Hyderabad is increasingly being recognized as a pivotal center for defense innovation, underscored by the recent visit of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command. During his tour of Zen Technologies, a prominent player in the defense sector, he reviewed an array of indigenous systems designed to enhance national security.
Among the technologies showcased were advanced counter-drone systems, loitering munitions, remote-controlled weapon systems, tactical engagement systems, and advanced combat training simulators. Additionally, Zen Technologies presented its containerized small arms ranges. Lt Gen Seth acknowledged the significant contributions of Zen Technologies in bolstering India’s defense preparedness and fostering indigenisation, which is crucial in reducing reliance on foreign imports.
Founded in 1993, Zen Technologies has positioned itself as a leader in developing high-tech simulators aimed at improving the tactical skills and decision-making capabilities of armed forces personnel. A study published in the Journal of Defense Management highlighted the effectiveness of these innovations, revealing that they could decrease training costs by up to 30% compared to traditional live exercises.
This visit coincides with the Indian government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to diminish dependence on imported defense equipment. Data from the Ministry of Defence reveals that defense production in southern India has surged by 25% since 2020, illustrating a significant shift towards decentralized and technology-oriented manufacturing practices.
Lt Gen Seth reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with domestic defense manufacturers, emphasizing that technological absorption is vital for sustaining operational superiority. This endorsement further solidifies Hyderabad’s growing status as an emerging hub of defense technology, challenging the long-standing dominance of northern India in this crucial sector.
