The Indian Army is set to increase its operational readiness by procuring 130 tethered drones and 19 tank-driving simulators under the Emergency Procurement initiative. The procurement comes in a bid to improve surveillance capabilities and ameliorate training procedures for the armed forces.
Understanding Tethered Drones and Simulators
Tethered drones, belonging to the category of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are connected to a ground station via a tether. Utilized for round-the-clock surveillance, these drones play a vital role in providing key data and video feed to enhance border security. The tethered drones, coupled with advanced sensory technology, give a continuous view of expansive areas, significantly improving situational awareness and tactical decision-making in warfare conditions.
Simulators, on the other hand, assist in virtual training of tank and infantry combat vehicle (ICV) drivers. They aid in reducing wear and tear on tanks and ICVs during training exercises by creating a virtual environment imitating real-life conditions.
Preparation Enhancement Measures by the Indian Army
Marking 2023 as the ‘Year of Transformation’, the Army is executing numerous projects to revamp its functional processes, aiming at a significant leap in capabilities. Following the India-China standoff in Eastern Ladakh in 2020, the Army has inked numerous contracts with Indian start-ups for supplying small surveillance and load-carrying drones. These contracts include niche technologies like logistic and nano drones, counter-drones, loiter munitions, SWARM drones, UAV-launched precision-guided missiles, and automatic spectrum monitoring systems.
In line with ‘Atmanirbharta’ or self-reliance, the Army is merging modernization with indigenization through ‘Make’ projects, iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence), and outreach programs such as ‘Army Cells’ at premier technological institutions to promote research and development in line with the Army’s requirements.
Initiatives Promoting Domestic Production of Defence Equipment
Several initiatives are underway to boost domestic production of defense equipment, including Defence Industrial Corridors, Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Boards, Defence India Startup Challenge, Draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti, Indian Navy Indigenisation Plan (INIP) 2015-2030, and Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO).
The Importance of Enhancing Indian Army Capabilities
Enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Army is critical for numerous reasons. National security is of prime importance due to India’s intricate geostrategic environment and past conflicts. A strong defense force can deter adversaries from initiating conflicts, hence contributing to regional stability. In case of conflict, superior defense capabilities can expedite and favor conflict resolutions.
Given the history of terrorism and insurgent activities in India, improved defense capabilities allow for more effective counterterrorism operations. Lastly, strengthening defense capabilities reduces dependency on foreign sources for defense equipment, technology, and expertise, thus enhancing India’s strategic autonomy.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims
Q. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018)
Ans: C – An American anti-missile system
Q. From which one of the following did India buy the Barak anti-missile defence systems? (2008)
Ans: (a) Israel
Q. In the context of the Indian defense, what is ‘Dhruv’? (2008)
Ans: (c) Advanced light helicopter
Mains: Q. How is S-400 air defense system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (2021)