Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Indian Army, in charge of information systems and coordination, said, “We have identified 16 clusters under which multiple programmes are being pursued through collaboration with government-run companies and private firms to academia. Every month the Army chief is taking a review of these projects.”
During a press briefing in New Delhi, Lt Gen Kapoor said timelines have been set, ranging from three months to two years depending on various aspects. He stressed the importance of accountability in these projects, with designated officers assigned to monitor and ensure the success of various initiatives.
The clusters identified for technological enhancement feature a wide range of contemporary and cutting-edge fields. Among them are Cybersecurity, Space Operations, Quantum Computing, and next-generation telecommunications like 5G and 6G.
Additionally, significant focus will be directed towards the Internet of Things, Directed Energy Weapons, and areas involving digitisation, and augmented and virtual reality technologies.
The list further includes advanced concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, alongside developments in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Drones, Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Autonomous Systems, and Blockchain Technology.
The Army aims to enhance its capabilities in Loitering Munitions, 3D Printing, and Robotics, marking a proactive approach toward modern warfare technology. Lt Gen Kapoor said 2024 is earmarked as a year for technology absorption, with aspirations that this focus will extend throughout the next decade.
The Army has begun the recruitment of domain specialists in critical fields such as information technology, cyber warfare, and linguistics. The Education Corps of the Army has been realigned to better support this specialised focus. Since the initiative’s inception, specialists have already begun to be integrated into the Army through the Territorial Army’s recruitment pathway, a strategy set to continue.
There are plans to recruit these experts through regular recruitment processes, with advertisements for these positions anticipated to be released soon. This comprehensive strategy reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to advancing its technological prowess, ensuring that it remains prepared to address contemporary security challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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