A Survey on Airborne Intelligence System Based AI-Enabled Supply Chain Strategies for the Indian Air Force

Abstract

This survey reviews the emerging role of airborne intelligence systems (AIS) — including ISR platforms, UAVs, HAPS, and airborne data relays — as enablers of AI-driven supply chain strategies for the Indian Air Force (IAF). We synthesize literature from defense studies, logistics, machine learning, and airborne sensing to (1) define an architectural framework for integrating airborne sensing with supply-chain decision-making, (2) examine AI techniques that address IAF logistics pain points (predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, multi-echelon inventory optimization, dynamic routing, and last-mile resupply), (3) survey current Indian and international programs and trials relevant to AIS-enabled logistics, and (4) identify technical, operational, legal, and ethical challenges and research gaps. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for phased adoption, data governance, and priority research topics.