“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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