Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General SK Saini (Image: ANI)
Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. SK Saini addressed the webinar entitled “Force Protection India 2020” during which various topics related to the requirements for the protection of the armed forces were discussed.
- PTI New Delhi
- Last update: October 10, 2020 3:20 PM IST
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Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) stand out among other threats for their innovative use and destructive potential, Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. SK Saini said on Saturday. “Considering its low-cost, multipurpose, and dense proliferation (drones), the threat will undoubtedly multiply in the coming years,” he said during a webinar organized by the Center for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
He said “third dimension” threats such as drones may take precedence in the near future and that the Army must plan for them now. “Both hard kill and soft kill counter-drone solutions, including swarm technology, are the need of the moment,” Saini said.
He addressed the webinar entitled “Force Protection India 2020” during which various topics related to the requirements for the protection of the armed forces were discussed. “Among other threats, drones and UAVs stand out for their innovative use and destructive potential,” Saini said.
He said that large numbers of Army troops are deployed in extremely high altitude areas where the temperature reaches -50 degrees Celsius, but India is still importing them for cold weather clothing and equipment due to the “lack of viable indigenous solutions.” “A collaborative effort in this field is necessary to fulfill our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.
Saini said that the Indian Army has evolved considerably in terms of modern weapons, ammunition, protection, equipment and clothing, but there is still a lot of room for innovation. “There is a requirement to focus on night vision goggles, combat helmets, bulletproof vests, lightweight portable communication equipment and many more,” he added.
The deputy army chief said the threat from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is here to stay as it appears to be gaining traction as a favorite tool among terrorists and anti-national elements. “The threat (of improvised explosive devices) is sophisticated and can be used avoiding direct contact. It ends up causing both physical and psychological trauma and seriously undermines one’s preparedness, forcing us to allocate scarce resources for our own protection,” he said.
Technological innovation is key to combating the threat of FDI, Saini said. “A combination of robotics, artificial intelligence and big data analytics could provide a possible answer,” he added.
Security of vital defense establishments and facilities across the country is another key area the Army has focused its efforts on in recent years, as these present lucrative and high-profile goals, he said. “Although the industry has taken up the challenge (of providing security to defense establishments), the solutions provided, however, lack innovation and integration,” Saini said.
He added that the effort in this field should be to ensure a reduction in the commitment of the workforce by integrating physical and electronic surveillance and incorporating automation and innovation in perimeter fences, intrusion detection systems, etc. Saini said that the Army’s deployment footprint spans the length and breadth of the country and in various fields and the sheer magnitude of its requirements presents a golden opportunity for industry, scientists and entrepreneurs.
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