The Ministry of Defence has initiated the process of preparing Indian defence forces to use artificial intelligence (AI). To study the whole gamut of issues on the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on National security and defence needs, a multi-stakeholder Task Force on Strategic Implementation of Artificial Intelligence for National Security and Defence represented by members from the Government, Defence Services, Academia, Industry Professionals, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Start-ups was constituted in February 2018.

Task Force has studied research and innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and outlined its adoption in the defence sector, including a future roadmap on integrating and embedding AI strategy with a core defence strategy.

Also, the Defence Public Sector Undertakings and Ordnance Factories have been assigned a roadmap for developing AI-enabled products.

There is no specific fund allocation every year. However, funds are allocated for various projects on a case-to-case basis. Some of the projects are as follows:

• A project has been sanctioned to the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics (CAIR), a DRDO-based laboratory, to develop AI-based solutions for signal intelligence to enhance intelligence collation and analysis capabilities of the armed forces. The total cost of the project is Rs.73.9 crore.

• A project named Energy Harvesting Based Infrared Sensor Network for Automated Human Intrusion Detection (EYESIRa), which is partially based on the principles of IoT, has been sanctioned for Rs.1.8 crore.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tools would aid the defence forces constructively in areas such as decision support, sensor data analysis, predictive maintenance, situational awareness, accurate data extraction, security, etc. These tools will assist defence personnel in better operations, maintenance, and logistics support.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre gave this information in a written reply to Shri PR. Senthil Nathan and others in Lok Sabha today.

Source: Press Release
Press Information BureauGovernment of India
Ministry of Defence
Date: January 02, 2019