Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Changing National Security Calculus

Context

Global conflicts and tech rivalry show the growing role of AI in national security. Countries like the US, China, and Israel use AI for military planning, intelligence, and combat. Meanwhile, tensions arise as firms like Anthropic raise ethical concerns over defense use. Overall, AI is emerging as a key driver of global security and geopolitics.

Q1. Why is Artificial Intelligence becoming important in national security?

1. Traditionally, military power relied on weapons like nuclear arms, fighter jets, missiles, and satellites.
2. Today, AI is reshaping defence by enabling rapid data analysis, automated surveillance, faster decisions, and coordinated combat systems, making modern warfare increasingly AI-driven and data-based.

Q2. What is the concept of Model Distillation in AI development?

1. Model distillation is the process where a large and advanced AI model (the teacher) trains smaller, more efficient models (the students) by transferring its outputs and reasoning patterns, allowing the smaller models to perform well while using fewer resources.
2. For example: Some Chinese AI firms reportedly used paid access to advanced AI systems such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to analyse responses and train their own systems. This strategy enabled companies like DeepSeek to develop competitive AI models at significantly lower costs.

Q3. How does the US–China technological rivalry influence AI development?

1. The US–China tech rivalry is shaping global AI development.
2. The US restricts exports of advanced GPUs (like those from Nvidia) to China, limiting access to critical hardware for training large AI models and high-performance computing.
3. In response, Chinese firms adapt by improving algorithm efficiency, relying on older hardware, and using model distillation to make smaller models learn from larger ones.
4. This competition reflects the broader strategic struggle in AI and emerging technologies, with both nations pushing innovation while navigating restrictions and alternatives.

Q4. What are the major military applications of AI?

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly integrated into modern military systems.

1. Intelligence and Surveillance: AI systems can analyse satellite imagery and large data sets to detect troop movements, infrastructure changes, and other military activities.
2. Drone Coordination: AI enables the coordination of autonomous drone swarms, allowing simultaneous reconnaissance and attack operations.
3. Precision Targeting: AI algorithms can identify and track potential military targets with greater speed and accuracy.
4. Cyber Warfare: AI systems can assist in penetrating enemy networks, disrupting communication systems, and conducting cyber attacks.
5. Autonomous Weapons: Some weapons systems, including drones and missiles, can operate semi-autonomously using algorithm-based navigation and targeting.

Q5. What is the concept of the “Automated Kill Chain”?

1. In traditional warfare, the process of striking a target involved multiple stages – detecting the target, monitoring its activities, analysing intelligence, planning the attack, executing the strike and assessing the outcome. This sequence is known as the kill chain, and historically it could take months or even years.
2. AI technologies can automate many of these steps by analysing satellite data rapidly, identifying patterns and targets and suggesting attack strategies. This accelerated process is referred to as an “automated kill chain.” It makes warfare faster and more precise, but it may also increase the speed and intensity of military conflicts.

Q6. What ethical and security concerns arise from AI-enabled warfare?

The increasing use of AI in military systems raises several ethical and security challenges.

1. Autonomous Weapons: AI-controlled weapons may make life-and-death decisions without direct human supervision.
2. Civilian Casualties: AI systems may struggle to distinguish clearly between combatants and civilians, increasing the risk of unintended harm.
3. Mass Surveillance: Governments may use AI-powered surveillance to monitor citizens extensively. Such possibilities resemble the dystopian society depicted in the book Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell.
4. Terrorist Misuse: As AI technologies become cheaper and more accessible, terrorist groups may exploit them for planning attacks or propaganda.
5. Corporate–Government Conflicts: Some technology companies oppose the military use of their AI systems. However, governments may still influence companies through defence contracts and procurement policies.

Q7. Why is global governance of military AI necessary?

Given the risks associated with AI-enabled warfare, experts emphasise the need for international regulatory frameworks. Possible governance measures include:

1. Ensuring ethical and responsible use of AI in military operations.
2. Maintaining meaningful human control over AI-based weapons systems.
3. Limiting or regulating fully autonomous weapons.
4. Promoting transparency in military AI development.
5. Establishing independent monitoring and auditing systems.

These rules should align with humanitarian norms such as the Geneva Conventions.

Q8. What are the strategic implications of AI-driven warfare for India?

The rise of AI-driven warfare carries significant strategic consequences for India. To safeguard its interests, India must:

1. Build indigenous AI capabilities to reduce dependence on external powers.
2. Strengthen domestic semiconductor and computing infrastructure for advanced AI development.
3. Protect intellectual property and data resources tied to AI innovations.
4. Put in place legal frameworks to prevent misuse of AI technologies.

By focusing on homegrown AI systems, India can ensure technological autonomy & bolster national security.