New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the critical need for trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern military operations, highlighting its revolutionary impact on contemporary warfare. Speaking at the launch of the Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (ETAI) Framework and Guidelines for the Armed Forces, General Chauhan pointed out that recent global conflicts have underscored AI’s transformative role.
The event, attended by Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat, focused on ensuring that AI systems are not only effective but also resilient against adversarial attacks. General Chauhan praised the Scientific Analysis Group for their development of the ETAI Framework, recognizing its significance in enhancing the trustworthiness of AI in defense applications.
The framework represents a pivotal advancement in India’s approach to integrating reliable AI into critical defense operations. DRDO Chairman Kamat stressed that reliability and robustness are now essential to prevent mission failures and unintended consequences, underscoring the need for AI applications to be transparent, safe, and dependable for successful future operations.
Suma Varughese, Scientist & Director General of Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Systems, explained that the ETAI Framework is a risk-based assessment tool tailored for the defense sector, with principles applicable across various industries. She assured that DRDO will play a key role in implementing the framework and providing the necessary support for its success.
The ETAI Framework outlines five core principles: Reliability & Robustness, Safety & Security, Transparency, Fairness, and Privacy. It also establishes comprehensive criteria for evaluating trustworthy AI. The accompanying guidelines offer developers and evaluators a structured approach to building and assessing trustworthy AI systems, reinforcing the military’s commitment to integrating advanced technology in a secure and ethical manner.