Defence ministry officials are reportedly weighing a major overhaul of the Territorial Army's mandate to pull in specialists in AI, cybersecurity and information warfare with direct entry and honorary ranks among the options on the table.

Talks are reportedly underway within the defence ministry on a substantial widening of the Territorial Army's charter to accommodate specialists working in emerging technology fields, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Ministry weighs wider role for reserve force

A recent high-level meeting within the ministry took up the proposal, which is aimed at drawing technical expertise into the Territorial Army, the volunteer reserve force whose members hold on to their regular civilian jobs even as they serve, according to ET.

The scope being considered extends beyond AI to specialists in information warfare and cybersecurity. Among the options being weighed are bringing in such personnel directly at junior ranks, and offering honorary commissions to those with relevant technical backgrounds.