India is the largest arms importer in the world. It is imperative that the long-term requirement of capability be identified and understood for appropriate technology to be developed indigenously by the Indian Armed Forces. The DRDO has already been working on enhancing the technology used in the equipment in the forces. 11 such latest technological advancements in the defence sector are:
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Test Flight of Rustom-2 Successful:
Rustom 2 is being developed along the lines of predator drones of the US to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the armed forces with an endurance of 24 hours.
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Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System:
The Indian Navy has inaugurated the Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS) at INS Garuda and INS Parundu. IAAMS is to modernise Meteorological infrastructure of 9 Naval Air Stations (NAS) by bringing accuracy in weather monitoring mechanism in the Indian Navy.
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The first test of LCH successful:
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has successfully flown the home-made 5.8-tonne Light Combat Helicopter with its own automatic flight control system for the first time.
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Simulators for gunnery and missile firing:
Alpha Design Technologies Ltd. has signed a ₹45-crore deal with the Ministry of Defence to supply to the Army indigenous simulators for gunnery and missile firing from BMP II vehicles.
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INS Karanj Launched:
The Navy’s third state-of-the-art Scorpene class submarine, INS Karanj, was launched in Mumbai. The new submarine is named after the earlier Kalvari class INS Karanj, which was decommissioned in 2003.
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OPV Vijaya Launched:
The second offshore patrol vessel (OPV) built by the Larsen and Toubro Shipyard near Chennai for the Indian Coast Guard was launched on Saturday.
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Procurement of Barak and PGM:
The Defence Ministry on Tuesday gave the final approvals for the procurement of 131 Barak missiles for the Navy and 240 precision-guided munitions (PGM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), together with estimated at ₹1,714 crore.
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Low-Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System (LICEWS):
LICEWS is being procured from M/s Bharat Electronics Limited for Rs 470 crore. This system will equip Indian Army with upgraded communications infrastructure to effectively deal with advanced communications systems being used by terrorist groups.
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P-8I Training Solution:
The P-8I Training Solution accurately simulates P-8I aircraft and mission systems. It will help Indian Navy train and realistically rehearse for sophisticated missions involving P-8I aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of live aircraft training.
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BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles for Army:
BMP-2 is being procured for Indian army’s mechanised infantry and other arms and services at an estimated cost of ₹1125 crore from the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
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Survey training vessel for Indian Navy:
Survey Training Vessel is being procured to augment the Navy’s growing hydrographic needs in ports, harbours and exclusive economic zones. Indian Navy has been undertaking the hydrographic survey for a number of friendly nations in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
Conclusion:
India is importing a lot of arms and technology for its forces. Since January 2018 alone, it has made 11 technology deals. This is good for the enhancement of the armed forces but will not benefit the country in the long run, unless we make our own technology.
