New Delhi – The Indian Army is taking significant steps to reduce its reliance on Chinese equipment, particularly in the realm of drone technology. Major General C. S. Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, acknowledged the current vulnerability associated with the use of Chinese components, especially in relation to data transfer and security. He indicated that while measures are being taken, there is no specific timeline for their implementation.
Focus on High-Altitude Drone Technologies
Later this month, Leh will host a Himtech exhibition focused on high-altitude drone technologies, including a Dronethon event. This exhibition will feature demonstrations of various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of operating at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 meters. The event aims to showcase the latest innovations and provide insights into the operational challenges faced by the Indian Army in these extreme environments.
Maj Gen Mann highlighted that electronic components, particularly those related to data transfer, pose the greatest risk. The Army is actively exploring methods to mitigate these risks and reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains. “We are deliberating various methods to ensure that Chinese components are not part of our sensitive equipment. A comprehensive framework will be developed to address these issues,” he said.
Industry Efforts to Exclude Chinese Parts
Ashish Kansal, Co-Chair of the FICCI Defence and Homeland Security Committee and Executive Director of SMPP Pvt Ltd, noted that the industry is making concerted efforts to eliminate Chinese components, especially in electronic parts, from critical equipment. Despite this, there remains a significant dependency on Chinese supply chains that needs to be addressed.
Him-Drone-A-Thon 2: A Platform for Innovation
Scheduled for September 17-18, 2024, at Wari La in Leh, the Him-Drone-A-Thon 2 will offer a platform for the Indian drone industry to demonstrate their solutions for high-altitude operations. The event will cover five major drone categories: surveillance, logistics, swarm, loitering munitions, and first-person view drones. Drones equipped with specific payloads, such as synthetic aperture radar and electronic warfare systems, will also be featured.
The exhibition will enable the Indian Army to assess and procure suitable products, providing valuable feedback for the development of future procurement requirements. It will also give the industry firsthand experience of the operational challenges faced in high-altitude regions.
The Growing Importance of Drones
Maj Gen P. S. Bhatti of the Udhampur-based Northern Command emphasized the importance of the Himtech exhibition in addressing operational challenges along India’s northern border. The growing role of drones in modern warfare has been highlighted in recent conflicts, demonstrating their critical impact on military operations. The Army has been actively procuring drones, loitering munitions, and counter-drone systems to enhance its capabilities.
Operating drones at high altitudes of 15,000 to 20,000 feet presents significant challenges due to the rarefied atmosphere, low temperatures, and strong winds. The Army’s focus on overcoming these challenges reflects the increasing significance of drone technology in contemporary military strategy.
The Indian Army’s initiative to reduce reliance on Chinese equipment and enhance domestic drone capabilities represents a strategic shift aimed at bolstering national security. The forthcoming Himtech exhibition and Dronethon will play a crucial role in advancing this objective, showcasing India’s technological prowess and addressing the unique challenges of high-altitude operations.
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