Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar Assesses Advanced Technology in Secunderabad Visit to Strengthen India's Defense
In a strategic effort to bolster India's defense capabilities, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, the Army Commander of the Western Command, made a significant visit to the Technology-Hub and Technology-Works located in Secunderabad on August 14. This visit highlights the nation's dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as simulators and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), into its military operations.
During his inspection, Lt Gen Katiyar reviewed a variety of advanced innovations, including drones and a radar-like device, in a move that addresses the military's strategic needs against emerging aerial threats. This initiative is partly a response to the 2021 drone attack in Jammu, which revealed significant vulnerabilities and led to a nationwide emphasis on developing robust anti-drone defenses. Since the 2020 conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan underscored the necessity for such systems, the development of indigenous CUAS technology, like the "Indrajaal" system, has been expedited. Research by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies suggests that these systems can potentially reduce losses by 30% for equipped forces.
The focus on local industries in Secunderabad is in line with the "Make in India" initiative, which aims to achieve a USD 25 billion turnover in defense manufacturing by 2025. The visit is part of a broader strategy to cultivate self-reliance, with plans to improve training and tactics targeting a 20% increase in operational efficiency by 2030. This plan was detailed in a recent Western Command seminar on future warfare technology held on August 15, 2024.
This advancement represents a crucial step in modernizing India's armed forces, equipping them to face evolving security challenges with solutions developed domestically.
