As the Indian Army moves forward with its modernization plans, it is launching an internship program aimed at attracting young, tech-oriented individuals to explore the integration of new technologies into military operations. This initiative is part of the Army’s broader effort to stay ahead of global technological advancements, particularly in areas like cyber security, information technology (IT), and information warfare. With warfare increasingly moving into the realm of non-kinetic strategies, the Army is focused on preparing the next generation to lead in this evolving landscape.

Lt General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Staff (Information Systems and Communication), shared with the media persons on Friday that the Indian Army’s recruitment efforts now include not only domain specialists but also interns, offering them the chance to work directly with cutting-edge technologies used by the military. Lt Gen Kapoor revealed that 2024-25 has been designated as the “Technology Absorption Year” for the Army, highlighting the importance of rapidly incorporating new technological tools to keep pace with the future of warfare.

Adapting to Changing Warfare

With the rise of cyber warfare and digital tactics, the Indian Army is recognizing the need to recruit experts in fields such as cyber security, AI, machine learning (ML), and quantum computing. As Lt. Gen. Kapoor pointed out, the conflict in Ukraine has shown how critical non-contact forms of warfare—like cyber-attacks and digital manipulation—are becoming in modern conflicts. This shift in warfare has prompted the Army to rethink how it recruits and trains personnel who can work with these technologies.

The recruitment for these roles is already underway in both the Territorial Army (TA) and the Regular Army, with a specific focus on specialists in the cyber and IT sectors. For officer roles, candidates must have a postgraduate degree, while Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) are required to hold at least a graduate degree. Successful recruits will have the opportunity to advance based on their performance, ensuring that the Army attracts the most capable individuals.

He talked about how the Army must stay aligned with rapidly changing technology to remain competitive. He described the relationship between technology and military operations as a “mutual growth,” where each informs and enhances the other, allowing the Army to function more efficiently in an increasingly tech-driven environment.

Internship Program: A Chance to Learn and Contribute

In addition to its recruitment efforts, the Army has also launched a new internship program under the Prime Minister’s Internship Mission. This program invites young professionals and university students to work with the Army’s various technological departments, including its cyber security teams, AI research units, and innovation cells. It also provides interns with opportunities to contribute to projects related to the Army’s UN Peacekeeping Program and the Center for Land Warfare Studies.

This initiative is designed not only to expose young minds to military operations but also to foster interest in defence technology careers. Interns will be involved in key technological areas such as AI, cyber security, 5G, blockchain, robotics, and other emerging fields. The goal is to cultivate the next generation of leaders in defence technology, offering them the opportunity to work on some of the Army’s most advanced projects.

A Global Perspective: Other Nations’ Military Tech Programs

The Indian Army’s push to bring in tech experts and young interns mirrors similar trends in other advanced military forces worldwide. For example, the U.S. Department of Defence has long recognized the importance of integrating civilian expertise, particularly in cyber security and AI, through programs like the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU). Similarly, Israel, known for its expertise in cyber defence, continuously recruits specialists in digital warfare to maintain its technological edge.

By tapping into the tech community and inviting young talent into the military fold, the Indian Army is ensuring it is ready to handle the challenges of future warfare. This program offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to explore the intersection of technology and defence strategy, preparing them for roles that will shape the future of the Army.