Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence Warfare

Facing a significant increase in terrorism-linked fatalities, 1,139 in 2025 and an 83 percent hike in Q3 2026 compared to Q2, and persistent border disputes with India and Afghanistan, Pakistan has begun incorporating AI technologies into its defense and law enforcement. The country unveiled its National Artificial Intelligence Policy in 2025 and established military research units like the Army Center of Emerging Technologies and the Pakistan Air Force-run Center for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC) to advance these capabilities.

Specific AI applications include the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and strikes, particularly along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, as reported by Pakistan Army sources. During 2025 clashes with India, Pakistan used indigenously developed Shahpar-II UCAVs and Turkish-manufactured YIHA-III drones. To counter aerial threats, systems like the Spider Anti-UAV are also being introduced.

Beyond drones, Pakistan is expanding its use of robotics. Law enforcement currently employs robots for bomb disposal and reconnaissance, with plans to extend their role to lead clearance operations and transport supplies in military zones. Drills have been conducted with "Chinese robotic wolves," and there are ambitions for local production of humanoid and bipedal robots. Additionally, Chinese support is facilitating the expansion of facial recognition technology in sensitive areas like border checkpoints.

While these integrations aim to enhance military and law enforcement capabilities and keep pace with regional rivals, Lieutenant General Talat Masood, a former secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense Production, noted that capacity development faces significant hurdles due to resource limitations and economic challenges. The article also suggests these technologies may be used to reinforce the military establishment's control and suppress dissent.