The Indian Air Force is increasingly using artificial intelligence and digital twin technology to analyse possible future warfare scenarios, improve planning and strengthen decision-making, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said on Saturday. He also stressed the importance of sharing operational data and learning from past mistakes to improve preparedness.

Speaking at an event in Kanpur, the Chief of the Air Staff said the availability of large volumes of data has created opportunities for the IAF to use predictive AI to assess what could happen next. Digital twins, meanwhile, can create virtual representations of systems or situations, allowing planners to examine different possibilities before responding to real-world developments.

The Air Chief Marshal said the armed forces now have access to information that can be used more effectively through advanced analytical tools. The objective is not simply to collect data but to turn it into useful insights for planning and operational decision-making.

Predictive AI for Future Scenarios

According to Singh, predictive AI can help the force forecast possible developments and prepare for different situations in advance. Such systems can analyse large amounts of information and identify patterns that may assist commanders and planners in evaluating potential outcomes.

He also highlighted the role of digital twins in understanding future possibilities. By creating virtual models, organisations can simulate situations and examine how different factors could influence an outcome.

The approach could allow the IAF to test plans and study potential scenarios without relying entirely on real-world exercises, while also helping identify weaknesses that may otherwise emerge only during an operation.

Learning From Past Mistakes

Singh also underlined the importance of using collective experience across the defence establishment. He said information available with different stakeholders should be shared so that lessons from one experience can benefit others.

The IAF chief stressed that mistakes should be treated as learning opportunities, regardless of which individual or organisation was responsible for them. This, he said, could help prevent the repetition of errors and contribute to stronger systems.

Technology Reshaping Warfare

The comments come as militaries worldwide are increasingly adopting AI, machine learning, advanced data analytics and simulation technologies. Modern combat environments generate enormous quantities of information from aircraft, radars, satellites, unmanned systems and other sensors, making rapid analysis increasingly important.

For the IAF, such technologies could support areas including operational planning, training, surveillance and assessment of possible threats. Digital simulation can also provide commanders with opportunities to evaluate different courses of action before committing resources.

Focus on Modernisation

The IAF has been pursuing the integration of new technologies as part of its wider modernisation efforts. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making reflects the changing nature of warfare, where speed of information processing can influence how quickly forces identify and respond to emerging threats.

Singh's remarks also point towards a broader effort to combine human judgement with advanced technological tools. While AI can process large datasets and generate predictions, military decisions still require assessment by trained personnel and commanders.

The Air Chief Marshal emphasised that innovation, collaboration and learning from experience would remain important as the force prepares for future challenges. The use of predictive AI and digital twins is therefore emerging as part of the IAF's wider effort to understand potential battle scenarios and improve operational readiness.