• UGI USER
  • Nov 21, 2023
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RENEWED FOCUS ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Relevance:

  • GS 3 – Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Emerging technologies encompass a fusion of cyber technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, and advanced computing.

Militaries worldwide are increasingly emphasizing these capabilities, acknowledging their transformative potential.

Emerging Technologies in Defence Source: Research Blog

Indian Military’s Technological Initiatives:

  • Army’s Niche Technologies: At the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, highlighted the identification of 45 niche technologies for military applications.
  • Indian Air Force’s ‘UDAAN’:The Indian Air Force (IAF) is utilizing AI, cyber, and virtual reality under ‘UDAAN’ to address operational, logistical, and training needs.
  • Navy’s Integrated Unmanned Roadmap:Embracing emerging technologies with a focus on integrated unmanned solutions.
“Project UDAAN”

·        UDAAN, (Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking,) is a crucial initiative by the Indian Air Force (IAF) that aims to harness the power of emerging technologies to transform its operational capabilities and enhance its strategic effectiveness.

UDAAN focuses on four key areas:

·  Digitization: Implementing digital technologies to improve efficiency, data management, and decision-making across the IAF.

·  Automation: Automating routine tasks and processes to free up manpower for more strategic and value-added activities.

·  Artificial Intelligence: Integrating AI into various aspects of IAF operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, threat assessment, and mission planning.

·  Application Networking: Developing a robust and secure network infrastructure to support the integration of various digital technologies and enable seamless data exchange.

UDAAN is expected to play a pivotal role in modernizing the IAF and enabling it to effectively address the challenges of contemporary warfare.

Recent Development 

·  AI Center of Excellence: The IAF established an AI Center of Excellence in New Delhi, integrating it with UDAAN.

·  Campaign planning and analysis System (CPAS): The IAF has developed an AI-powered system Campaign planning and analysis System (CPAS), improving the efficiency of planning and debriefing processes for all IAF aircraft.

·  The IAF deployed Big Data Analytics and a Machine Learning Platform.

Defence Ministry’s Endeavours:

  • AIDef Initiatives:

The Defence Ministry introduces initiatives like the Defence AI Council and the Defence AI Project Agency under ‘AIDef’ to incorporate AI into allied organizations.

  • Indigenisation Push – Project Swavlamban: 

Encouraging indigenisation alongside the adoption of emerging technologies.

Project Swavlamban

·   Swavlamban, is an annual seminar hosted by the Naval Innovation & Indigenization Organisation (NIIO) of the INDIAN NAVY.

·  It seeks to foster collaboration between Indian industry,startups , MSMEs academia, and the defence sector to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing including autonomous weaponized swarms, underwater swarm drones, and firefighting robots, among various other ammunitions

·  The upcoming Swavlamban 2023 marks the second edition of this event.

Challenges in Current Approach:

  • Technology as a Silver Bullet: The military must recognize that technology alone is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it necessitates organizational and doctrinal changes.
  • Not a “Plug and Play” Solution: The approach should go beyond imagining technology as easily integrated into existing practices; it requires a more thoughtful and adaptive strategy.
  • Importance of Data Sharing: To harness the full potential of emerging technologies, a willingness to share data with the civilian environment is crucial.

A Long Way to Go

Perception of Emerging Technologies

  • For some, emerging technologies might be considered a passing trend, with traditional warfare tactics still dominating conflicts.
  • However, at a conceptual level, these technologies present a longstanding military dilemma – how to effectively respond to change.

Collaborative Defence

  • Integrating emerging technologies demands closer collaboration between the military and civilians.
  • The concept of “collaborative defence,” involving partnerships with scientists, academics, technologists, and industry, is vital for successful implementation.

India’s Progress:

  • Historical / Early Adoption:India’s early adoption of drone platforms in the late 1990s, recognizing the cyber threat, and advancements in military communications through indigenous space programs.
  • Indigenous space programs have enhanced military communication capabilities with dedicated communication satellites like GSAT7 and GSAT7A.
  • The establishment of the Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency reflects a proactive stance against threats from new domains.

Required Change in Approach

  • Jointness and Interoperability:
    • Achieving interoperability among the three services is critical for the success of emerging technologies.
    • The delayed establishment of joint theatre commands poses a challenge in ensuring seamless integration.
  • Human Resources Practices:
    • The military’s generalization-oriented human resources practices need revisiting.
    • Specialized technologies demand technical expertise, requiring extended tenures and promotion pathways for officers inclined towards this domain.
  • Data Sharing Challenges:
    • Traditional secrecy concerns have hindered data availability.
    • Creating structures with safeguards can facilitate collaboration between civilians and the military to overcome data-sharing challenges.

Fully Realizing the Potential

  • Organizational and Structural Changes:
    • Initiatives should start with the Defence Ministry, emphasizing openness to technocrats and personnel from the private sector.
    • Incorporating technologically inclined individuals is crucial, especially in defence production.
  • Engaging with Talent Outside Defence:
    • A more open approach to involving talent outside existing defence organizations is essential.
    • Defence reforms in India need to consider the inclusion of technocrats and qualified personnel from diverse backgrounds, fostering a creative and collaborative environment.

The ongoing defence reforms in India signify a transformative journey.

Realizing the promise of emerging technologies requires not only military adaptation but also a proactive engagement with external talent and a departure from traditional organizational norms.

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Source : https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-renewed-focus-on-emerging-technologies/article67554282.ece

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Mains Practice Question

Discuss the significance of emerging technologies in modern warfare. Critically evaluate the challenges faced by the Indian military in integrating emerging technologies and outline the initiatives undertaken by the Indian military to embrace these advancements. (250 words)

 

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