AI in Defence Sector

Why in news?

Artificial Intelligence is shaping India's defence landscape providing a potential advantage in operations while also enhancing border security.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is when computers and other machines mimic human cognition, and are capable of learning, thinking, and making decisions or taking actions.

What are the applications of AI in defence sector?

• Border Surveillance - AI-based solutions will help in border surveillance by incorporating cameras, radar feeds, sensors etc.
• These advanced technologies help to detect border intrusions, target classification, and enhance the accuracy of defence operations.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - From border control to comprehensive surveillance, drones equipped with AI-based aircraft technology excel in performing day and night reconnaissance missions.
• Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) - With integrated sensor and pre-programmed algorithms, these systems aid in identifying, selecting, and tracking hostile targets.
• These weapons autonomously engage targets and contributes in reducing personnel requirement.
• Autonomous armoured vehicles and robots - These vehicles conduct unmanned real-time monitoring, casualty evacuation, and operational load delivery in challenging environments such as deserts and mountainous terrains.
• Robots excel in danger-prone and high-stress zones, surpassing human capabilities.
• Data management- AI can be used to process unused or underused data to provide more actionable intelligence for the Indian armed forces. It will enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Project Maven, deployed in US, uses machine learning algorithm that scrutinize massive amounts of video data and provides credible intelligence for counter insurgency operations.

• Identifying patterns - AI can be used to analyse data from multiple sources and identify patterns.
• It will be used to predict potential terrorist attacks and insurgent activities and then recommend pre-emptive actions.
• Training - Training and simulation are diverse fields that employ system and software engineering ideas to create models that can assist soldiers in training on different fighting systems used in actual military operations.

According to the Delhi Policy Group, the Indian military is allocating approximately US$50 million for AI spending each year.

What are the advantages of AI in defence sector?

• Safety - Reducing human casualties and risks
• Adaptability - It can be made adaptable to new threats by constant learning.
• Improved decision-making – More precise, faster situation assessments and analyses.
• Emotions - It offsets emotions and prejudices

What are the challenges of using AI in defence sector?

• Prejudices – Prejudices can be inherent through biased algorithms
• High cost of Implementation - Given the complexity of engineering in building AI technology, these equipments’ are highly expensive.
• Lack of skill – Requires skilled labour.
• Ethical issues- AI can raise questions about the responsibility, accountability, and transparency of military actions and decisions.
• For example, who is liable if an autonomous weapon causes harm or violates international law? How can we ensure that AI respects human dignity and rights?
• Cyberattacks- AI systems are vulnerable to hacking, manipulation, or sabotage by adversaries.

References

1. Indian Express | Indian army Artificial Intelligence
2. INDIAai | Role of AI in Indian Defence Sector
3. Ministry of Defence | The new age of defence