Vice Chief Lt Gen Sandeep Jain Reviews Indigenous Defence Technologies During Chennai Visit
Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), visited Chennai to engage with Indian innovators, academic institutions and defence industry representatives developing technologies for aerospace, unmanned systems and other emerging military applications.
The discussions and reviews centred on indigenous technologies and how they could support the Indian Army’s operational capabilities. Jain examined work in space technologies, autonomous systems, drones and next-generation logistics, including solutions intended to improve battlefield effectiveness and operational efficiency.
His interactions provided an opportunity to learn about technologies being developed by Indian researchers, startups and defence industry stakeholders. The discussions also addressed how homegrown innovation can help meet the changing operational requirements of modern warfare.
Unmanned and autonomous systems received particular attention. The source describes these technologies as an increasingly important part of contemporary military operations, with advances in drones, aerospace applications and intelligent logistics holding potential to support surveillance, reconnaissance, battlefield mobility and logistical operations.
Jain also stressed the defence-sector goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, including building India’s indigenous technological capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign military systems. He highlighted technology absorption, sustained innovation and closer cooperation among the armed forces, industry and academic institutions as necessary to develop a technologically advanced, future-ready Army.
The visit drew attention to the value of a collaborative ecosystem in which defence manufacturers, startups, research institutions and the armed forces can work together on practical responses to emerging security challenges. Such partnerships can help connect research and technological development with the Army’s operational requirements.
Artificial intelligence, autonomous platforms, space-based capabilities and advanced unmanned technologies are increasingly being incorporated into warfare. Against that backdrop, indigenous research and development is expected to contribute to India’s military preparedness. The Army continues to focus on technological modernisation and integrating homegrown defence solutions into its operational framework.
Jain’s Chennai visit reflected the Army’s effort to encourage domestic innovation, strengthen industry–academia partnerships and advance the development of a self-reliant, technologically capable and future-ready military force.
