In a significant move to enhance India’s defense capabilities, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, the Army Commander of the Western Command, visited the Technology-Hub and Technology-Works in Secunderabad on August 14. The visit underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies, including simulators and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), into its military framework.
During the tour, Lt Gen Katiyar inspected a range of cutting-edge innovations, including drones and a sophisticated radar-like device, signaling a strategic response to emerging aerial threats. This initiative follows the 2021 Jammu drone attack, which exposed vulnerabilities and prompted a nationwide push for robust anti-drone defenses. The development of indigenous CUAS technology, such as the “Indrajaal” system, has been accelerated since the 2020 Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict highlighted the importance of such systems, with studies suggesting a 30% reduction in losses for equipped forces, according to the Centre for Land Warfare Studies.
The focus on local industries in Secunderabad aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, aiming for a USD 25 billion turnover in defense manufacturing by 2025. The visit reflects a broader strategy to foster self-reliance, with plans to enhance training and tactics for a projected 20% increase in operational efficiency by 2030, as outlined in a recent Western Command seminar on future warfare technology held on August 15, 2024.
This development marks a pivotal step in modernizing India’s armed forces, ensuring they are equipped to counter evolving security challenges with homegrown solutions.
