Artificial intelligence (AI) is the hottest topic in modern world. It will be perhaps the most important technological achievement in this century. AI is spreading across almost every industry and revolutionizing the modern work structure.
One of the major industries that need the assistance of AI driven technologies is military and defence sector. With the recent rapid developments of AI and its several subfields, the military and defence sector is actively investing in new AI driven software and hardware technologies.
Source :global defence
the previous figure shows the current application types of AI and how the defence sector is investing these areas. Militaries, the end-users, will only invest in platforms and apps to adapt them to specialist needs. We suggest that defence companies invest in technologies shaded in green, explore the prospect of investing in technologies shaded in yellow, and ignore areas shaded in red.. They are advised to adapt existing AI commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology to military uses, remaining largely hardware agnostic and focusing on software.
The OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are actively spending time and financial resources into human-AI interactions, accurate decision making and motion detection technologies that heavily depend on AI.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 subcontractors are required to allocate resources towards enhancing human-AI interaction, decision-making processes, and motion layers, while also investigating the creation layer. Their rationale will align closely with that of OEMs and prime contractors, as both groups operate within the defence manufacturing sector, albeit at varying levels of scale.
COTS companies play a significant role throughout every tier of the AI value chain and should consequently allocate investments across all these tiers. These companies have emerged as primary suppliers for both defence manufacturers and military organizations.
Computer vision is a major player when it comes to subfields of AI that are making a Hugh impact in modern world. Computer vision will automate and enhance quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
Decision making is a intelligence process that is primarily done by humans. Advanced AI-based machine learning and most recently deep learning algorithms with their neural network architectures are working on making more precious and accurate decisions by analysing data without any human interventions. When it comes to computational power, machines have already surpassed the humans. decision making is and always will be the brain of military and defence sector, since there is consistent strategy play.
The modern militaries globally are continuously adapting newest technological advancements to their defence arsenals. So, it is the perfect time to adapt capabilities of artificial intelligence for protecting public/civilians from unknown threats. Specially with the rising geopolitical tensions is encouraging many militaries around the world to adapt newest AI-based technologies. This also make every major player in defence industry to invest heavily in AI-based developments.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence are poised to introduce new possibilities in defense technology. By leveraging AI in military operations, the capabilities for conducting warfare can be enhanced, alongside the improvement of military unit performance. Numerous countries around the globe are integrating AI to bolster the effectiveness of their defence forces.
How AI is reshaping the future of defence sector:
- The application of deep learning systems necessitates the utilization of extensive datasets and artificial neural networks.
- Establishing an advanced collaboration between humans and machines, wherein AI-powered systems support individuals in making accurate and suitable decisions in warfare.
- The implementation of artificial intelligence tools would enable every operator within the defense network to execute and complete any assigned operation or task effectively.
- Integrating both unmanned and manned systems for diverse forms of combat involving machines and humans.
Benefits OF applying AI into military and defence sector:
- Artificial Intelligence possesses the capability to aggregate data obtained from diverse sensors and satellites, subsequently providing insightful conclusions. This functionality can assist defense personnel in making informed decisions regarding the necessary actions to be undertaken.
- Currently, ships equipped with sonar are commonly employed to detect underwater mines. However, with the progress of artificial intelligence, submersible vessels can be enhanced with AI capabilities to improve mine detection. This advancement would significantly reduce the time required for identifying mines, as the system would be able to inspect objects, recognize them, and make informed decisions accordingly.
- Military robots equipped with artificial intelligence possess the capability to perform operations or tasks autonomously, thereby contributing to the preservation of human lives.
- The number of unmanned vehicles, such as aircraft and battle tanks, is expected to increase significantly. This advancement will enable quicker decision-making, reduce costs, and minimize the exposure of personnel to potential dangers.
- To provide better targeting potential some of the combat vehicles, used in land, would be using AI along with Machine Learning.
- AI can enable a drone to autonomously take off and land without human intervention, and it can also perform its operational tasks independently.
When it comes to application of AI, military, medical science and space science are the ultimate end players. The militaries around the world are investing heavily in the potentials of AI and its subfields since last 20th century. For example U.S military has invested in AI-driven technologies since the beginning of cold war era. During the next article, we will take deep dive into the applications and challenges of implementation AI into defence sector.