Indian Army asks Industry for surveillance & targeting solutions on China, Pak fronts

Vishal Thapar May 09, 2022

The Indian Army’s operationally most critical fighting formation, the Northern Command - which faces challenges both on the China and Pakistan fronts – has asked Indian Industry to provide solutions for its surveillance and targeting needs and to end spares shortage through 3D Printing. It sought technologies for Fifth Generation warfare to meet contemporary challenges.

As parts of efforts which seek convergence between the armed forces and Industry to prepare India to face military challenges with home grown technology, the Northern Army opened up on its requirements at North Tech, an Industry symposium at Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on May 6 and 7.

The symposium conducted by the Northern Command gave Industry an opportunity to both understand first hand the requirements of combat units and also demonstrate their technologies and products to enhance combat capability.

Technologies and products related to surveillance and situational awareness, tactical mobility, firepower, force protection, communications, combat medical facility, robotics and simulators were displayed by 162 participating companies, which included MSMEs and DPSUs. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and leading academic institutions like IIT Kanpur were also among the active participants.

In addition, 42 innovative solutions devised by Army establishments towards enhancement of combat potential of the Army were also on display. The Army sought Industry help to productionise these solutions.

Setting the context to the symposium was a seminar on Day 1 to focus the spotlight on some of the complex challenges faced by the security forces in Northern Command and throw the ball to the Industry for solutions through candid exchanges. Inaugurated by the Northern Army Commander, Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, the theme of the seminar was “Self Reliance in Defence through Atmanirbharta and Infusion of New Technologies to meet Operational Challenges of Northern Command”.

“Participants from Army and Industry discussed the policy and procedures for expeditious procurement, Raksha Atmanirbharta initiatives by Indian Army, DRDO and Defence Public Sector Undertakings, how can private sector contribute towards Surveillance System, Weapon Sights, Drones and Counter Drone System and Miscellaneous Technologies like 3D printing,” an Army spokesperson said.

Day 2 of the symposium was the Industrial exhibition by 162 participating companies. This was inaugurated by the Vice-Chief of Army Staff, Lt General BS Raju.

“This also acted as an ideal platform for mutual exchange of ideas between the domestic Defence Industry and the Army. This interactive platform for knowledge diffusion through Joint Army - Industry participation was an important step in the direction of the Government's initiative of ‘Make in India’,” the spokesperson added.

North Tech resumed after a gap of two years forced by the Covid-19 Pandemic.