DRDO Chief Urges Indigenous AI Development for Defence Security
At the ongoing AI Impact Summit, Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Chandrika Kaushik, delivered a stark warning about India's reliance on foreign artificial intelligence models for military applications. She emphasized that the nation cannot afford to depend on AI solutions developed abroad, highlighting critical security and trustworthiness concerns in the defence sector.
Critical Need for Made-in-India AI Models
Speaking to news agency ANI, Kaushik lamented the current shortage of popular made-in-India AI models, underscoring an urgent need for indigenous alternatives. "In the defence domain, we can't afford to depend on solutions and AI models which are coming from abroad," she stated. "We need to be very sure about the trustworthiness of the models and the systems which we are adopting." This call to action reflects growing national security priorities as AI technology becomes increasingly integral to modern warfare.
DRDO's Initiatives and Frameworks
Kaushik detailed DRDO's proactive steps in this direction, revealing that the organisation has already developed two key frameworks to bolster AI capabilities:
- ETAI (Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence) Framework: This initiative focuses on building resilience into AI-enabled systems, ensuring they can withstand adversarial conditions and maintain operational integrity.
- Validation and Verification Guidelines: A structured approach providing developers with clear protocols for testing and certifying AI solutions, enhancing reliability and safety in defence applications.
She noted that AI is being incorporated into nearly every solution DRDO develops, particularly where data analysis is involved. "We have started incorporating AI in almost every solution that we are developing, wherever there is data which can be used for analysis," Kaushik explained, adding that these applications are increasingly moving closer to operational environments.
AI's Expanding Role in Battlefield and Daily Life
Kaushik highlighted the rapid penetration of AI across various sectors, noting its presence in daily activities from education to problem-solving. "AI has started going to the edge. It is going to the battlefield itself," she said, stressing the need for swift adaptation in defence. "So, over time, we have to quickly gear up towards incorporating the AI solutions into the defence domain."
She observed that many individuals, including students, teachers, and professionals, often turn to AI for quick solutions, but most available tools are sourced from abroad. This reliance on foreign technology poses risks not only in defence but across the broader technological ecosystem.
Government Efforts and Collaborative Platforms
Expressing appreciation for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of India, Kaushik praised their efforts in uniting stakeholders to strengthen the country's AI infrastructure. She described the AI Impact Summit as "the way to go," emphasizing its role as a platform for collective action towards building trusted, indigenous AI capabilities. This collaborative approach is seen as vital for reducing dependency and fostering innovation within India.
The DRDO's push for desi AI solutions aligns with broader national strategies to enhance self-reliance in critical technologies, ensuring security and sovereignty in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
