Drones Stand Out Among Other Threats In Their Destructive Potential: Army Vice Chief
NEW DELHI: Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen S K Saini during a webinar organised by the Center for Joint Warfare Studies(CENJOWS). Has said that Drones or UAVs stand out among other threats in their innovative employment and destructive potential. He also highlights many other things such as:
Considering their ( drones) low cost, multi-use and dense proliferation, the threat will no doubt increase manifold in the years to come.
He said the “third dimension” threats like drones may take precedence in the near future and the Army needs to plan for them now.
“Both hard kill and soft kill counter-drone solutions, including swarm technology, are the need of the hour,” Saini noted.
“A collaborative effort needs to be put in this field to fulfil our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
Saini said the Indian Army has evolved considerably in terms of modern arms, ammunition, protection, kitting and clothing but there is still much scope for innovation.
“There is a requirement to focus on night-vision goggles, combat helmets, bulletproof jackets, light portable communication sets and many more”.
“A combination of robotics, artificial intelligence and big data analysis could provide a possible answer”.
Security of defense establishments and vital installations across the country is another key area where the Army has focused its efforts in the past few years, as these present lucrative and high profile targets.
“Though the industry has stepped up to the challenge (of providing security to defence establishments), the solutions provided, however, lack innovation and integration,” Saini mentioned.
He added that the effort in this field must be to ensure a reduction in manpower commitment by integrating physical and electronic surveillance and incorporating automation and innovation in perimeter fencing, intrusion detection systems, etc.
Saini said the Army’s deployment footprint extends across the length and breadth of the country and across varying terrains and the sheer magnitude of its requirements presents a golden opportunity to the industry, scientists and entrepreneurs.
