Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, recently visited the Adani Defence and Aerospace facility in Hyderabad, emphasizing the Indian Army’s commitment to indigenization as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
During his visit, Lt. Gen. Seth assessed a range of advanced indigenous technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, counter-drone systems, missiles, small arms, and defence electronics. He commended Adani Defence for its critical role in enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and positioning the country as a budding global hub for such technologies.
The Hyderabad facility, notably the site of India’s first private UAV manufacturing unit, serves as a foundation for this shift towards greater self-sufficiency. It produces advanced carbon composite aero-structures for UAVs like the Hermes 900 and collaborates with international partners while invigorating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to foster indigenous innovation.
During his interaction with company executives, Lt. Gen. Seth emphasized the importance of leveraging local expertise to achieve operational superiority. His insights resonate with his earlier remarks made at Aero India 2025, where he acknowledged the developing ecosystem of indigenous platforms.
Defence experts interpret this visit as a crucial indication of the synergy between government policy and private-sector innovation, suggesting it could play a vital role in diminishing foreign dependency and advancing India’s strategic autonomy. The emphasis on indigenous capabilities not only strengthens national security but also positions India to emerge as a significant player in the global defence landscape.
