The 21st century has witnessed some considerable transfiguration in war, and these so-called changes have revolutionized warfare, leading to the new-age warfare. All this is primarily due to the new scientifical and technological advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. By facilitating more accurate military operations, lowering the risk to human life, and enhancing strategic decision-making, technologies are completely changing how conflicts are waged. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are among the astounding array of robotic technologies being integrated into military operations today. This paper primarily analyzes the critical importance of robotic technology in modern-day military strategies and this particular paper also highlights India's significant progress in this area. Pioneering efforts are being made by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is designing homegrown military robots to enhance the nation's defence. India's dedication to building up its military technology is shown through innovations like the Multi-Agent Robotics Framework (MARF), where robots can operate cooperatively, Ballbot, a robot for short ranged visual reconnanniance, and the ROV Daksh, designed explicitly for bomb disposal. Operation Sindoor illustrates how unmanned technologies, such as loitering munitions and AI-powered drones, can carry out accurate strikes with minimal collateral damage. However, several difficulties are associated with developing robotics for military use. There are several ethical issues to examine, such as who bears responsibility for a robot's conduct, the extent of decision-making power, the potential for misuse, and how these devices relate to international humanitarian law. In conclusion, while robotics offers significant advantages by improving military strategies and increasing operational efficiency with reduced risk for military personnel and civilians. Robust legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks must guide its implementation. As countries increasingly adopt automated systems in warfare, finding a balance between embracing technological advancements and ensuring responsible governance is more important than ever. India's emphasis on developing its technologies, as demonstrated in the DRDO's work, makes it a major player in his emerging field and underscores the imperative for active dialogue regarding setting global standards for the ethical application of robotic warfare technology.
Abhinav et al. (Wed,) studied this question.