India is now helping Sri Lanka set up an artificial intelligence laboratory for its Army, making cutting-edge digital technologies a key focus of defence ties. The plan was rolled out by Defence Minister Rajnath Sing during his Colombo visit, during which three other pacts related to defence were signed between the two sides. The laboratory’s functions haven’t been specified yet, but this could include analysis of military data, support for surveillance tasks, logistics and resource management, and quicker planning-all critical elements for operations, officials indicated. The move indicates a trend towards leveraging AI as it has become easier for armies to gain a better grasp of the situations and make effective use of intelligence, data collected through sensors or surveillance equipment.
The agreements also include modernization of the L-70 air-defence guns utilized by the Sri Lanka Air Force and cooperation between the National Cadets Corps and the National Defence Colleges of both countries. Furthermore, India also provided spares for the Mk-II radar, some naval parts, and inflatable targets for training purposes. It indicates the extension of India’s regional defence partnership from traditional hardware and training to AI, digital infrastructure, and know-how exchange. Also, it may offer some new space for India’s defence-electronics firms specializing in sensors, secure communication systems, analytic software, and command and control.
