New Delhi, Apr 24: Army Chief General Manoj Pande emphasized on Wednesday that the emergency procurement powers bestowed by the government have significantly contributed to the modernization of the force. Speaking at a seinmar titled “Year of Technology Absorption – Empowering the Soldier” held at the Manekshaw Centre by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, General Manoj Pande highlighted the impact of emergency procurement powers. He stated, “Emergency procurement powers given by government over four tranches has helped us to modernise ourselves with contracts worth at Rs 18,000 crore signed under it. These equipment’s are now being used on the border.” Addressing the importance of technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence, cyber, big data analytics, and electronic warfare, General Pande underscored the increasing significance of the cognitive domain in the force’s restructuring and reorganization. He reiterated, “Given the impact of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, cyber, big data analytics and electronic warfare, the salience of the cognitive domain is increasing manifold.” In the pursuit of enhancing mobility and protection, the Army Chief highlighted various procurements including Light Strike Vehicle, Light Specialist Vehicles, and Bullet Proof Jackets. He added, “Battlefield situational awareness is being increased through Border Surveillance Systems and Nano Drones.” General Pande also outlined the incorporation of advanced technology platforms such as Swarm Drones, Loiter Munitions, and new Artillery platforms, emphasizing the Indian Army’s focus on target acquisition and precision fires. He further noted the induction of indigenous procurement like light vehicles and bulletproof jackets. Moreover, he emphasized the enhancement of night fighting capability through night vision devices and the ongoing improvements in communication systems. In his earlier address on April 23 at the AIMA’s 9th National Leadership Conclave on ‘Hard Power – Modernising Forces Through Self Reliance’, General Pande elaborated on the transformative initiatives underway in the Indian Army towards building a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and future-ready force. He emphasized that these initiatives are aligned with the aspirations, goals, and objectives of Rising India.
