Army Chief Stresses Modernization, Indigenous Tech for Future Warfare
Army prioritizes modernization, indigenous tech, and multi-domain integration for future readiness.
Photo by Ling Tang
On Army Day, General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized modernization and technological advancement as crucial for India's military preparedness. He highlighted the necessity for faster procurement, deeper indigenization, and rapid technology absorption, especially in unmanned systems, precision weapons, and digital command networks.
The Army is focused on integrating drones and AI for counter-terror operations, enhancing surveillance and precision engagement capabilities. Gen Dwivedi also noted the importance of jointness among the armed forces and civil agencies for national security, emphasizing that preparedness is essential.
Key Facts
Army Chief: Modernization is key for military preparedness
Focus: Drones, AI, digital networks for future warfare
Emphasis: Indigenous tech and faster procurement
Goal: Jointness among armed forces and civil agencies
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Potential question types: Statement-based questions on defense procurement, indigenization, and technological advancements.
Visual Insights
Key Defence Modernization Metrics (2026)
Highlights key statistics related to defence modernization and indigenization efforts, as emphasized by the Army Chief.
- Defence Budget Allocation for Indigenization
- 75%+5%
- Growth in Defence Exports
- 25%+8%
- Number of Defence Items on Positive Indigenization List
- 500+100
Increased allocation signals government's commitment to domestic defence production. This reduces import dependence and boosts the Indian economy.
Indicates increasing competitiveness of Indian defence products in the global market. Contributes to foreign exchange earnings and strengthens India's strategic partnerships.
Expansion of the list promotes domestic manufacturing by restricting imports of specified items. Encourages investment in R&D and innovation.
More Information
Background
The Indian Army's modernization efforts have deep roots, tracing back to the post-independence era. Initial focus was on acquiring equipment from various sources, including the UK and France. The 1962 Sino-Indian War highlighted the urgent need for self-reliance.
Subsequent conflicts, like the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, further emphasized the importance of indigenous defense production. The establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 was a key step towards indigenization. Over the decades, the Army has gradually shifted from being heavily reliant on foreign imports to promoting domestic manufacturing through initiatives like 'Make in India' and partnerships with private sector companies.
The Kargil War in 1999 exposed vulnerabilities in surveillance and precision strike capabilities, leading to renewed emphasis on technological upgrades.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Indian Army has intensified its focus on integrating advanced technologies. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 aims to promote indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. Initiatives like the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) are fostering innovation by engaging startups and MSMEs.
The Army is actively exploring the use of artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum technologies. The creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019 are significant steps towards promoting jointness among the armed forces. Future trends include greater emphasis on cyber warfare capabilities, space-based assets, and long-range precision strike systems.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has highlighted the importance of unmanned systems and electronic warfare, further accelerating the Army's modernization drive.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)' initiative: 1. It aims to foster innovation and technology development in the defence sector by engaging startups and MSMEs. 2. It is solely funded and managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 3. It provides financial support and mentorship to selected innovators through the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 2 is incorrect. iDEX is not solely funded and managed by DRDO. It is managed by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), which is supported by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
2. With reference to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, consider the following: 1. It prioritizes the 'Buy Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)' category for defence procurements. 2. It introduces a new category for leasing of military equipment. 3. It mandates a minimum percentage of indigenous content in all defence contracts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. DAP 2020 prioritizes indigenous procurement, introduces leasing, and mandates indigenous content.
3. Assertion (A): Modernization of the Indian Army is crucial for maintaining national security in the face of evolving threats. Reason (R): Technological advancements in warfare necessitate the integration of unmanned systems, precision weapons, and digital command networks. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why modernization is crucial for national security.
Source Articles
We were fully prepared to launch ground ops against Pak: Army chief sheds new light on Op Sindoor | India News - The Indian Express
Army Chief and CDS laud armed forces, stress need for readiness | India News - The Indian Express
Operational readiness of Army should always be at peak level: Rajnath | India News - The Indian Express
‘Pakistan will have to consider if it wants to remain part of globe’: Army Chief warns against testing India’s resolve | India News - The Indian Express
Latest News on Indian Army: Get Indian Army News Updates along with Photos, Videos and Latest News Headlines | The Indian Express