India is harnessing AI to enhance national security, counter threats and establish itself at the forefront of the defence innovation landscape

Cross-border terrorism and geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel-Iran hostilities, have driven unprecedented defence spending since World War II. To counter these threats, nations are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to build resilient defence systems. AI enhances national security by enabling robust decision-making to detect, analyse, and address complex threats across multiple fronts.

The Shift Towards AI in Defence

AI is transforming defence strategies, reducing reliance on human personnel. The US military’s active-duty personnel are at their lowest levels in eight decades, while the U.K. has seen a 30 per cent reduction since 2000, largely due to AI-driven tools replacing soldiers in high-risk operations. With advancements in IoT and data analytics, experts predict a significant increase in AI-based defence systems globally.

India’s AI-Driven Defence Evolution

India, a leading G20 nation, is actively integrating AI into its defence framework to counter internal and external threats. Initiatives like the 2022 launch of 75 AI-enabled defence products highlight India’s focus on cybersecurity, automation, and autonomous systems.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) allocates $12.6 million annually for AI projects, including the establishment of an AI center at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE). Additionally, the 2024 launch of India’s first AI Data Bank aims to enhance national security through real-time analytics and predictive capabilities.

AI in Security and Surveillance

AI aids investigation agencies in video surveillance and threat detection, analysing behaviour, communications and psychological patterns to identify risks. Using both Strong AI (mimicking human cognition) and Weak AI (focused tasks), intelligence agencies enhance security, mitigate breaches and safeguard civilians and public institutions.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite promising advancements, AI adoption in India’s defence faces challenges, including data privacy, cybersecurity and ethical concerns surrounding autonomous systems. To remain competitive, India must increase investments in research, collaborate internationally and address accountability issues tied to AI-driven military operations.

Conclusion

By adopting a risk-based regulatory framework, India can ensure the ethical and effective deployment of AI in defence. While challenges persist, the ongoing innovations and strategic initiatives signal a future where India’s defence capabilities transcend traditional methods, embracing AI as a cornerstone of national security.

(The writer is Co-founder & CEO, Innefu Labs; views are personal)