- South Africa on May 3, 2024 launched a military-focused AI hub, the Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Unit (DAIRU), at the Military Academy in Saldanha, Western Cape.
- Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, launched the initiative in partnership with the Department of Defence to deploy AI’s potential in South Africa’s defence sector, as well as in national development and security.
- DAIRU is the fourth hub of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa (AIISA), and after its launch, AI will be integrated into defence and military operations, as the global trend shifts towards AI-powered military applications.
Additionally, the Minister mentioned at the National AI Summit held May 5, 2024 that certain regulations must be implemented to institutionalise AI. These regulations would apply to developing continental and national AI policies and programmes.
The National AI Summit was intended to share the contents of the draft National AI Plan with key stakeholders and the ICT industry. The pre-policy process is required to gather input and incorporate it into the draft plan before it is submitted to the Cabinet System for public comment.
The establishment of DAIRU positions the country to take the lead in harnessing emerging technologies for global competitiveness and national interests.
Lieutenant General Michael Ramantswana, Chief of Staff of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), believes that the launch is a significant milestone for South Africa, reflecting the country’s commitment to harnessing AI for military advancement and other socioeconomic growth.
“We do not just want to be consumers of the technology,” adding that “the SANDF should also strive to innovate new artificial intelligence solutions.”
The General also emphasised the importance of collaboration and sharing resources to accelerate AI implementation.
The SANDF’s cyber command and Space Command Section would require an influx of DAIRU-trained AI practitioners. The areas of need include “research and development on AI capacity, strengthening the country’s cyber resilience, improving maritime and border security, combating illicit trade and trafficking, and boosting the SANDF’s operational efficiency on and off the battlefield.”
The AIISA was founded in November 2022 to improve Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills and conduct research to address socioeconomic challenges.
On the other hand, the DAIRU’s launch is “part of the implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR), which recognises AI as a vital technology for societal and economic advancement.”
