Technology Absorption to be Indian Army's Focus Area: Lt Gen A K Singh
Defense News ,India :- In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the integration of cutting-edge technology has become paramount for maintaining operational superiority and ensuring national security. In a recent interview with PTI, Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, underscored the significance of technology absorption as a focal point for the Indian Army. With the Southern Command celebrating its 130th Raising Day on April 1, Lt Gen Singh articulated a vision centered around leveraging indigenous innovation, enhancing operational capabilities, and fortifying India's defense manufacturing prowess.
Established in 1895, the Southern Command holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest command of the Indian Army, spanning across 11 states and four Union Territories, covering a substantial 41% of India's landmass. This vast expanse provides a fertile ground for testing and validating various weapon platforms, critical defense equipment, and sophisticated ammunition. Lt Gen Singh emphasized the Command's pivotal role as a test bed for trials, highlighting its proximity to industry hubs and extensive network of Field Firing Ranges (FFRs) as catalysts for fostering indigenous defense capabilities.
Underpinning the Army's commitment to technological innovation is the declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Technology Absorption." Lt Gen Singh delineated how this thematic emphasis underscores the Army's resolve to harness technology as a catalyst for transformative change. By harnessing in-house expertise and fostering collaboration with the domestic defense industry, the Southern Command aims to spearhead initiatives aimed at bolstering self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.
A cornerstone of this endeavor is the seamless integration of indigenous innovations into the Army's operational framework. Seven innovations originating from the Southern Command have been earmarked for pan-army implementation, with technology transfer to industrial partners facilitating domestic production. These strides signify a paradigm shift towards self-reliance and indigenous excellence, aligning with the overarching vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
To facilitate synergies between industry stakeholders and the defense establishment, the Southern Command has been actively engaged in fostering collaboration through state-wise seminars-cum-exhibitions. These events serve as platforms for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and forging strategic partnerships. With participation from over 150 industries, these initiatives underscore the burgeoning momentum towards indigenization and technology absorption.
Maharashtra's inaugural Defense Expo for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) exemplifies the collaborative ethos underpinning India's defense ecosystem. By showcasing indigenous equipment and systems such as the T-90 tank, BMP Mk-II amphibious infantry fighting vehicle, and advanced artillery systems, the Southern Command epitomizes the spirit of innovation and self-reliance ingrained within the Indian armed forces.
The induction of state-of-the-art Apache AH-64E helicopters heralds a new era in aerial warfare capabilities for the Indian Army. With the first medium lift attack helicopter squadron in the Southern Command region, equipped with these advanced platforms, the Army is poised to enhance its operational reach and aerial strike capabilities in the western sector. These helicopters, renowned for their versatility and adaptability to diverse terrain and weather conditions, epitomize the Army's quest for operational excellence.
Military diplomacy, the Southern Command serves as a beacon of collaboration and cooperation with friendly foreign countries. Through bilateral joint exercises, training programs, and engagement initiatives, the Indian Army strengthens its ties with over 100 countries, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing interoperability. Joint exercises with nations such as France, USA, Russia, and Japan underscore India's commitment to regional stability and collective security.
The Southern Command's legacy of service extends beyond its borders, encompassing pivotal roles in historical milestones such as the merger of Junagarh and Hyderabad into the Indian Union and the liberation of Goa and Diu. Operations like 'Pawan' in Sri Lanka underscore the Command's commitment to regional stability and humanitarian assistance, exemplifying its role as a responsible global stakeholder.
The Southern Command remains steadfast in its commitment to technological innovation, operational excellence, and collaborative engagement. As India's foremost bastion of defense, it stands poised to navigate the complexities of modern warfare, leveraging indigenous ingenuity and strategic partnerships to safeguard the nation's interests. In the pursuit of a secure and self-reliant future, technology absorption emerges as the linchpin of the Army's strategic imperatives, underpinning its journey towards excellence on the battlefield and beyond.
