SAMDeS to focus on AI, Big Data in 2021

Deliberations will be convened on application of Artificial Intelligence in Land, Air and Maritime operations, said Admiral (Retd) R K Dhowan, the Chairperson of SAMDeS

Admiral RK Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd) Former Chief of Indian Navy & Chairperson, SAMDeS

During the New Year, the Society for Aerospace Maritime and Defence Studies (SAMDeS) will be launching several significant programmes, especially related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). “In the coming months, our focus is on application of Artificial Intelligence in Land, Air and Maritime operations and its

Indian Army celebrated its 73rd Army Day. Every year Indian Army celebrates 15th January as ‘Army Day’ to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) K M Carriappa took over the command of Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-inChief of Indian Army post Independence.

The celebrations commenced with wreath laying ceremony at National War Memorial where CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and the three Service Chiefs paid homage to the Martyrs.

General MM Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the Army Day Parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment and awarded 15 Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of Gallantry and 23 COAS Unit Citations for commendable performance of their respective units. The Army Day parade was commanded by Maj Gen Alok Kaker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area. The leading contingent of the parade was formed of the recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees. This was followed by army contingents which included T-90 tank BHISHMA, infantry combat vehicle BMP II, BRAHMOS missile system, PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System, upgraded SCHILKA Gun System, Bridge Layer Tank, international sports awardees and seven marching contingents including mounted horse cavalry.

The Indian Army also carried out a live demonstration of Drone Swarming capability using 75 indigenously designed and developed drones which executed an array of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled simulated offensive missions and close support tasks.

increasing relevance in international relations. We intend to also convene deliberations on the role of Big Data and AI to further refine our oversight capabilities. These would be pioneering activities in this field,” said Admiral R K Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), who is the Chairperson of SAMDeS.

In the short span of time since its formation, SAMDeS has already carved a niche place for itself in the policy-making environment despite the current situation, he added. “Our recommendations on various issues and concepts of collaborative projects with our regional neighbours have been taken serious note of and in some cases already acted upon. We have also worked on reinvigorating the beleaguered shipbuilding, shipping and ship repair sector and have sent our proposals to the relevant Ministers,” said Admiral Dhowan.

Regarding the events planned by SAMDeS in 2021 he said, “We will also be organising conferences on the Blue Economy and the SDGs, an Indo-Pacific dialogue and the role of the aerodefence-maritime industry to promote technology-driven sustainable businesses in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and his vision of SAGAR.”

Admiral Dhowan also said that with the help of its mentors and distinguished members, SAMDeS has put together the first-ever module on Public Procurement Procedures for MBA students. The faculty includes senior former civil servants and practitioners from Government. “We will be running these modules in partnership with institutes/ universities and industry associations,” he said.

On the vision of the think tank for 2021, Admiral Dhowan said that it intends to further promote actionable research and policy advocacy initiatives towards creating a strong, prosperous and resilient Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

The Governing Council of SAMDeS also lauded the efforts of ‘AEROMAG’ and ‘Sailors and Warriors’ to improve the national aero-defence-maritime ecosystem.