NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY
SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
MASTERS IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND STRATEGIC STUDIES
COURSE TITLE: Science, Technology and International Relations
(MIASS 821)
QUESTION: Discuss the Application of any Two Types of Technology to National
Defense
BY
Gali Usman Muhammad
(NDAPGS/FASS/PIR012024/4659)
1
DECEMBER, 2024
Introduction
Technology has always played a crucial role in shaping national defense strategies, enhancing
military capabilities, and ensuring national security. In modern warfare, the reliance on
advanced technologies has become more significant than ever. Two of the most impactful
technologies in national defense today are cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI).
Cybersecurity is essential for protecting a nation's military infrastructure, communication
networks, and sensitive information from cyber threats. Meanwhile, AI has revolutionized
warfare by enabling autonomous systems, advanced intelligence gathering, and predictive
decision-making. This paper explores the application of these two technologies in national
defense, comparing their effectiveness and challenges.
Cybersecurity in National Defense
Cybersecurity has become a fundamental aspect of national defense, as modern military
operations depend heavily on digital infrastructure and networked systems. Cyber threats,
including hacking, espionage, ransomware, and cyber warfare, pose significant risks to a
nation's security. As a result, military organizations invest heavily in cyber defense
mechanisms to safeguard their data, prevent cyberattacks, and ensure operational resilience.
One of the primary roles of cybersecurity in national defense is protecting military networks
and critical infrastructure. Military operations rely on secure communication channels,
classified data storage, and digital command centers. Cybersecurity technologies help prevent
unauthorized access to these systems (Geist, 2020). Governments also employ cyber threat
intelligence (CTI) to detect and mitigate potential cyber threats before they escalate.
Cybersecurity is also crucial in offensive cyber operations, where nations use cyber tools to
disrupt enemy networks, disable communication systems, and engage in cyber espionage.
Many countries have established cyber warfare units that conduct defensive and offensive
cyber operations, ensuring strategic advantages in conflicts (Taddeo & Floridi, 2018). For
example, the U.S. Cyber Command and Russia's cyber warfare divisions play critical roles in
protecting national interests and countering cyber threats.
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The growing reliance on artificial intelligence and automation in cyber defense has further
enhanced real-time threat detection and response capabilities. AI-powered cybersecurity
systems analyze network traffic, detect anomalies, and predict potential attacks, allowing
defense agencies to respond to cyber threats proactively. However, the increasing
sophistication of cyber threats, such as AI-powered cyberattacks, and state-sponsored
hacking, presents ongoing challenges for national defense (Brundage et al., 2018).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in National Defense
AI has transformed modern warfare, offering strategic advantages in intelligence gathering,
autonomous systems, and battlefield operations. AI-powered technologies enable military
forces to analyze massive amounts of data, predict enemy movements, and automate complex
decision-making processes. AI is now integrated into military drones, surveillance systems,
and cyber defense mechanisms, making it a critical tool for national security.
One of the most significant applications of AI in national defense is military surveillance and
intelligence gathering. AI-driven satellite imagery analysis, facial recognition, and signal
intelligence (SIGINT) allow defense agencies to track enemy activities, detect threats, and
monitor high-risk regions (Allen & Chan, 2017). AI-powered data analytics improve
intelligence-sharing between military branches, intelligence agencies, and allied nations,
fostering global security cooperation.
AI is also at the forefront of autonomous weapons and battlefield operations. AI-driven
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous tanks, and robotic systems enhance military
efficiency by conducting reconnaissance, precision strikes, and combat support missions
without direct human involvement (Boulanin et al., 2020). These technologies reduce soldier
casualties and improve operational effectiveness. However, the rise of lethal autonomous
weapons systems (LAWS) has raised ethical concerns about accountability, human oversight,
and compliance with international humanitarian laws (Horowitz, 2019).
In addition to battlefield applications, AI strengthens cyber defense capabilities by detecting
cyber threats in real time. AI-powered cybersecurity tools analyze patterns, predict
cyberattacks, and automate responses, reducing human errors in cyber defense operations
(Taddeo & Floridi, 2018). However, AI-driven cyber warfare also introduces new risks, as
adversaries develop AI-powered cyberattack strategies to compromise national security.
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Comparison of Cybersecurity and AI in National Defense
Both cybersecurity and AI play critical roles in modern national defense, but their
applications, strengths, and challenges differ significantly. Cybersecurity primarily focuses
on protecting digital assets, preventing cyberattacks, and ensuring network integrity. It is
essential for safeguarding military communications, critical infrastructure, and sensitive data
from cyber threats. In contrast, AI enhances national defense by enabling intelligent
automation, predictive analytics, and autonomous warfare capabilities. AI's ability to process
vast amounts of data and improve real-time decision-making gives military forces a strategic
advantage in modern conflicts.
While cybersecurity serves as a defensive measure, AI extends to both defensive and
offensive applications. AI-driven cybersecurity tools strengthen national defense by detecting
and mitigating cyber threats before they cause harm. Meanwhile, AI-powered autonomous
systems, such as military drones and robotic combat units, revolutionize battlefield operations
by reducing human involvement and improving mission efficiency.
One of the key challenges with AI in national defense is the ethical and legal implications of
autonomous weapons. Unlike cybersecurity, which deals primarily with digital threats, AI
introduces new ethical dilemmas regarding the use of autonomous lethal force and human
accountability. Additionally, AI-driven cyber warfare tactics, such as AI-generated
misinformation and adversarial AI attacks, pose significant risks to cybersecurity
infrastructure. Therefore, while both technologies are essential for national security, their
challenges require distinct regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are two of the most transformative technologies in
national defense, each offering unique advantages in protecting national security, enhancing
intelligence operations, and improving military efficiency. Cybersecurity is crucial for
defending military networks, preventing cyber threats, and ensuring data protection, while AI
enhances military intelligence, autonomous operations, and cyber warfare capabilities.
However, both technologies come with challenges, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities,
AI-driven misinformation, and ethical concerns regarding autonomous warfare. As nations
continue to invest in advanced defense technologies, it is essential to establish strong
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cybersecurity frameworks, AI governance policies, and ethical regulations to ensure
responsible and strategic use of these technologies. By balancing innovation, security, and
ethical considerations, national defense agencies can leverage cybersecurity and AI
effectively while minimizing risks and unintended consequences.
References
Allen, G. C., & Chan, T. (2017). Artificial intelligence and national security. Belfer Center
for Science and International Affairs. https://www.belfercenter.org
Boulanin, V., et al. (2020). Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and national security.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). https://www.sipri.org
Brundage, M., et al. (2018). The malicious use of artificial intelligence: Forecasting,
prevention, and mitigation. https://arxiv.org
Geist, E. (2020). AI and cyber warfare: The next frontier in national defense. RAND
Corporation. https://www.rand.org
Horowitz, M. C. (2019). Artificial intelligence and the future of war. Foreign Affairs.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com
Schmitt, M. N., & Vihul, L. (2022). The legal challenges of AI in military operations.
https://www.lawfareblog.com
Taddeo, M., & Floridi, L. (2018). Regulating artificial intelligence in national security. Ethics
and Information Technology, 20(1), 1-14. https://www.springer.com
