On the use of AI in Defence – India, ‘killer robots’ and the China challenge

Source: This post on the use of AI in Defence has been created based on the article “India, ‘killer robots’ and the China challenge” published in The Indian Express on 15^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Science and Technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

News: This article discusses the current developments and the way forward for India in the context of increasing use of AI in Defence.

What is the contemporary global sentiment regarding AI in Defence?

There is a growing global sentiment, on the one hand, for a severe limitation of the military applications of AI, especially autonomous weapons that can operate without human control.

On the other hand, major powers are already investing heavily in the accelerated development of greater autonomy, based on AI, for weapons systems.

Recently, the UN General Assembly voted with an overwhelming majority to urge the international community to address the challenges presented by lethal autonomous weapons.

Human rights and arms control activists have also campaigned to ban autonomous weapons. They argue that “killer robots” violate the basic principles of international laws of war and raise fundamental ethical questions about human-machine relationships in the use of force.

What is an autonomous weapon?

Autonomous weapon systems are any weapons that select and apply force to targets without human intervention, usually through the application of artificial intelligence.

What are the advantages of autonomous weapons?

1. Force Multiplier: Can offset military advantages such as more men, more ships, etc. It may enhance the capabilities of military forces, allowing them to achieve more with fewer resources and personnel.
2. Cheaper: Low cost of production and deployment.
3. Precision and Accuracy: AI-based autonomous weapons have the potential to enhance precision and accuracy in targeting, reducing collateral damage and civilian casualties compared to traditional weapons.
4. Speed of Decision-Making: AI systems can process information and make decisions much faster than human operators.
5. Adaptability: Autonomous weapons equipped with AI can potentially adapt to changing situations on the battlefield, making them more versatile in responding to unpredictable scenarios.

How much is the use of autonomous weapons growing in the world?

Countries such as the US, China and India are all engaged in developing autonomous weapons. For instance:

USA: The US Navy has ambitious plans to build 150 uncrewed ships in the years ahead. It is also developing new institutions to fully integrate AI into defence management. A new initiative is also announced for the Indo-Pacific, called the Replicator, to develop and deploy thousands of unmanned systems across all domains within the next 2 years.

China: It is deploying AI for various functions from inventory management, maintenance, and logistics and in developing unmanned systems for a full range of functions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat.

What should India do?

AI should necessarily be an important part of India’s national defence plans.

India must invest big in the core AI sciences, developing the full range of technological capabilities, operational military doctrines, and the institutions to effectively integrate AI into Indian defence management and armed forces.

India must have a bigger say in global outcomes by working with like-minded countries on the responsible military use of AI and autonomous weapons.

Question for practice:

Artificial Intelligence not only brings with it vast opportunities, but challenges too. Discuss in the context of the advent of autonomous weapons.