During the first-ever “AI in Defence” symposium and exhibition, which was held by the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi on Monday, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled 75 recently developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

The items that were introduced as a part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations cover a range of topics. Lethal autonomous weapon systems; autonomous/unmanned/robotic systems; block chain-based automation; command, control, communication, computer & intelligence; surveillance and reconnaissance; cyber security; human behaviour analysis; intelligent monitoring systems; manufacturing and maintenance; simulators/test equipment; and speech/voice analysis using Natural Language Processing are some of these.

Three AI products created by DPSUs were showcased at the event. These products include Driver Fatigue Monitoring System, developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited, AI-enabled Voice Transcription or Analysis software, and AI-enabled evaluation of Welding defects in X-rays of Non-destructive Testing, developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers. These goods are anticipated to give the Defense PSUs access to new markets.

The Raksha Mantri published a physical and electronic version of the book containing information on these 75 products, showcasing the collaborative work done over the past four years in the field of AI by the Services, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), iDEX start-ups, and the private sector.

In his speech, Rajnath Singh thanked everyone for their efforts and praised AI as a revolutionary breakthrough in human evolution and evidence that humans are the most advanced creatures in the world.

In practically every industry, including defence, health and medicine, agriculture, trade and commerce, and transportation, AI has made progress, according to Rajnath Singh. He urged all parties involved in the defence industry to improve how well AI and human awareness work together to transform the industry.

“When humans have participated fully in battles, artificial intelligence (AI) applications have been used to construct new autonomous weaponry and systems. Without human supervision, they are capable of destroying hostile facilities.

Military equipment with AI capabilities can effectively handle a lot of data. It is proven to be really beneficial for training the soldiers as well. Virtual and augmented reality Technology will also be efficiently utilised in the future “added he.

The Raksha Mantri acknowledged the significant efforts being made by the MoD, Armed Forces, DRDO, DPSUs, and Industry to provide cutting-edge, domestic AI solutions for defence and to create cutting-edge technology.

He reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a “Global Hub for AI” and of creating AI-enabled and AI-led applications to promote social welfare and national security.

He hoped that soon India would rank among the top nations in the field of artificial intelligence.

According to the defence minister, systems or weapons are being created while taking into account the significant part AI may play in future conflict.

“We have begun integrating AI applications in remotely operated vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, etc. We must advance in this approach if we are to create autonomous military systems. To avoid falling behind the technological curve and to ensure that we can fully utilise technology for our services, it is crucial that technologies like AI and Big Data are introduced into the defence sector at the appropriate time “said he.

The Raksha Mantri further stated that numerous MoUs had been inked with the business community in order to promote AI applications in the Services more quickly. Numerous AI-related challenges have also been issued as part of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) projects.

Radio Frequency Spectrum Management, Underwater Domain Awareness, Satellite Image Analysis, and Friend or Foe Identification System are a few of the fields where there are obstacles. He asked the business community and start-ups to look into fresh possibilities and cooperate with the government to secure complete autonomy in the area of AI technology.

“Russia is a nation that has superior technology and is making constant advancements in science and technology. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, once declared about artificial intelligence: “Whoever becomes the leader in this sector will become the dictator of the world.” Even while India adheres to the tenet of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the entire world is one family) and has no desire to control it, we must advance the capabilities of our artificial intelligence (AI) technology so that no nation will even consider ruling us “Rajnath Singh remarked.

The Raksha Mantri emphasised the crucial role academia can play in bolstering the defence industry and said that the MoD research platforms, DRDO, and DPSUs are supporting various universities in their pursuit of cutting-edge AI research. He continued by saying that DRDO is working to advance the field of artificial intelligence through initiatives funded by the Technological Development Fund and “Dare to dream” competitions.

According to him, many of the country’s Defence-Industry-Academic Centres of Excellence have AI prominently featured in their charters.

“Our nation is brimming with young people with scientific and technological training who are inventive thinkers who want to contribute to nation-building. In such a situation, we will work to meet the future technology needs of both our country and the rest of the world. Although the mission of MoD organisations is to create cutting-edge technology for the military, people will also gain from its side effects “Rajnath Singh remarked.

Along with one’s own defence and security, the Raksha Mantri emphasised the need to think for humanity and world peace.

“Early consideration of AI’s ethical implications and potential risks is necessary. Every time a new technology is introduced, society must gradually adjust to it. Sometimes at this moment of change, a difficult circumstance develops. We must be ready for any legal, ethical, political, and economic difficulties in advance since AI is a technology that causes enormous change.

Positive outlook is important as we look to the future of AI, but we must also be ready. For the benefit of humanity’s welfare, advancement, and peace, we must employ this technology. Our goal must be to ensure its democratic use “added he.

Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar gave the opening remarks and emphasised the need to promote the use of AI in defence, repeating the MoD’s resolve to make every effort in this regard to ensure that the Armed Forces are outfitted with cutting-edge technology. He claimed that a task force for the strategic integration of AI in defence was constituted in 2018 and that it had delivered its recommendations in just three months.

The Defence AI Council, led by Raksha Mantri, carried out these recommendations. Dr. Ajay Kumar praised the proactive efforts made by the three Services, DRDO, DPSUs, and Industry in creating these 75 goods and enhancing national security. More than 100 additional projects are being worked on, he continued.

Rajya Raksha Mantri The event was attended by Shri Ajay Bhatt, the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, the Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, the Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, other senior civil and military officials of the MoD, envoys from other nations, representatives from research organisations, academia, industry, and students.

Raksha Niryat Ratna awards were given to Bharat Electronics Limited from the public sector and to Indo-MIM from the private sector for achieving the highest defence exports in recent years. This was done in accordance with the MoD’s vision to achieve defence exports of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and boost the domestic industry.

The Raksha Mantri also honoured the top three students in the “GenNext AI” Solutions Competition, which was held to gather brilliant, original ideas on cutting-edge AI solutions.

Three panels with active involvement from the Services, academics, students, research organisations, and industry were also organised to spark fresh perspectives on AI in defence.

An exhibition was also organised, giving inventors a special chance to showcase their skills, goods, and cutting-edge innovations.

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