| Abstract [eng] |
Artificial Intelligence as a topic raises many questions, especially when it is considered to be adopted in our defence sector. In the past 5 years, Artificial Intelligence has been described as an application, autonomous system, or course of action that helps to achieve a specific goal with the analysis of the environment. Following this idea to the defence sector, artificial intelligence’s ability to process the existing data, analyse patterns, and present autonomous decisions influences defence system activities, from collecting information to building strategy to enhancing training and other potential changes. More industrialized and advanced economy countries are already working on Artificial Intelligence technology development for defence use. Considering Lithuania’s situation, new system usage is not so broadly discussed. Additionally, together with a military situation in Europe and around the world, developing NATO objectives, EU legislations towards AI development, and ethical considerations, the Artificial Intelligence adaptation process is unpredictable, especially when the Lithuanian military encounters new challenges. This study aims to understand the adaptation situation in the Lithuanian Armed Forces by assessing the theoretical approach and current accessibility to Artificial Intelligence technologies. The master thesis conducted an empirical study and implemented Q methodology, to analyse the experience, current review, and availability of Artificial intelligence usage in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. With the empirical research, there were collected 4 interviews, with the following 82 responses from Q methodology target groups. The literature analysis part discussed the concept of social innovation, principal system functioning, its application from the different country’s perspectives, and potential growth shortly. For this research part, there were chosen both foreign and Lithuanian scholars that were freely available from the research results, followed by different institutional legislation analyses that would affect both military activities and Artificial Intelligence usage. In the empirical part, semi-structured interviews of the respondents' opinions on Artificial intelligence, and their effect on the army and individual employees. Q methodology analysis, on the other hand, outlined the civilian and military personnel's perception towards AI usage and adaptation in the defence sector. The research and the literature analysis showed that the adaptation of Artificial Intelligence would not be a smooth process, as it will be affected by different limitations and potential threats. However, together with the challenges, some benefits can effectively and efficiently improve military functions. The project concludes with conclusions and recommendations referring to the Artificial Intelligence adaptation process that can be reviewed to minimize the resistance and fit the current administrative frameworks. Considering strict resource groups and administrative policies of the military institutions, recommendations were presented as additional activities and processes helping to optimize the service delivery process. In an overall view, the project consists of 101 pages (with annexes), 16 tables, 13 figures, 5 appendices, 155 references, and 79 sources of information. |
