Southern Command's Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar Emphasizes Unmanned Tech for Enhanced Battlefield Readiness

Southern Army Commander Emphasizes Technological Advancements in Military Operations

In a recent visit to Bengaluru, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, Commander of the Southern Army, assessed the operational effectiveness and technological preparedness of various military establishments in the region. The visit, which took place amidst the Indian Army's growing focus on unmanned systems, counter-drone capabilities, and technology-driven battlefield operations, aimed to evaluate the readiness of formations and establishments in the domain of operational and support functions.

During his visit to the Headquarters Karnataka & Kerala Sub Area (KKSA), Lieutenant General Pushkar examined the operational and administrative preparedness of the formation, as well as reviewed welfare initiatives for veterans and Veer Naris. The Army Commander expressed appreciation for the sustained efforts made by the formation in these areas, highlighting the diverse scope of work that falls under the responsibility of the Sub Area.

One of the key highlights of the visit was Lieutenant General Pushkar's interaction with NewSpace Research & Technologies, a Bengaluru-based defence technology company that is developing cutting-edge drones and counter-drone systems. The systems showcased by the company are critical components of modern battlefield operations, providing unmanned aerial surveillance and counter-UAS technologies to detect, track, and counter hostile drones.

The rapid proliferation of small drones in modern conflicts has presented a significant challenge to armed forces worldwide. The relative affordability and availability of these systems, combined with their ability to provide persistent aerial observation, make them a growing consideration for military planners. Lieutenant General Pushkar praised the contributions made by NewSpace Research & Technologies towards India's Atmanirbharta initiative in defence technology.

Bengaluru has emerged as a critical node in India's private-sector defence and aerospace ecosystem, with several companies focusing on unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, electronics, and autonomous technologies. The visit reflects the Army's growing interest in technology development, in addition to conventional operational preparedness.

However, the Army has not yet disclosed whether any of the systems demonstrated by NewSpace Research & Technologies have been formally trialed, evaluated by procurement agencies, or inducted into service. Nevertheless, the visit underscores the importance of technological advancements in military operations and the need for the Indian Army to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving domain.

Key Takeaways

• Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, Commander of the Southern Army, visited Bengaluru to review operational effectiveness, logistics preparedness, training standards, administration, and welfare of various military establishments in the region.
• The visit highlighted the Indian Army's growing focus on unmanned systems, counter-drone capabilities, and technology-driven battlefield operations.
• NewSpace Research & Technologies showcased cutting-edge drones and counter-drone systems, which are critical components of modern battlefield operations.
• Bengaluru has emerged as a critical node in India's private-sector defence and aerospace ecosystem, with several companies focusing on unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, electronics, and autonomous technologies.