Answer

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the simulation of human intelligence in machines, is transforming defense systems globally. India, too, has leveraged AI for surveillance, cybersecurity, and autonomous weaponry. For instance, the Indian Army recently adopted AI-based surveillance systems. However, challenges like technological dependency, inadequate infrastructure, and ethical concerns hinder progress. Addressing these issues is crucial for a robust AI-enabled defense ecosystem.

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How India has begun harnessing AI’s potential to strengthen its defence ecosystem

• Integration of AI in defence systems:: India has developed AI-based products like Indrajaal, an autonomous drone security system for enhancing border security and military operations.
  For example: The Indrajaal system can counter aerial threats such as drones, UAVs, and loitering munitions using AI and machine learning.
• Global collaborations in AI: India participates in global AI initiatives, such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), to promote AI development and adoption.
  For example: GPAI facilitates international cooperation to align AI ethics, research, and deployment, enabling India to access global best practices in military AI.
• Foreign investments in AI infrastructure: India attracts foreign investments like Microsoft’s $3 billion commitment to building data centres in Telangana, strengthening AI development capabilities.
  For example: These data centres provide computational power to train AI models for defence applications, improving efficiency and innovation.
• Creation of AI-focused defence agencies: Establishment of Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) and Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) aims to institutionalize AI deployment in defence.
• Government emphasis on AI’s potential: Defence Minister highlights AI’s role in revolutionising military operations, from predictive analytics to autonomous decision-making systems.
  For example: AI-based predictive analytics can anticipate enemy movements, enabling proactive defence strategies and better resource allocation.

Specific challenges faced by India in harnessing AI’s potential to strengthen its defence ecosystem

• Lack of digitised data for AI training: India’s defence systems have limited digitised data to train AI models, hindering effective deployment in critical operations.
  For instance: AI models need diverse datasets for accuracy, but legacy systems lack proper documentation and digitised records.
• Fragmented AI policies: India’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence lacks clear guidelines for deployment, especially for military-specific AI applications.
  For example: While it outlines broad principles, it provides no actionable framework for integrating AI in defence procurement or operations.
• Siloed armed forces: The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force operate independently, impeding inter-service communication and joint AI system implementation.
  For example: Separate doctrines hinder interoperability, as seen in challenges coordinating AI-based intelligence during joint military exercises.
• Reliance on public sector units (PSUs): PSUs dominate defence manufacturing, limiting private sector innovation and scalability in AI-driven technologies.
  For example: Unlike the space sector’s PPP model, defence AI adoption remains constrained by PSUs’ slower development processes.
• High costs of AI infrastructure: AI systems require expensive data centres and computational resources, competing with funds needed for upgrading legacy defence hardware.
  For example: Replacing outdated aircraft like MiG-21 takes precedence, diverting resources away from developing critical AI infrastructure.

Effective measures to address these challenges

• Digitisation of defence data: Implement a nationwide program to digitise legacy defence data and integrate it into secure AI training platforms.
  For example: The US’s Project Maven uses digitised combat data to train AI models for image recognition in drones.
• Formulation of robust AI policies: Develop clear and detailed military AI deployment policies with a focus on accountability, transparency, and ethical considerations.
  For example: Israel’s AI policies streamline development by defining specific use cases, ensuring rapid deployment of advanced technologies.
• Strengthening inter-service collaboration: Establish a unified command structure for AI systems to enable interoperability across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  For example: The US Department of Defense’s Joint AI Center coordinates AI strategies across all branches of the military.
• Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs): Facilitate collaborations between PSUs, private companies, and startups to harness innovation and scalability in defence AI technologies.
  For example: ISRO’s collaboration with startups for satellite launches demonstrates the success of PPP models in high-tech sectors.
• Increased AI-specific defence budgets: Allocate dedicated funds for AI infrastructure and R&D, reducing reliance on foreign technologies and ensuring self-reliance.

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To fully harness AI’s potential in defense, India must prioritize investments in R&D, foster public-private partnerships, and enhance cybersecurity frameworks. Addressing challenges like data privacy, talent gaps, and ethical concerns requires targeted policies and global collaborations. A future-ready defense ecosystem, powered by AI, will ensure India’s strategic edge while maintaining ethical and operational accountability.