The Indian Army’s Eastern Command is set to host the “TATA Steel Kolkata 25 Km – Vijay Diwas Cup” on December 15, a significant event that coincides with the celebrations of Vijay Diwas, commemorating India’s victory in the 1971 War. This marathon, part of the prestigious TATA Steel Kolkata Marathon series, aims to pay homage to the sacrifices and valor exhibited by the Indian Armed Forces during the conflict that led to the liberation of Bangladesh.

The event will feature strong participation from the Armed Forces, with 10 teams from the Indian Army and five teams each from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. Each team, consisting of three runners, will race along a challenging 25 km route. The competition serves as a unique opportunity for military personnel to demonstrate their endurance and fighting spirit, while also racing alongside professional marathon runners, thereby fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among participants.

A statement from the Indian Army highlighted that the “TATA Steel Kolkata 25 Km – Vijay Diwas Cup” is not just a sporting event but rather an extraordinary tribute to the bravery, commitment, and teamwork exemplified by the nation’s armed forces. It aims to enhance visibility and appreciation for Vijay Diwas celebrations, which focus on honoring and remembering the war heroes who made significant sacrifices for the country.

The marathon is an annual fixture in the Vijay Diwas calendar, with the intent of celebrating not only the historical victory but also the spirit of resilience and determination inherent in the Armed Forces. To further emphasize these themes, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army organized a curtain raiser event to mark the upcoming Vijay Diwas, setting the stage for a series of activities dedicated to honoring the indomitable spirit of the 1971 War heroes.

In addition to the marathon, there will be various activities planned to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices made during the war, creating a platform for collective remembrance and appreciation of the contributions made by service members. As the event approaches, anticipation grows for a vibrant display of sportsmanship and tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Armed Forces.

The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its artillery capabilities following the endorsement of a proposal to procure 100 additional K-9 self-propelled howitzer guns from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) during a recent meeting. This move comes amidst delays attributed to the impending 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The procurement process was initiated over a year ago, but it gained traction only when the CCS green-lit the deal.

While the exact financial details of the contract remain undisclosed, sources indicate that the cost for the 100 K-9 howitzers is expected to surpass ₹4500 crore, accounting for inflation and adjustments related to the artillery systems. Reports suggest that discussions about the gun acquisition have been ongoing since at least mid-November when it was announced that the CCS was likely to expedite the approval to bolster the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness.

The K-9 Vajra guns have already been deployed in challenging terrains, including high-altitude regions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and in desert conditions near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Renowned for their performance in both extreme heat and cold, these howitzers are manufactured at L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex located in Hazira, Gujarat. The company has benefited from a technology transfer agreement with South Korean defense manufacturer Hanwha Defense, enabling it to produce the K-9 Vajra locally. Notably, L&T has indigenized a significant portion of the components, contributing to India’s self-reliance in the defense sector.

In a related advancement, the Zorawar light tank, another product developed by L&T, has successfully completed trial firings at altitudes exceeding 4200 meters, achieving consistently accurate results, according to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This trial follows previous assessments conducted in desert conditions and highlights the tank’s effectiveness in varied environments.

The Zorawar light tank was conceived following the Galwan clash with China in May 2020. The Indian Army recognized the need for a lighter armored vehicle, as conventional tanks struggled to navigate high-altitude terrains while their Chinese counterparts exhibited superior mobility. Designed as a 25-ton class vehicle, the Zorawar fulfills the Indian Army’s requirements for high-altitude operations, having been developed in just three years by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, a DRDO lab in Chennai.

As these developments unfold, the Indian Army is taking decisive steps toward modernizing its arsenal and improving its readiness for potential challenges on both the Eastern and Western fronts.

India’s drone industry is on the brink of significant transformation, forecasted by MarketsandMarkets to escalate from $654 million in 2024 to an impressive $1,437 million by 2029, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.0%. Among the trailblazers in this burgeoning sector is IG Drones, a startup founded in 2018 by Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya and Om Prakash, operating out of Gurugram.

IG Drones is strategically positioned to tackle critical challenges within the drone sector, primarily by reducing dependency on foreign technology and bridging the skills gap prevalent in drone manufacturing and operations. Sanghapriya, the CEO of the company, emphasized their mission, stating, “By offering advanced, indigenous dronetech solutions, IG Drones tackles critical industry hurdles and plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s drone ecosystem.” This commitment is reflected in their cutting-edge innovations, including military-grade simulators and the introduction of India’s first 5G-enabled drone.

The company is also laying plans to establish Drone Centers of Excellence, aimed at fostering skill development among aspiring professionals while driving innovation in the drone space. IG Drones currently provides an array of services, including surveying, mapping, and inspection, collaborating with the Indian Army, state governments, and numerous major enterprises.

The origins of IG Drones are rooted in the founders’ previous experience with rocketry projects during their time at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), where they led Asia’s first student rocketry mission, an initiative that eventually gained recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was absorbed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This experience instilled in them a vision for nurturing local talent and technology, which they sought to replicate in the drone sector upon founding their startup.

With the ambition to capture 5% of the drone market share by 2025, IG Drones has focused on developing indigenous, AI-powered solutions to streamline operations across various sectors, including defense, agriculture, and infrastructure. Their innovative products have earned them global accolades, including the Global Airwards.

In terms of product offerings, IG Drones has developed several advanced drones such as the IG Drones Jaga—the first 5G-enabled drone in India—designed for multi-faceted applications like security and infrastructure monitoring. Other notable products include Kissan, tailored for agricultural spraying, and SKYHAWK, which serves a broad range of functions from delivery to surveillance. The company’s DELTA 400 is specifically engineered for mapping and inspection tasks.

Sanghapriya highlighted their impressive growth trajectory, noting that IG Drones has served over 500 organizations including government agencies and defense forces, achieving a remarkable 250% year-on-year growth over the past three years. The company is poised for further growth, with forecasts indicating a potential quadrupling of FY24 revenue.

In pursuit of long-term industry sustainability, IG Drones has prioritized youth empowerment through its training programs, having trained over 50,000 individuals through its Drone Centers of Excellence. This initiative is fostering a skillful workforce equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving drone industry.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Prakash pointed out that one of their major hurdles has been educating industries about the utility of drones in enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By consistently showcasing the practical benefits of drone technology, IG Drones has transformed many former skeptics into advocates.

The competitive landscape features several other players, including Garuda Drone, Idea Forge, BonV Aero, and DroneAcharya Aerial. What sets IG Drones apart, as noted by Prakash, is their integrated approach that combines hardware, software, and extensive service offerings, effectively positioning themselves as a holistic solution provider.

Operating on a B2B model, IG Drones has established itself as a reliable technological partner for a variety of stakeholders, including state governments, the Indian Railway, and prominent corporate groups. According to Lt Gen Anil Chait, Lead Advisor of India Accelerator, the company’s geospatial technologies significantly enhance surveillance and mapping capabilities for Indian armed forces, crucial for modern multi-domain warfare.

In a recent funding round, IG Drones secured $1 million, led by India Accelerator, with plans to raise an additional $3 million in the forthcoming months to bolster their R&D capabilities and expand both domestically and internationally. Currently present in five countries and forging partnerships with international firms, including South Korea’s iGiS, the company strives to enhance its technological footprint.

While details on revenue figures remain confidential due to military involvement, Sanghapriya revealed that IG Drones has successfully delivered multiple drones to leading industries and armed forces. The startup’s vision extends toward launching targeted tools to address specific challenges like agricultural yield monitoring and secure defense operations, ultimately shaping a future where drones are central to enhancing efficiency and driving innovation across sectors.