Defence Expo: Army looks for systems with better mobility, survivability

Goa, March 29: The Indian Army is looking to acquire a whole new range of unmanned aerial systems as part of its ongoing modernisation plans.

Replying to a specific query from OneIndia, during a special session on Make in India (Defence), organsied by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Lt Gen Subrata Saha, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Planning and Systems), said the Army was also looking for better gear and mobility platforms as well. He, however, did not get into any specific details.

Lt Gen Saha categorised the requirements of Indian Army into three segments. "We have the big ticket systems including artillery, helicopters to name a few. Then comes a whole range of systems that supports the big ticket group. The next one is the current programmes," he said.

He said the new-look Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) offers scope for fast-track acquisition. "The aim and definition has been widened in the DPP," he said.

To another question from OneIndia on the need to use technologies to bring down the causalities being reported in Siachen, Let Gen Saha said survivability is another Indian Army would want to focus on.

CII said the objective of the session was to share information about current and future technology, product demands and to seek industry response towards finalisation of these projects.

He said Indian Army has been undertaking similar sessions across India along with CII.

"This session would also enable industry to understand the Indian Army perspective on Make in India and identify opportunities for participation in various army procurements," Let Gen Saha said.

Parrikar is the star of the show

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar seems to be in great demand among exhibitors at DefExpo.

On second day of the evert, Parrikar visited the exhibition stalls and happily posed for photos. He patiently listened to the brief descriptions given by the representatives and in some cases posed questions as well.

The business side of DefExpo ends tomorrow with the last day (March 31) being open for the public.

OneIndia News