Russia launches national AI taskforce with homegrown AI and drones by 2030 (www.techradar.com)

President Vladimir Putin announced the formation of a national AI task force aimed at enhancing Russia's technological sovereignty by 2030. This initiative prioritizes the development of homegrown AI systems, particularly for national security, as Russia seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign technologies. Key players like Sberbank and Yandex have introduced large language models (LLMs) such as Gigachat and Yandex GPT, positioning themselves as central contributors to this strategy. The task force will also focus on building new data centers and securing energy sources through initiatives like small-scale nuclear power stations. This move is significant for the AI/ML community, as it underscores Russia's intent to compete in a space where it currently lags behind the U.S. and China. With expectations of contributing over 11 trillion roubles to GDP by 2030, Putin is advocating for both military and civilian applications of AI under a unified national framework, despite challenges posed by Western sanctions that limit hardware imports. Furthermore, plans for autonomous drones capable of swarm operations signal a transformative approach to military strategy that leverages AI for enhanced targeting and coordination in conflict scenarios.