“Mastering frontier technologies is need of the hour”- Raksha Mantri | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    “Mastering frontier technologies is need of the hour”- Raksha Mantri

    Posted 31 Dec 2024

    2 min read

    Frontier technologies such as AI, proxy warfare, space warfare and cyber-attacks are posing a big challenge and reshaping nature of warfare.

    Frontier Technologies in Warfare

    • AI based warfare: AI based tools are designed to assist complex decisions like target selection, collateral damage assessments, providing recommendation etc. e.g. AI-powered drones
    • Electromagnetic warfare: It is a military capability that exploits electromagnetic energy across the battlespace to create offensive and defensive effects.
    • Space warfare: Military operations in outer space, utilizing both kinetic (physical) and non-kinetic (electronic, cyber) means to achieve strategic objectives. E.g. Anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons
    • Cyber attacks: it is deliberate exploitation of computer systems to steal critical data of a country. E.g. cybersecurity breach at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant 

    Issues with Frontier Technologies

    • Challenges to International Security: Increased risk of destabilization due to asymmetry in technological capabilities and Proliferation of advanced technologies to non-state actors.
    • Legal gaps: lack of international laws on use of these technologies in warfare further increases vulnerability of human rights violation.
    • Dual use dilemma: Technologies designed for peaceful purposes can be repurposed for military applications, blurring lines between civilian and military tech use.
    • Other Issues: Risks of algorithmic bias, accountability issues, potential for AI arms races etc.

    Steps taken by India for adopting Frontier Technologies:

    • Establishment of Defence AI Council (DAIC) and Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA)
    • Project Seeker: AI-based facial recognition, surveillance, monitoring system of Indian Army
    • ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’: First Ever Space Exercise to integrate India’s space capability in military operations.
    • DRDO Young Scientists' Laboratories: To provide solutions in advanced technology areas of warfare.
    • Tags :
    • Hybrid Warfare
    • Frontier Technologies
    • Space Warfare
    • Cyber Warfare
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