In a significant development, the Chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Samir V Kamat, has revealed India’s strategic initiative to collaborate with friendly nations in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster its defense capabilities. Kamat highlighted that the collaborative efforts are focused on advancing tools and conducting fundamental research to enhance the algorithms integral to AI applications.
The DRDO chief emphasized the multifaceted role of AI in the defense sector, emphasizing its contributions to preventive maintenance, surveillance, and cybersecurity. Kamat articulated, “It is playing an increasing role in offensive action, marking a technological shift poised to significantly enhance both military performance and efficiency.”
Addressing the collaborative aspect of India’s foray into AI, Kamat disclosed, “We are actively engaged in partnerships with countries that share amicable relations with us. The collaboration involves joint efforts in the development of tools and fundamental research aimed at refining the algorithms essential to the creation of AI tools.” However, he refrained from divulging specific details regarding the nations involved in these partnerships.
Discussing the evolving landscape of AI applications in defense, Kamat underscored the importance of collaboration in the realm of disruptive technologies. He iterated, “With such disruptive technologies, it is beneficial to collaborate with other countries, pooling resources and expertise to harness the full potential of AI for defense purposes.”
Elaborating on the potential threats posed by AI, Kamat elucidated that India is actively collaborating with various academic institutions to devise AI-based techniques for identifying and mitigating cyber intrusions. He stated, “The predominant threat from AI lies in the cyber domain. A significant number of cyberattacks leverage AI-powered bots. Yet, the same AI can be wielded for cyber defense, creating a dual-purpose technology.”
Highlighting India’s proactive stance in countering cyber threats, Kamat remarked, “We are collaboratively working with several esteemed academic institutions to develop AI-based techniques capable of detecting cyber intrusions. The objective is to safeguard critical infrastructure from potential attacks and deploy AI tools adept at preventing such cyber threats.”
The collaboration with academic institutions reflects a strategic approach to cultivating expertise and innovation in the field of AI, aligning with the broader objective of fortifying India’s cyber defense capabilities. Kamat emphasized the need to deploy AI tools capable of not only identifying cyber threats but also preventing potential attacks on critical infrastructure.
In conclusion, India’s endeavor to harness the power of AI for defense purposes through strategic collaborations with friendly nations underscores the nation’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The collaborative initiatives, focused on developing cutting-edge tools and refining algorithms, reflect a concerted effort to leverage AI for enhancing military capabilities and fortifying cyber defenses. As the landscape of AI in defense continues to evolve, India’s proactive approach in engaging with global partners and academia positions the country as a key player in shaping the future of AI applications in the defense sector.
