Maj Gen SBK Singh, MGGS (Staff Duties & Capability Development), HQ Northern Command, while briefing the media about the significance of upcoming events said that in the recent past, imaginative and offensive exploitation of technology challenged the status quo in the battlefield. In keeping with these developments, in the ensuing years, the existing and emerging technologies would fundamentally change future military operations.

“There is therefore a need to focus on developing robust indigenous solutions for all needs of the Indian army particularly in the fields of fire power, mobility, force preservation, situation awareness, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare. While there is a need to imbibe and adopt modern technology, it is imperative that existing in-service equipment gets sustained through essential interventions, upgrades and refurbishments to infuse fresh life in critical weapon platforms and equipment such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles, equipment of engineer origin, electronic warfare, surveillance and force preservation,” Maj Gen Singh said.

He said that the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative provided the much-needed impetus to help India transform from being the largest importer of weapon systems to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse and net exporter of defence related products. The resultant boost to indigenous small and medium manufacturers and much greater all-around emphasis to Indigenous Research and Development (IR&D) had become highly visible.

“Northern Command too has benefited from the self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) drive. Majority of equipment and weapon requirements and upgrades are being met via delegated powers through the ACSFP and the OCPP routes,” he said.

Detailing about the highlights of the 2023 edition of North Tech, he informed that there would be an exhibition of latest products by over 200 industry partners on various technologies with special encouragement to start ups.

“One on one structured interaction with industry representatives and the academia to bridge the gap between requirements and capabilities; a technical seminar to invigorate fertile minds through exchange of novel ideas and concepts with contributions from the defence industry, academia and the army; an idea and innovations display by students and the army to acknowledge and applaud the spirit of innovation at all levels would be its highlights,” Maj Gen Singh said.

Besides, there will be a military equipment display by the armed forces to acquaint the industry partners, the academia and the general public for a hands-on experience and foster nationalistic fervour.

Product launches by Industry partners, typical to the requirements of the armed forces will be another highlight.

“The North Tech Symposium 2023 will thus be an exercise co-opting the potential of the minds of the academia, the innovative thinking of our young entrepreneurs- Start Ups, the financial and manufacturing might of our defence industrial base to meet the operational requirements of Indian army in general and Northern Command in particular,” he said.

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