Devising An Effective National Military Strategy For AI
Source: India, ‘killer robots’ and the China challenge (The Indian Express, November 15, 2023)
AI Technology Challenges
- Civilian AI Use: Artificial intelligence is transforming our world. Regulating it for everyday use is becoming a big topic. People are talking more about how we should use AI safely.
- Military AI Concerns: The way AI is used in the military is being watched closely. There’s a strong push to strictly limit AI in weapons. This means not allowing weapons to act on their own without humans deciding what they should do.
- Investment in Military AI: Despite these concerns, countries are still spending a lot on military AI. They’re working fast to make their weapons smarter with AI. This could mean weapons are able to do more on their own.
National Military Strategy and AI
India has significant objectives to achieve. It must develop an effective national military strategy for AI. Also, India needs a credible international approach to limiting the risks of autonomous weapons systems.
- UN Steps Towards Regulation: In a recent voting session, the UN General Assembly made a crucial move. They voted to prompt the global community to face the challenges posed by lethal autonomous weapons. The UN Secretary-General was requested to generate a report on the issue. Governments and civil society groups will contribute their perspectives to this report. This initiative will be discussed again at the next UNGA session in September 2024.
- Debate on Autonomous Weapons: The call to ban “killer robots” is growing. Activists believe these weapons defy international war laws. They also raise ethical questions about how humans and machines interact in warfare.
- The Reality of Autonomous Weapons: Despite the calls for bans, the reality looks different. The use of drones in the Ukraine conflict is prompting many military leaders to explore unmanned systems. These systems would possess higher levels of autonomy. With AI advancing rapidly, all leading military powers are looking to increase the autonomy of their weaponry.
- India’s AI Defense Imperative: India faces a significant military challenge from China. To maintain security on its borders — both on land and at sea — embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crucial.
- Strengthening India-U.S. Technological Ties: India has a strong technology sector, but it lags behind global powers in militarizing AI. Collaboration with the United States is key. India must enhance its own AI capabilities intrinsically, transcending mere drone development and focusing on fundamental AI research, military strategy, and seamless integration into defense.
- Fostering Global AI Governance: India should also influence the establishment of international norms for AI use in military operations. While prior efforts in global technology governance have been moderately effective, today’s India is better positioned to lead discussions, particularly on ethically sensitive subjects like autonomous weapons, advocating for human oversight.