Army Chief Reviews Indigenous Defence Tech in Bengaluru
COAS General Dhiraj Seth visited the 515 Army Base Workshop in Bengaluru to review advanced manufacturing and drone development initiatives.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth conducted a high-level visit to the 515 Army Base Workshop in Bengaluru on Sunday. During his visit, the Army Chief meticulously reviewed several cutting-edge initiatives aimed at boosting India's domestic defence capabilities, with a heavy emphasis on advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Focus on Drones and Advanced Manufacturing
The inspection focused on several critical areas that are set to redefine the Indian Army's operational landscape. General Seth evaluated progress in several high-tech domains, including:
- Indigenous Drone Development: Strengthening domestic production to counter modern aerial threats.
- Additive Manufacturing: Utilizing 3D printing and advanced techniques for rapid component production.
- Quantum and Space Technologies: Integrating next-generation science into military frameworks.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Enhancing the precision and speed of equipment production.
The Indian Army noted that the COAS expressed strong appreciation for the ongoing efforts to improve equipment availability. These innovations are designed to ensure that the military maintains high levels of operational readiness through homegrown solutions rather than relying solely on external imports.
The Shift Toward Sustaining Warfare Capabilities
This visit comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian military. General Seth has recently been vocal about the changing nature of global conflict. On September 27, while addressing a Defence Conclave in New Delhi, he emphasized that true Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) must go beyond just manufacturing equipment.
According to the General, India must develop the capacity to sustain, adapt, and regenerate military capabilities during prolonged conflicts. He highlighted a significant shift in modern warfare, where inexpensive but sophisticated technologies can pose a massive threat to traditional, high-cost military platforms.
"Low-cost systems can challenge military platforms worth millions of dollars," the General had noted, stressing that the ability to innovate and counter emerging threats faster than adversaries is a vital strategic advantage.
A Legacy of Strategic Leadership
General Dhiraj Seth, who took charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, brings nearly four decades of extensive experience to the role. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Having served in numerous operational and strategic capacities, his leadership is currently driving the Army's push toward technological modernisation and self-reliance in line with India's broader national security goals.