As a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defence technology and promoting indigenous advancements in defence production, the North Tech Symposium was recently inaugurated by prominent figures. This distinguished group included Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen. MV Suchindra Kumar, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Brig (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Anil Chauhan.
Organized by HQ Northern Command, SIDM (Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers), and IIT Jammu, the North Tech Symposium spanned three days. Its primary objective was to provide a platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations in defense weaponry production.
The North Tech Symposium not only spotlighted technological advancements but also served as a catalyst for collaboration between the Indian defence industry and the Army. It aimed to foster cooperation and synergy in the pursuit of strengthening India's defence capabilities.
The Symposium, which commenced on September 11, 2023, has assumed strategic significance as it provides a platform to showcase critical aspects of various products. Prominent themes at the event included surveillance and situational awareness, tactical mobility, firepower enhancement, soldier and force protection, advanced communication systems, combat medical facilities, robotics, simulators, and training aids, among others. The overarching theme of 'Make in India' underscored the core philosophy of the symposium.
The event witnessed substantial participation, with more than 180 Indian defence companies, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and the Simulator Development Division, among others.
This symposium not only served as a platform for showcasing advancements but also fostered collaboration and partnerships, contributing to the growth and self-reliance of India's defence sector.
The GOC-in-C (General Officer Commanding-in-Chief) of Northern Command commended both the vendors and participants for their innovative spirit. His unwavering belief in the abundance of indigenous technologies reinforced the nation's dedication to the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" project. The symposium was more than just an isolated event; it heralded the beginning of a new era in indigenous defense production, poised to become the bedrock of our nation's self-reliance and security.
The North Tech Symposium remained open for three days at a civilian institution, the esteemed IIT Jammu. This pioneering initiative exemplifies the commitment to align the needs of the Indian Army with the potential and capabilities of academia and the industry. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) played a facilitating role on the IIT Jammu campus. As per the news reports, IIT Jammu stands as one of the 23 IITs in India. It specialises in cutting-edge areas like Communications and Cyber applications, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Renewable & Sustainable Energy, Biomedical Research, Catalysis, and Synthesis.
The press release further stated that, at the North Tech Symposium, the Indian Army showcased its latest Light Specialist Vehicles. These vehicles can be equipped with anti-tank guided missile launchers, medium machine guns, and grenade launchers, making them versatile for various combat scenarios. They are also designed for rapid troop deployment to forward areas, facilitating quick reactions. Additionally, these Light Specialist Vehicles can be utilized for supplying ammunition and rations to frontline troops, as reported by a news agency.
The symposium also featured new types of off-road and all-terrain vehicles. These vehicles have been procured by the Indian Army specifically for operations in rugged terrains in the Ladakh sector and near the Line of Control. “The North Tech 2023 will pave the way for identifying suitable indigenous technologies and products for subsequent trials and induction in the Northern and Western Theatres. Around 200 companies are participating in the show including 60 start-ups,” said Indian Army’s Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi.
The primary goal of this event is to create a platform that brings together diverse stakeholders, including academia, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, experts, and key industry players. This platform aims to facilitate the identification of innovative solutions to address the operational needs of the Army. Concurrently, it seeks to foster self-reliance in defense production and promote the proliferation of cutting-edge technology in the defense sector.
Throughout the symposium, attendees can expect to experience a range of activities, including exhibitions, product launches, structured interactions, and technical seminars.
Besides fighting terrorism and providing safety and security, the Indian Army is advancing in technology and machinery and is considered one of the best forces in the world. It shoulders responsibilities in national defence, internal security, border management, disaster relief, peacekeeping missions, modernization, training and development, infrastructure development, counterinsurgency operations, strategic deterrence, international cooperation, and humanitarian missions.
Defence technology is booming, and the army is taking the lead. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Anil Chauhan, stated that the army is well-equipped with the latest technologies. He was responding to a question about whether India could use drones, as the United States did, to target terror camps across the border. 'I encourage you to explore this exhibition more closely. You will find ammunition with a range of 100 kilometres. This hasn't been procured solely for target practice; it's meant for operational use,' Gen Chauhan said during a media interaction at the three-day North Tech Symposium at IIT-Jammu.

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