Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched 75 newly developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products/technologies during the first ever ‘AI in Defence’ Symposium and Exhibition (AIDef) organized by the Ministry of Defense in Delhi on 11 July 2022. the products launched as part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations fall in different areas. These include AI platform automation; Autonomous/unmanned/robotic systems; Blockchain-based automation; Command, control, communications, computer and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; Cyber security; Analysis of human behavior; Intelligent monitoring systems; lethal autonomous weapon systems; Logistics and supply chain management, operational data analysis; Production and maintenance; Simulators/Test equipment and speech/voice analysis using natural language processing.
Three AI products developed by DPSU with dual-use applications and good market potential, namely AI-enabled voice transcription/analysis software developed by Bharat Electronics Limited; During the event, the driver fatigue monitoring system developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited and the evaluation of weld defects on X-ray non-destructive testing with artificial intelligence developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers were tested. These products are expected to open up new business avenues for defense PSUs.
Electronic versions of the book detailing of 75 products
Raksha Mantri has released both physical and electronic versions of the book detailing these 75 products, which represents a joint effort by the Services, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), iDEX Start-ups and private industry in the last four years in the field of AI. Appreciating these efforts, Shri Rajnath Singh in his speech described AI as a revolutionary step in the evolution of mankind; proof that man is the most evolved creature in the universe. He was amazed that the human mind has not only created/reproduced knowledge, but is developing an intelligence that creates knowledge.
Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that artificial intelligence has made inroads in almost all sectors including defence, health and medicine, agriculture, trade and commerce and transport. He called on all defense stakeholders to strengthen the connection between human consciousness and AI capabilities to bring about radical change in the sector. “When there was full human participation in wars, new autonomous weapons/systems were developed with the help of AI applications. They can destroy enemy equipment without human control. Military devices with artificial intelligence are able to efficiently process large amounts of data. She also proves to be very helpful in training soldiers. Augmented and virtual reality technologies will also be used effectively in the coming times,” he said.
Raksha Mantri appreciated the fact that MoD, Armed Forces, DRDO, DPSU and industry are making meaningful efforts to provide innovative and homegrown AI solutions for defense and develop futuristic technologies. He reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to develop AI-enabled and AI-driven applications to ensure social welfare and national security and make India a ‘Global AI Hub’. He hoped that India would soon be among the leading countries in the field of AI.
Think of humanity and world peace
Raksha Mantri emphasized the need to think of humanity and world peace along with one’s own defense and security. “There is a need to think about the ethics of artificial intelligence and its potential dangers at an early stage. Whenever a new technology is introduced, it takes time for society to adapt to it. A difficult situation sometimes arises in this transitional period. Since AI is a technology that brings about massive changes, we need to be prepared in advance for any legal, ethical, political and economic challenges. We should be positive about the future of artificial intelligence, but at the same time remain prepared. We must use this technology for the welfare, development and peace of mankind. We must work to ensure its democratic use,” he said.
In his welcome address, Defense Minister Dr Ajay Kumar emphasized the need to promote the use of artificial intelligence in defense and reiterated the commitment of the Defense Ministry to make all efforts in this direction to ensure that the armed forces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. art technology. He said a task force on strategic integration of AI in defense was established in 2018 and submitted its recommendations within three months. These recommendations were implemented through the AI Defense Council headed by Raksha Mantri. Dr Ajay Kumar appreciated the proactive efforts of the three services, DRDO, DPSU and industry in developing these 75 products and contributing to strengthening national security. He added that more than 100 other projects are in various stages of development. The top three students of the ‘GenNext AI’ Solutions Competition, which was organized to get great innovative ideas for futuristic AI solutions, were also awarded Raksha Mantri.
Three panel discussions were also organized with active participation from services, academia, students, research organizations and industry to stimulate new ideas in defense AI. An exhibition was also organized to provide innovators with a unique opportunity to showcase their capabilities, products and state-of-the-art technologies. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Secretary Ministry of Defense Research and Development and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh other senior civil and military representatives of the MoD, foreign ambassadors, representatives of research institutes, academia and industry, as well as students. In line with the Defense Ministry’s vision to achieve defense exports of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and provide support to the domestic industry, the ‘Raksha Niryat Ratna’ awards were given to Bharat Electronics Limited from the public sector and Indo-MIM from the private sector. for achieving the highest defense export in recent years.
