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The race for dominance in defence technology is rapidly shifting, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerging as a critical battleground. Jags Kandasamy, CEO and founder of LatentAI, a leading US-based defence technology company, has delivered a stark assessment of the current landscape, highlighting China's significant lead over India in the application of AI for military purposes. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Kandasamy sheds light on India's defence tech ecosystem, the challenges it faces, and the urgent need to accelerate AI adoption to maintain strategic advantage.

LatentAI specialises in AI-powered solutions for defence and security, assisting organisations in extracting actionable intelligence from complex data streams. Kandasamy’s insights are therefore particularly valuable in understanding the implications of AI's growing role in modern warfare. He argues that while India possesses considerable talent and potential, its progress in integrating AI into defence systems lags significantly behind China’s.

The Gap is Growing

“China has made substantial investments and demonstrated a clear commitment to AI-powered defence capabilities,” Kandasamy explained. “They’re not just experimenting; they’re actively deploying AI in various applications, from intelligence gathering and analysis to autonomous systems and cybersecurity. India, while recognising the importance of AI, is still in the earlier stages of development and implementation.”

Several factors contribute to this disparity. Kandasamy points to differences in government policy, investment levels, and the availability of skilled AI professionals. China’s centralized approach, coupled with significant government funding, has allowed for rapid innovation and deployment. India’s defence procurement processes, often criticized for their complexity and delays, further hinder the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AI.

Challenges for India's Defence Tech Ecosystem

Beyond policy and funding, Kandasamy also highlighted challenges within India's defence tech ecosystem. The need for greater collaboration between industry, academia, and the military is paramount. “There’s a disconnect,” he stated. “The military needs to clearly articulate its requirements, and industry needs to be agile and responsive to those needs. Academia needs to focus on developing relevant AI expertise.”

Data accessibility also poses a significant hurdle. AI algorithms require vast amounts of data to train effectively. India’s defence sector needs to improve its data infrastructure and establish clear protocols for data sharing and security.

The Path Forward: A Call to Action

Despite the challenges, Kandasamy remains optimistic about India’s potential. He believes that with strategic investments, policy reforms, and a renewed focus on collaboration, India can close the gap with China. He recommends:

• Increased Government Funding: Significant investment in AI research and development within the defence sector.
• Streamlined Procurement Processes: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
• Data Infrastructure Development: Improving data collection, storage, and sharing capabilities.
• Talent Acquisition & Training: Investing in AI education and training programs to build a skilled workforce.

The implications of falling behind in AI-powered defence are profound. In an increasingly complex and volatile global landscape, nations that fail to embrace AI risk losing their strategic advantage. Kandasamy’s warning serves as a wake-up call for India, urging policymakers and industry leaders to prioritize AI adoption and ensure the nation’s continued security and prosperity.