AI Applications in Defence Sectors

The amount of data has been rapidly increasing recently, and this information is now identified as big data. Technological advances and transformations are increasing rapidly, and the different kinds of threats have also increased in different aspects, limiting human capacity for decision-making or making problem-solving insufficient. Therefore, by analyzing big data-based information with Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is possible to detect threats in advance, organize logistics, and run operations at different levels (air, land, naval, cyber, space). AI has a wide range of applications in the defence industry, from autonomous and semi-autonomous systems to cybersecurity, from logistics and maintenance processes to training, simulation, intelligence, and command and control activities. However, today, the concept of defence is not only limited to securing the military platforms, but also necessitates the holistic securing of critical infrastructures and civilians against asymmetric threats. In this context, AI-integrated digital twin technologies enable the real-time monitoring of transportation networks, energy and communication infrastructures, prediction of risks, and dynamic management of multi-layered defence scenarios. They offer a strategic capability that can complement missile and platform-based defence systems and function as a protective defence shield on different scales. Many countries, including the US, China, Russia etc., have been rapidly developing AI-based defence systems. Furthermore, AI has various applications in the field of military healthcare. In addition, uncertainties surrounding AI include the lack of a clearly defined legal framework regarding the application of autonomous defence systems, including issues such as accountability, compliance with national or international law, civil-military separation, and reduced human control on the systems. Ethical boundaries vary from country to country. However, it is predicted that in the coming years, AI applications in the defence industry will be further developed and applied in new defence applications. Türkiye's defence industry has a strong and developing ecosystem, primarily including the companies such as Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace, Havelsan, and Roketsan which are affiliated with the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation. Additionally, other companies such as Baykar, TEI, STM, and MKE etc. have been implementing AI-based projects at various levels to meet the needs of the Turkish defence industry. Applications of AI in Türkiye's defence industry include autonomous systems, command and control systems, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and intelligence analysis etc. Furthermore, the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Secretariat of Defence Industries has numerous training programs, including those focusing on AI applications in defence.