Indian Army Declares 2026 as the Year of Networking and Data

Indian Army Declares 2026 as the Year of Networking and Data

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian Army has declared 2026 as the “Year of Networking & Data Centricity,” marking a strategic shift toward enhanced digital integration. This initiative aims to strengthen connectivity and agile force ready to meet future challenges with precision and efficiency.

Indian Army’s Roadmap for 2026  

•  The Indian Army has formally declared 2026 as the Year of Networking & Data Centricity to enhance connectivity, real-time decision-making and combat effectiveness for a future-ready force. 
• This initiative is a core part of the Army’s broader Decade of Transformation from 2023 to 2032, aimed at modernising forces and adopting advanced technologies to face emerging security challenges. 
• The Army views networking and data centricity as foundational elements of modern military operations. This means shifting from isolated platforms to systems where data flows securely and rapidly across units. 
• Under the 2026 roadmap, the Army prioritises building secure communication networks, unified data systems and tools that allow commanders to make decisions based on real-time battlefield information. The focus is on improving situational awareness and response capability across frontline units. 
• The roadmap strengthens jointness among the armed forces. Shared data networks support coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force. This aligns with the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands, a reform process initiated after 2020. Better joint operations improve effectiveness in multi-domain warfare involving land, air, sea, cyber and space.
• The 2026 focus also sets the stage for later integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems expected in 2027 and beyond. These systems will help analyse large volumes of battlefield data. 

Indian Army 2026 Transformation: Networked Systems and Data-Driven Warfare

The Indian Army is transforming its systems and tools to realise 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’. This focuses on battlefield technologies, integrated sensors, data fusion and next-generation networks.

• Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS): The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) is a core network tool designed to collect and fuse sensor data across wide borders. It integrates inputs from radars, satellites, UAVs and ground sensors. BSS creates a unified operational picture for commanders to assess threats quickly. The system was developed with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and is being inducted into Army formations in phases.

• Tactical Communication System (TCS): A new Tactical Communication System (TCS) prototype was unveiled by Bharat Electronics Limited in late 2025. This tool provides robust, secure and continuous voice and data links even in rugged terrain. TCS aims to replace legacy radios with modern software-defined networks that support high data throughput and resilience to interference.

• Secure Mobile Communication – SAMBHAV: The SAMBHAV system is an indigenous secure mobile communication platform used during Operation Sindoor in 2025. It runs on 5G infrastructure with multi-layer encryption. SAMBHAV enables secure messaging, calls and file sharing without relying on commercial apps. This tool strengthens operational communication and protects sensitive data.

• Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDD&IS): The Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System is a tool that detects and neutralises hostile drones. The Army inducted the first units in March 2024 and plans to procure advanced variants. IDD&IS uses radar, sensors and automated control to secure airspace at tactical levels.

• Situational Reporting and GIS Platforms: The Project E-Sitrep provides enterprise GIS-based situational reporting. It helps commanders visualise battlefield data on a map in real time. An operational rollout began in the Northern Command in June 2023, and other commands are migrating to it. This platform improves common operational pictures across formations.

• AI-Assisted Data Processing Systems: The Army is expanding AI tools to process large volumes of data. These tools include AI-based text summarisation, anomaly detection, voice-to-text conversion, and data fusion from ground and aerial sensors. AI helps prioritise critical information for commanders, reducing the time needed for analysis.
• Electronic Warfare and Secure Systems: Indigenous electronic warfare systems like Samyukta, Himshakti and future assets support network protection and secure operations in contested electromagnetic environments. These systems help detect and counter enemy electronic emissions.
• Counter-Drone and Airspace Systems: Systems like the SAKSHAM Counter-Unmanned Aerial System Grid provide real-time tracking and neutralisation of hostile drones up to 3,000 meters altitude. This enhances tactical airspace security and integrates threat data into networked command tools.
• Data Centres and Unified Platforms: The Army is establishing captive data centres and unified digital platforms to host networks and data tools. These centres will ensure secure storage, fast access and seamless integration of data flows from frontline units to senior commanders.
• Precision Weapons Linked to Networks: High-precision weapon systems like the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket tested in December 2025 provide long-reach strike capability. These weapons are integrated with networked command systems for precise targeting based on real-time data. 

Significance for India’s Defence

• Strengthening National Security: The 2026 roadmap significantly strengthens India’s national security by shifting the Army towards network-centric warfare. Modern conflicts rely on speed, information dominance and coordination. By improving secure data flow between sensors, troops and command centres, India will reduce response time during crises. 
• Faster Military Decision-Making: The roadmap improves real-time decision-making at tactical, operational and strategic levels. Data centric systems allow commanders to receive live battlefield information instead of delayed reports. This reduces uncertainty during operations. This increases mission success and reduces collateral damage.
• Enhanced Jointness Across Armed Forces: The roadmap supports India’s push for joint operations among the Army, Navy and Air Force. Shared data networks enable a common operational picture. This improves coordination during joint missions such as air support, maritime security and border operations. After the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff in 2019, jointness became a national priority. 
• Boost to Self-Reliance: The roadmap aligns closely with Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. The Army prioritises indigenous communication systems, sensors, data platforms and cyber tools. This reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and improves supply chain security during conflicts.
• Improved Preparedness for Emerging Threats: Future threats include cyber attacks, drone swarms, electronic warfare and information warfare. The 2026 roadmap directly addresses these challenges. Secure networks and protected data systems reduce vulnerability to cyber intrusions. This prepares India to face grey-zone conflicts and hybrid warfare.