By Staff Correspondent
In the rapidly evolving theatre of defence, the potential benefits and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration are intensely scrutinised. Lieutenant General A B Shivane (r), a noted defence analyst and author, opines that successfully deploying AI within the military demands a careful equilibrium of technical, ethical, and operational considerations. The transformative power of AI, already palpable across various sectors worldwide, could usher in a new era of military strategy, with the promise of enhanced strategic insights and a reduction in war casualties.
Echoing these sentiments, Major General VK Madhok (r), an ardent writer on contemporary military affairs, argues that AI is at the epicentre of the 21st-century technological revolution, reshaping societal sectors and geopolitical dynamics and ushering in the era of ‘geo-technologies’. The influence of AI on warfare is already discernible, with its capacity to enhance military efficacy in complex war situations and hostile environments, making it a significant asset in modern warfare.
Maj Gen. Madhok also highlights China’s considerable investments in AI, viewing it as a strategic tool to challenge American hegemony and rebalance global power structures. He cites a notable quote from Xi Jinping, China’s President: “Under a situation of increasingly fierce military competition, only the innovators win.” The statement underscores the pivotal role AI plays in China’s strategic ambitions.
Lt Gen. Shivane delves deeper into AI’s potential military applications, which include decision-making support, logistics optimisation, predictive maintenance, and bolstering cybersecurity. The Russia-Ukraine conflict serves as an illustrative example of AI’s capability to automate large-scale enemy monitoring and enable sophisticated open-source intelligence. AI also holds substantial promise in combating disinformation by identifying false information sources and images.
In India, the government recognises the strategic importance of AI, allocating over Rs 100 crore annually for AI-centric projects and establishing the Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) to spearhead AI initiatives. Lt Gen. Shivane emphasises the need for equilibrium between the art and science of warfare, highlighting the importance of human-machine interaction, technology integration within military doctrines and structures, and leadership development.
However, the integration of AI into defence strategies presents its own set of challenges. Ethical considerations, especially regarding autonomous weapons, must align with international laws. The quality and integrity of data used by AI systems for decision-making are paramount. Additionally, given the susceptibility of AI systems to cyberattacks, cybersecurity becomes a crucial consideration.
Colonel Vinay B Dalvi (r), an author and defence commentator, advocates a collaborative approach involving academia, industry, and international partners to ensure access to the latest research and technology. He emphasises the need for a comprehensive AI roadmap, encompassing investment in research and development and human resource development.
Despite the considerable potential of AI, Lt Gen. Shivane concedes that it currently needs to improve in mimicking human emotions and operating across varied physical dimensions. Therefore, while AI can assist, it has yet to replace the human warrior. To fully harness AI’s benefits in defence, Lt Gen. Shivane advocates an all-encompassing approach that addresses AI integration’s cultural, structural, and human resource aspects. His analysis presents a well-rounded overview of the challenges and opportunities AI offers within the defence sector.
