Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), visited Chennai and interacted with leading indigenous innovators, academic institutions and defence industry representatives working in aerospace, unmanned systems and emerging military technologies.
The visit focused on exploring cutting-edge indigenous technologies and their potential applications in strengthening the Indian Army’s operational capabilities. Lieutenant General Jain reviewed advancements in space technologies, autonomous systems, drones and next-generation logistics solutions designed to enhance battlefield effectiveness and operational efficiency.
During his interactions, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff gained insights into emerging technological solutions being developed by Indian researchers, startups and defence industry stakeholders. The discussions highlighted the growing role of indigenous innovation in addressing the evolving operational requirements of modern warfare.
Particular emphasis was placed on unmanned and autonomous systems, which are increasingly becoming important components of contemporary military operations. Advances in drone technology, aerospace applications and intelligent logistics solutions have the potential to improve surveillance, reconnaissance, battlefield mobility and logistical support.
Lieutenant General Jain underscored the importance of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, highlighting the need to strengthen India’s indigenous technological capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign military systems.
He emphasised that technology absorption, sustained innovation and closer collaboration between the armed forces, industry and academic institutions are essential for building a technologically advanced and future-ready Indian Army.
The visit also highlighted the importance of creating a collaborative ecosystem in which defence manufacturers, technology startups, research institutions and the armed forces can work together to develop practical solutions for emerging security challenges.
As warfare increasingly incorporates artificial intelligence, autonomous platforms, space-based capabilities and advanced unmanned technologies, indigenous research and development is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s military preparedness.
The Indian Army continues to place significant emphasis on technological modernisation and the integration of homegrown defence solutions into its operational framework.
Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain’s visit to Chennai reflected the Army’s commitment to encouraging domestic innovation, strengthening industry–academia partnerships and advancing India’s vision of a self-reliant, technologically capable and future-ready military force.
