Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the Army Commander of Southern Command, recently visited Aero India 2025, an event renowned for showcasing the forefront of military technology from various global defence vendors, innovative startups, iDEX projects, and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
During his visit, Lt Gen Seth noted a significant emphasis on Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, a principle that seeks to reduce India’s dependence on foreign technologies. The event prominently featured indigenous solutions geared toward achieving this goal. The Army Commander particularly highlighted advanced defence platforms developed under the Make in India initiative, which aim to strengthen India’s military capabilities while promoting domestic manufacturing. The showcase included innovative technologies poised to enhance operational readiness and prepare India’s armed forces for future battlefield scenarios.
Key highlights of Lt Gen Seth’s visit included several noteworthy aspects:
One of the standout features was the presentation of futuristic defence technologies, where attendees were exposed to next-generation combat systems that included unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence-driven warfare solutions, and sophisticated smart weaponry. Additionally, demonstrations of cybersecurity tools, advanced surveillance systems, and electronic warfare capabilities demonstrated the cutting-edge advancements in defence technology.
The visit also highlighted the efforts associated with iDEX and startup innovations. Lt Gen Seth engaged with iDEX startups that were showcasing disruptive defence technologies. These innovations ranged from drone swarms to autonomous vehicles, sparking discussions about creating a robust defence ecosystem driven by young innovators and entrepreneurs who are essential for future advancements.
Furthermore, the event presented insights into global defence collaboration, which aims to establish joint ventures with international defence manufacturers. This collaboration is crucial for promoting technology transfer and co-development initiatives, thereby exploring the potential for defence exports and positioning India as an emerging leader in the global arms market.
In his reflections, Lt Gen Seth stressed the importance of strengthening India’s defence capabilities through the leveraging of indigenous technologies. He advocated for increased collaboration between the armed forces, private industry, and academia, which would accelerate research and development in the realm of defence technology. He also emphasized the necessity of enhancing India’s strategic autonomy by prioritizing homegrown solutions that adequately address the challenges of modern warfare.
“Aero India 2025 is a testament to India’s growing defence prowess. The focus on Atmanirbharta, combined with the spirit of innovation, reflects our commitment to achieving self-reliance and operational superiority in the modern battlefield,” stated Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
Aero India 2025 serves as a global platform where defence leaders, innovators, and industry stakeholders convene to showcase and discuss the latest advancements in aerospace and defence technologies. The event aims to foster international collaborations and strategic partnerships, driving the vision of a self-reliant and future-ready Indian defence ecosystem.
