In a notable move towards enhancing innovation in India’s defence sector, the 505 Army Base Workshop located in Delhi Cantt recently hosted an educational session focused on Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) technology, welcoming students from Amity University. This gathering is part of a larger initiative aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing and is closely aligned with the government’s #MakeInIndia and #AtmanirbharBharat campaigns, which prioritize self-reliance and domestic production within the defence manufacturing arena.
The event offered students a hands-on learning experience, with military personnel leading them in exploring the complexities of AFV technology. Visual documentation from the session depicted students actively engaging with crucial components of the vehicles, including gearboxes and engines, all within the workshop environment. This interactive component served to deepen their understanding of the mechanical systems underpinning modern military vehicles.
Additionally, a formal discussion took place in a conference room embellished with portraits and awards that symbolize the workshop’s longstanding commitment to excellence. During the discussion, experts provided valuable insights into the significance of technological advancements within defence systems, underscoring the urgent need for innovation in this critical sector.
This initiative is a reflection of the Indian government’s commitment to indigenization, a strategy bolstered by the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which aims to cultivate domestic industries and lessen dependency on global supply chains. In this context, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been actively engaged in similar projects, notably developing technologies such as active protection systems for armored vehicles to counter anti-armour threats, as highlighted on their official platform.
By bridging the gap between academia and the military, this collaboration not only fosters future innovations in defence technology but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing India’s self-sufficiency in the sector. This initiative complements other recent efforts, such as the upcoming 2024-25 recruitment drive by the Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) at the same workshop, aimed at cultivating a skilled workforce to meet the demands of India’s defence modernization ambitions. Empowering the next generation with expertise in indigenous technology is poised to bolster India’s status in the global defence production landscape.