritises them.
- Act: Operators and weapon systems engage validated threats.
This tightens the sense–decide–act loop, giving Indian forces a critical edge in modern conflicts.
Old vs New: How AI Changes Radar Operations
| Aspect | Traditional Radar | AI System |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Limited to a single radar | Automatic (aircraft, vehicles, personnel) |
| Speed | Slower, human-dependent | Real-time in seconds |
| Accuracy | Fatigue errors common | Consistent AI recognition |
| Integration | Limited to single radar | Radar-agnostic, multi-platform |
| Operator Load | High, stressful | Reduced, focus on action |
Global Context: India in the AI Defence Race
Globally, militaries are racing to integrate AI into targeting and radar systems:
- United States (DARPA): Working on MOSAIC Warfare and AI-enabled JADC2 for data-driven targeting.
- China: Developing AI radar systems for drone swarm tracking and stealth aircraft detection.
- Israel: Using AI in Iron Dome and anti-drone systems.
- Russia: Testing AI-assisted radar units in the Ukraine conflict.
By filing this Indian Army AI patent, India signals that it is not just following global trends but building indigenous AI defence solutions to secure its skies and battlefields.
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Deployment Scenarios in India
While the Army has not revealed official deployment, the use cases are clear:
- Air Defence Nodes: Sorting fighter jets, UAVs, and decoys for missile units like Akash NG or XRSAM.
- Counter-Drone Protection: Acting as a counter-drone radar system in India, filtering drones from birds or civilian aircraft near Army bases.
- Coastal Surveillance: Classifying small boats, personnel, or UAVs in littoral waters.
- Convoy Security: Detecting suspicious vehicle or personnel movement near forward posts.
This is one of the most versatile artificial intelligence systems developed by the Indian Army.
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My Perspective as a Defence Enthusiast
For me, this patent is more than a technical achievement; it is a sign of confidence. It shows that the Army is taking ownership of its future by creating indigenous AI defence technologies rather than waiting for foreign vendors.
If deployed quickly, this system could be a game-changer against UAV swarms, drone infiltrations, and fast-changing battlefield threats. In today’s era, saving a few seconds in classification could save entire bases.
Conclusion
The AI-based Automatic Target Classifying System is a milestone in India’s journey to merge artificial intelligence with defence operations. It reduces workload, speeds up responses, and strengthens India’s credibility as a developer of smart defence technology under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
This is not just about radars; it is about reshaping warfare into a faster, smarter, and more resilient fight for the future.
FAQs
Q1: What does the AI-based Automatic Target Classifying System do?
It automatically identifies whether a target is an aircraft, vehicle, or personnel using radar signals.
Q2: Is it radar-specific?
No, it is radar-agnostic, meaning it can integrate across multiple radar platforms.
Q3: How will it help against drones?
It quickly classifies UAVs and separates them from birds or decoys, improving counter-drone operations.
Q4: How is the Indian Army using artificial intelligence in warfare?
The Army is deploying innovations like the AI-based Automatic Target Classifying System, AI drones, and smart radar solutions to strengthen AI in Indian military technology.