There has been a sustained emphasis on incorporating advanced technology into military operations, with a particular focus on adopting specialized technologies for various platforms, equipment, and weapon systems. The armed forces are striving to enhance their defense capabilities through the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced electronic and cyber applications.
Although several defense startups are collaborating with established technological institutions, the transition from prototype development to large-scale production is time-consuming. Indigenous technological capabilities still fall short of the state-of-the-art systems possessed by developed countries and alliance groupings. This shortfall can be attributed, in large part, to insufficient funding for research and development in both the government and private sectors.
India has consistently pursued strategic partnerships with powerful nations to bolster its military capabilities. The United States, being a global leader in military technology, featured prominently in the recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden. The key areas of focus in their discussions were the sharing of defense technology and joint production. As part of these efforts, General Electric has partnered with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to manufacture F414 engines for the next-generation fighter jet, Tejas 2, of the Indian Air Force. Additionally, India is set to procure 31 MQ-9B Guardian armed drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., a major U.S. defense company. These acquisitions will enhance India's surveillance capabilities along the China-India border in the Himalayan region and in the Indian Ocean.
In another significant defense deal, Indian shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany. This agreement entails the construction of six advanced conventional submarines for the Indian Navy under Project-75I. The non-nuclear submarines will be built as part of the 'Make in India' initiative, which aims to reduce costly military imports. Furthermore, during the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to France, more deals related to key defense platforms are expected to be announced.
To ensure effective integration of acquired technologies, it is crucial to facilitate the transfer of technology and strengthen the capacity of India's defense industrial ecosystem. Upgrading aerial and sub-surface platforms and sharing niche technologies will better equip the armed forces to tackle various security challenges. Prioritizing requirements along India's unsettled borders in the north and west is essential, given the continuous activities and actions of neighboring adversaries. Intrusions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and hostile deployments in hazardous terrain necessitate a readiness that places significant strain on Army units and formations throughout the year. It is imperative to anticipate the adversary's moves and avoid being caught off guard by sudden buildups and incursions, particularly in sensitive areas. Achieving this requires improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that enable real-time responses. While the Guardian drones from the United States will take time to become operational, constant satellite coverage, which can be achieved with indigenous capabilities, remains irreplaceable. An ideal solution would involve dedicated satellites for the Army to enable communication, deep surveillance, and instant feed through downlinks at the field formation level.
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) stands out as a success story in post-1947 India, with remarkable progress in space research. Surprisingly, this valuable asset has remained underutilized for the country's defense and security needs. Currently, India has only two dedicated military satellites, GSAT-7 (Rukmini) launched in 2013 and GSAT-7A (Angry Bird) launched in 2018, which are utilized by the Navy and Air Force, respectively. Finally, the Army is on the verge of acquiring its own advanced communication satellite, as the Ministry of Defence has entered into a Rs 3,000-crore agreement with New Space India Limited.
The Army currently relies on commercially available inputs from foreign satellites and outdated imagery from dual-use Indian satellites. Major armies worldwide, including those of the United States, China, and Russia, have dedicated satellites. Given India's urgent need for surveillance of enemy movements across the LAC and the presence of an esteemed organization like ISRO, the absence of dedicated military satellites is surprising. The launch of a long-delayed communication satellite for the Army is a step forward but falls short of what is truly needed.
The Line of Control (LoC) remains a live border, with the primary threat being terrorist infiltration from Pakistan through rugged terrain. The anti-infiltration obstacle system, which has been in place for over two decades, requires regular repairs. Such access denial systems are labor-intensive, requiring physical deployment to maintain constant vigilance. Technological enhancements can significantly improve the effectiveness of these obstacles, reducing the manpower required.
South Korea's approach to guarding the 250-km-long Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) border with North Korea along the 38th parallel serves as an excellent example to follow. South Korea has optimized technology to minimize manpower by utilizing an AI-enabled system developed by its tech companies and academia. The SGR-A1, an autonomous sentry gun jointly developed by Samsung Techwin and Korea University, supports South Korean troops in the DMZ. It is renowned for being the first of its kind with an integrated system that includes surveillance, tracking, firing, and voice recognition. The project's primary objective is to transform the guarding and observation mechanism into a robotic system. Deploying similar customized systems along the Line of Control (LoC) would be beneficial.
While the ongoing process of technological upgrades for national defense and security is essential, immediate attention should be given to the LoC and the LAC to counter existing threats
No comments:
Post a Comment