Seminar highlights future technology in mechanised warfare; emphasises indigenous solutions under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
Chandigarh, March 3 – A two-day seminar-cum-exhibition titled "Mech Tech" was inaugurated at the Chandimandir Military Station in Chandigarh by Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff, on Monday. The event aims to foster discussions on technological advancements vital for shaping the future of mechanised warfare, alongside highlighting India's indigenous defence capabilities.The event brought together senior serving and veteran military officers, prominent defence industry experts, and academicians to deliberate on crucial subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, advanced armour protection, next-generation communication networks, and enhanced firepower solutions.
Focus on Emerging Threats and Technological Integration
Addressing the participants, the seminar highlighted the critical need to adapt and evolve technologically in response to emerging global threats and dynamic battlefield scenarios. Discussions focused extensively on upgrading existing mechanised platforms to improve mobility, firepower, and survivability, making them battle-ready for contemporary warfare.Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Western Command, interacted extensively with representatives from the industry and academia, underscoring the significance of developing indigenous defence technologies. He emphasised aligning these efforts with the Government of India's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative to bolster self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Promoting Collaboration with Academia and Industry
The seminar witnessed active participation from top-tier educational institutions, including representatives from IIT Ropar, IIT Jammu, IIT Roorkee, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Mandi. Eight academic incubators from IITs showcased startups and cutting-edge technologies developed within their campuses, fostering deeper collaboration between defence forces, academia, and industry.Lt Gen Katiyar also highlighted the importance of investing in research and development to support startups and premier institutions, particularly in states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana, given their abundant human resource potential and robust industrial base.
Showcasing Innovation and Future-readiness
The inaugural day included insightful panel discussions exploring modern challenges faced in recent global conflicts and potential trajectories for future mechanised warfare. Additionally, prominent defence companies, research organisations, and startups presented innovative solutions encompassing combat vehicles, sensor-based warfare technologies, and digitalised command and control systems.Interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and comprehensive discussions allowed participants to explore practical applications of emerging technologies, facilitating effective partnerships between military professionals and tech developers.
The "Mech Tech" exhibition aligns with the Indian Army's strategic vision of integrating advanced technology to transform into a future-ready force, establishing itself as a robust pillar of a stronger and self-reliant nation.