AI in Warfare: Col. CST Swamy Highlights Transformative Defence Technologies at Defence Career Expo 2025
The 5th edition of Defence Career Expo – 2025 at Kumaraguru Institutions had the participation of over 550 NCC cadets and students from 25 colleges from across the state. They gained valuable insights on the opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Coast Guard.
The two-day long expo inaugurated on Friday, 28 March 2025 had the presence of senior officers from the Armed Forces taking up technical and non-technical sessions for students. The sessions were eye openers for many in terms of knowing the diverse opportunities in the forces. The display of weapon systems and other critical equipment by personnel from MRC Wellington, 35 FD Regt Madukkarai and INS Agrani, Redfields, Coimbatore used in the forces excited the students.
The objective was to disseminate information and motivate young minds to join the forces.
AI Revolutionizes Defence: Colonel CST Swamy Highlights Key Advancements at Defence Career Expo 2025
Colonel CST Swamy, Administrative Officer of Kovai NCC Group Headquarters, underscored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern defence strategies during his address at the inauguration of the 5th Defence Career Expo 2025. The two-day event, organized at Kumaraguru Institutions, aims to educate and inspire students about career opportunities and technological advancements in the defence sector.
In his keynote speech, Colonel Swamy emphasized how AI is reshaping global defence systems, particularly in India, by enhancing cybersecurity, surveillance, and operational efficiency. “AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that is revolutionizing how we approach national security,” he stated. He elaborated on AI’s ability to simulate human intelligence, enabling machines to perform critical tasks such as threat detection, predictive analysis, and autonomous operations.
One of the standout applications of AI, according to Colonel Swamy, is in threat detection. Traditional border surveillance systems, reliant on human operators, are prone to errors. AI, however, leverages deep learning and neural networks to automatically identify anomalies like intrusions and alert authorities in real-time.
“AI-powered cameras can distinguish between humans and animals, track movements, and even detect weapons, significantly bolstering border security,” he explained.
Colonel Swamy also highlighted AI’s role in weapon systems management. He cited the example of AI-enabled drone swarms capable of autonomously identifying and attacking multiple strategic targets with precision. “This capability is a game-changer in modern warfare, where speed and accuracy are critical,” he added.
In the realm of cybersecurity, AI’s natural language processing (NLP) capabilities are being used to decode encrypted enemy communications, detect phishing attacks, and identify malware. “AI is also instrumental in countering misinformation and propaganda, ensuring our digital space remains secure,” he noted.
Another groundbreaking application discussed was reinforcement learning for autonomous drones. These drones can analyze terrain, avoid obstacles, and make real-time decisions during missions. “AI enables drones to identify enemy positions, evade detection, and deliver payloads with pinpoint accuracy, even in dynamic environments,” Colonel Swamy said.
He also touched upon AI’s contributions to signal intelligence and electronic warfare, where it analyzes radar signatures, identifies dead zones, and jams enemy frequencies, providing a tactical edge on the battlefield.
Colonel Swamy concluded by stressing India’s commitment to leveraging AI for defence modernization. “Projects like autonomous surveillance systems and AI-driven weapon management are testament to our proactive approach in safeguarding the nation. As AI evolves, it will remain a cornerstone of our defence strategy,” he said.
Commodore B Balasundaram, Director, Centre for Indigenisation & Self Reliance (CSIR), Indian Navy: The Indian Armed Forces are undergoing significant capability development, focusing on upgrading combat capabilities through advanced technologies, weapons systems, and domestic manufacturing.
This initiative not only strengthens national security but also boosts economic growth by creating job opportunities and fostering innovation in sectors like aerospace, electronics, and material science. The Indian government has allocated an unprecedented budget of ₹6.2 lakh crore for defence in 2024-25, emphasizing self-reliance and reducing dependency on imports by 2047.
Key initiatives include the liberalized FDI policy, allowing up to 100% foreign investment in defence, and the introduction of the Positive Indigenization List, which mandates the domestic production of over 5,000 defence items.
Programs like IDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) encourage collaboration between industries and academia to develop cutting-edge technologies. Coimbatore, part of the Southern Defence Corridor, is emerging as a hub for defence manufacturing, with significant contributions from local industries and public sector units like HAL and BEL.
The 5th Defence Career Expo 2025, which runs until Saturday, features interactive sessions, demonstrations, and exhibitions aimed at inspiring the next generation of defence professionals. The event has drawn participation from leading defence organizations, academia, and industry experts, offering students a comprehensive insight into the future of defence technology and career opportunities.
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