- Future wars may be fought with Artificial Intelligence, but they will still be won by national resolve, trained soldiers, and capable military power, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri.
- Singh emphasized that new technologies and conventional platforms are not opposed to each other but rather supplement and complete each other.
- Conventional military capability remains essential, as it is as important today as it was before, according to Singh.
- Singh noted that India is investing in next-generation technologies while simultaneously strengthening its conventional military capabilities.
- He described INS Mahendragiri as part of the Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate programme, marking it as the sixth frigate in this series.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that future conflicts will leverage Artificial Intelligence, yet the triumph in warfare will hinge on trained soldiers and national resolve. Speaking at the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, he highlighted the necessity of conventional military capabilities alongside emerging technologies.5
Singh remarked, "Future wars may be fought with Artificial Intelligence, but they will still be won by national resolve, trained soldiers and the capable military power." He emphasized that new technologies and conventional platforms are complementary, stating, "Without conventional platforms, new technologies are incomplete in themselves." This perspective underscores the enduring significance of traditional military strength in modern warfare.12
India is actively investing in next-generation technologies while reinforcing its conventional military capabilities. Singh cited Operation Sindoor as a prime example of effectively integrating both conventional and modern military assets to enhance national security.
At the ceremony, Singh also discussed the INS Mahendragiri, the sixth ship in the Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate program, which boasts a full-load displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and can reach speeds of up to 28 knots. He noted that the ship is designed to counter aerial threats, enemy surface vessels, and submarines simultaneously, showcasing India's advancements in naval capabilities.
Singh concluded by highlighting Andhra Pradesh as a burgeoning hub for India's defence and aerospace manufacturing, reflecting the country's commitment to strengthening its military infrastructure.
“Singh emphasized that new technologies and conventional platforms supplement each other, noting that without conventional platforms, new technologies are incomplete. INS Mahendragiri, a multi-mission stealth frigate with a displacement of 6,670 tonnes and speed of 28 knots, was commissioned as part of the Project 17A programme.”
