Live data is collected by integrating feeds from all sensors, drones, radars, and satellites onto a single screen for the commander to take action
A mix of modern-day technology juxtaposed with 26 years of historical data and processed through artificial intelligence (AI) provided the Indian Army with information on Pakistan Army’s movement during Operation Sindoor, enabling pinpoint targeting. Lt Gen Rajiv Sahni, who was the Army’s Director General Information Systems during Operation Sindoor, said today that the system’s accuracy in locating and enabling targeting was more than 94 per cent.
Explaining the working, he said live data is collected by integrating feeds from all sensors, drones, radars, and satellites onto a single screen for the commander to take action. “Everything is aggregated, and that includes data about enemy positions, assets, and logistics,” said Gen Sahni, who is now Director General Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DG EME).
The modelling of the battlefield was done using 26 years of data that had tracked and stored each radio emission and every frequency signature. This included where each equipment had moved in the past and was tasked with which unit in Pakistan. “With this modelling and live feed, 94 per cent accuracy was achieved, allowing us to pinpoint where a particular machine, such as a gun or missile unit, would be located on the border,” Gen Sahni added.
The infrastructure enables other services – the Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF) – to use the same data. The Army even got the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to provide weather data. A specialised ‘app’ developed in-house by the Army makes a forecast of 200 km into enemy territory, providing usable data to military commanders on wind speed, wind direction, and other factors needed to calculate the trajectory of long-range missiles using AI.
The data-based targeting was possible because the home-grown application for ‘electronic intelligence collation’ was modified in record time during Operation Sindoor. This enabled a common surveillance picture, allowing for target acquisition. This enhanced coordination of resources, improved decision-making, and provided commanders at all levels with greater agility and situational awareness, Gen Sahni added.