NADI Meeting on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Defence : Potential and Challenges for ADMM Cooperation”
The NADI Meeting on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Defence : Potential and Challenges for ADMM Cooperation” was held from 26 to 29 August 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand, organised by the Strategic Studies Center (SSC), National Defence Studies Institute (NDSI), Royal Thai Armed Forces. Major General Nirut Duangpanya, Director of the SSC, chaired the Meeting.
The NADI Meeting discussed how ASEAN must learn to adapt while addressing disparities in AI capacities across the region. Participants also raised concerns about the exponential growth of AI and the risks of overreliance, and emphasised the lack of a global governing institution for AI, unlike in the cybersecurity domain, and urged ASEAN to examine AI’s risks more thoroughly. They also considered the advantages and vulnerabilities of AI in defence, particularly the risks of dependency on external technology providers and critical infrastructure. There was a need to balance innovation with safeguards, strengthen governance and ethical standards, and fully utilise ASEAN’s existing frameworks. NADI members also recommended that the ADMM consider developing a code of AI governance, consider establishing a regional centre for sharing information on AI threats, encourage wider collaboration with the private sector, promote AI applications in activities under the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups and in defence industry, and develop a long-term strategic plan for research and development of AI in defence.
The Chairman’s Report of the NADI Meeting, together with the agenda and programme, are attached.