Exclusive | Ex-DRDO chief Selvamurthy: 'Future wars will be unmanned, autonomous'

W Selvamurthy, former Chief of DRDO, says the future battlefield will be unmanned, autonomous, and standoff-based. AI will drive combat decisions, and humanoid robots will replace soldiers in harsh zones like Siachen or chemical attack zones.

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“Future wars won’t be man-to-man,” he said. “AI and robotics will dominate – drones, autonomous vehicles, and unmanned ground platforms are already being developed.”

AI won’t replace soldiers

According to Selvamurthy, soldiers will use AI to enhance their performance. Battle situational awareness will be real-time. AI-enabled gear will show friend-foe positions and battlefield updates.

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“AI won’t replace human intelligence,” he said. “It will augment it.”

Key technologies

India is investing in high-end tech:

Quantum communication and encryption for cybersecurity

Blockchain for secure logistics

High-powered lasers and microwaves to target enemy satellites

CBRN warfare (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) is another concern. “We are working on defence strategies for all these,” Selvamurthy said.

India’s humanoid robot plan

Robotics labs like CAIR in Bengaluru and R&DE in Pune are developing India’s humanoid battlefield robots. These can detect, patrol, and even carry combat weapons.

“These robots will eventually replace soldiers in risky areas like high-altitude posts and nuclear zones,” Selvamurthy noted. “The goal is to protect our jawans from hazardous environments.”

Drone defence and superiority over adversaries

India successfully neutralised Turkish-made drones used by Pakistan. DRDO has demonstrated both “soft kills” (jamming) and “hard kills” (shooting down drones). Efforts are now underway to enhance these systems.

“We’ll develop disruptive tech that adversaries can’t predict,” he said.

India’s edge in space warfare

India’s space capabilities — satellite surveillance, secure communication, and long-range missile launches — are growing. DRDO has tested an anti-satellite missile (ASAT) system, and is working on laser and microwave weapons to disable enemy satellites.

“India opposes weaponising space but has the capability if needed,” Selvamurthy clarified.

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