Rajnath Singh launches 75 newly developed AI-enabled defence products

New Delhi [India], July 12: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched 75 newly developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies during the first-ever 'AI in Defence' (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi. The products have been launched as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations, fall under various domains. These include AI Platform Automation; Autonomous/Unmanned/Robotics systems; Block Chain-based Automation; Command, Control, Communication, Computer & Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; Cyber Security; Human Behavioural Analysis; Intelligent Monitoring Systems; Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems; Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operational Data Analytics; Manufacturing and Maintenance; Simulators/Test Equipment and speech/voice analysis using Natural Language Processing, stated a government release. Also Read | PM Modi unveils 6.5m long, bronze national emblem on new Parliament building Three AI products developed by the DPSUs have dual-use applications and good market potential, namely AI-enabled Voice Transcription or Analysis software developed by Bharat Electronics Limited. The Raksha Mantri released the physical as well as e-version of the book comprising the details of these 75 products, showcasing the collective efforts put on by the Services, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), iDEX start-ups and the private industry in last four years in the field of AI. Appreciating the efforts, Rajnath Singh, in his address, described AI as a revolutionary step in the development of humanity; proof that a human being is the most evolved creature in the universe. Rajnath Singh pointed out that AI has built inroads in almost every sector, including defence, health and medicine, agriculture, trade and commerce and transport. He called upon all the defence stakeholders to enhance the jointness of human consciousness and the ability of AI to bring a radical change in the sector. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of developing AI-enabled and AI-led applications to ensure social welfare and national security and making India a 'Global Hub for AI'. The Defence Minister asserted that weapons or systems are being developed, keeping in mind the crucial role AI can play in future warfare. "Our country is full of scientific and technologically trained youth who have innovative minds and the desire to contribute to Nation Building. In such a situation, we will move towards fulfilling the technological needs of our nation as well as the world in the times to come. Although the mandate of the organisations of MoD is to develop futuristic technologies for the Armed Forces, its spin-off benefits will also be available to the civilians," said Rajnath Singh. To stimulate new ideas in the field of AI in Defence, three-panel discussions were also organised with active participation from the Services, academia, students, research organisations and industry. Also Read | Sidhu Moosewala murder: SC refuses to entertain plea to transfer case to CBI Meanwhile, an exhibition was also organised which provided a unique opportunity for innovators to display their capabilities, products and state-of-the-art technologies. -PTC News