Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth's Visit Highlights Hyderabad's Ascendancy in Defense Innovation

Hyderabad's status as an emerging hub for defense innovation was highlighted this week when Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, visited the facilities of Zen Technologies.

During his visit, the Army Commander examined several indigenous systems developed by the company. These included counter-drone technologies, loiter munitions, remote-controlled weapon systems, tactical engagement systems, advanced combat training simulators, and containerized small arms ranges. Lt Gen Seth commended Zen Technologies for its significant contribution to enhancing India's defense readiness and promoting indigenization.

Established in 1993, Zen Technologies has been leading the way in the development of simulators that improve the tactical skills and decision-making abilities of military personnel. The company's innovative solutions have been particularly successful in reducing training costs by up to 30% compared to traditional live exercises, as reported in a study by the Journal of Defense Management.

This visit aligns with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at decreasing dependency on imported defense equipment. Data from the Ministry of Defence indicates a 25% increase in defense production in southern India since 2020, reflecting a shift toward decentralized and technology-driven manufacturing.

Lt Gen Seth reiterated the Indian Army's commitment to fostering deeper collaboration with domestic defense companies, emphasizing the importance of technological integration in maintaining operational superiority. This development further solidifies Hyderabad's reputation as a rising center of defense technology, challenging the long-standing dominance of northern India in this field.