A vision of Atmanirbharta: Indian Army embarks on path to transformation

The Indian Army is propelling itself towards an era of transformation in 2023, embarking on a journey to reshape its operational processes and capabilities. This ambitious endeavour is a crucial step towards realising the nation's vision of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense. At the helm of this evolution, the Indian Army has initiated several innovative projects under the guidance of the Army Design Bureau (ADB), fostering collaborations between the military, academia, and industry.

In a significant move, the Indian Army has engaged in emergency procurement, signing contracts for 68 schemes worth Rs 6,600 crore in the first three tranches. The fourth tranche includes 49 schemes valued at Rs 7,600 crore, encompassing mobility solutions, communication systems, energy solutions, protective equipment, drones, armaments, and simulators.

The pursuit of self-sufficiency through indigenisation remains a driving force for the Indian Army. In this quest, the Army Design Bureau has played a pivotal role since its inception in 2016, forging connections between defense industries, academia, and research organisations. With an eye on indigenous solutions, the ADB has undertaken projects spanning diverse domains, including logistics drones, counter-drones, loiter munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, and more.

With a renewed focus on modernisation and technology infusion, the Indian Army has demonstrated remarkable progress in key areas. The Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program has witnessed noteworthy contributions, with four projects valued at around Rs 70 crore recently contracted. Moreover, in the Make II category, two projects worth approximately Rs 180 crore have been successfully undertaken by the Army.

Furthermore, to enhance its reach and collaborations, the ADB has established Regional Technology Nodes in Pune and Bengaluru. These nodes facilitate closer engagement with industry and academia, fostering technological innovation in areas vital to national security.

Speaking to Zee Business exclusively, a senior officer, said, “With extensive outreach efforts, the Army Design Bureau has mapped over 1200 industries, collaborated with more than 200 academic institutions, and engaged with 50 research and development organisations.”

“This proactive approach has resulted in the initiation of 239 projects worth approximately Rs 111,000 crore, involving nearly 380 industries,” he added.

Among the recent achievements, the Indian Army has embarked on the development of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based satellite image analysis, directed energy weapon systems, tactical communication systems, and more. These advancements underscore the Army's commitment to staying ahead of emerging challenges and ensuring the country's preparedness in an ever-evolving global landscape.

As India's defense capabilities continue to evolve, the Indian Army is steadfastly moving towards a technologically superior future. The collaborative efforts between the armed forces, industries, and academia are propelling the nation towards achieving self-reliance and bolstering its defense ecosystem.