Artificial Intelligence has permeated practically every civilian industry across the country imaginably. It has impacted the way people and business work by reshaping societal operations and becoming a crucial component in modern technology-driven warfare. A major criterion determining a country’s power is its army’s strength.

Compared to other parts, some of the most developed countries heavily invest in this industry. A substantial portion of this investment is dedicated to rigorous research and development in emerging technologies like Artificial intelligence and its application in military and defence. AI-powered military devices can handle vast amounts of data.

Additionally, the extensive application of AI-based technology in the defence sector covers many functions and possibilities such as training, surveillance, logistics, cybersecurity, UAV, advanced military weaponry like LAWS, autonomous combat vehicles & robots. These applications ensure a robust footing in modern warfare strategies. 

India’s growth in AI investment in the defence sector

According to recent data, India’s substantial commitment to military spending is emphasised. It substantiated a 33% increase in 2021 compared to previous decades, which positions our country as one of the leading global spenders in defence along with the USA, China, Russia and the UK. With a surge in spending on the defence sector, a shift in the dynamics of warfare was visible, with the countries pointing funds towards integrating Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Drones. The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and the Ministry of Defence partnered to build a roadmap for integrating AI within the defence forces in 2018.

The process reached a major milestone when India hosted its initial Artificial Intelligence in Defence symposium in Delhi on July 2022. The event exhibited 75 newly developed AI products like robotics, AI automation tools, Intelligence Surveillance systems etc.

Similarly, the 5th edition of the three day AI workshop on the topic ‘Artificial Intelligence for the Future Fleet’ was organised at INS Valsura Jamnagar from 9 to 11th August 2023. VAdm MA Hampiholi, FOCINC, SNC, who delivered the keynote address emphasised the initiatives taken by Indian Navy in the niche field and stressed the significance of Artificial Intelligence and its application in the future fleet.

The use of AI-based surveillance for border security

India has already deployed AI-based solutions for border surveillance to brace border security by incorporating cameras, radar feeds, sensors etc. Indian army has installed about 140 AI-based surveillance systems to get live feed in the Pakistan and China borders. Using these advanced technologies helps to detect border intrusions, target classification, and enhance the accuracy of defence operations. Deploying high-tech solutions minimises the involvement of humans in monitoring and eases the spotting of intrusions in remote areas like the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Drones fortified with AI-based aircraft technology excels in its performance throughout the day and night reconnaissance missions from border control to comprehensive surveillance. These drones show extraordinary manoeuvrability in various climatic conditions, making them essential in risky tasks. The drones capture images and extract the topographical features from distant and isolated locations, slowly supplanting manned aircraft in long reconnaissance missions. These Unmanned Aerial Vehicles also outshine in detecting drones from enemies with their anti-drone detection, which offers a cost-effective solution to reduce the threats.

The use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS)

LAWS denote an advanced military weaponry with sensor suites and pre-programmed algorithms combined to it. Such systems help in detecting, selecting and tracking hostile targets effortlessly. After activating, the weapons can autonomously engage targets using its hostile fire detection and positioning features. LAWS aid in force multiplication, requiring minimal personnel while boosting the effectiveness of every engagement.

The use of autonomous combat vehicles and robots

The defence strategy of our country highlights the robust armoured solutions that increase the protection of the soldiers and staff. Autonomous combat vehicles driven by advanced driver assistance systems help alleviate risks to the military personnel, which is a significant benefit. Such vehicles aid in unmanned real-time monitoring casualty evacuation and operational load delivery in risky environments like deserts and mountains. Robots perform exceptionally in danger-prone and high stress areas that surpasses human capabilities.

In conclusion we can say, military readiness in our country is currently undergoing a major digital transformation by harnessing the power of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, drone system and autonomous weaponry to optimise defence capabilities. 

• Photo by Specna Arms on Unsplash