Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), visited several defence manufacturing units in Pune that produce equipment for the Armed Forces. He toured the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Predictive Technology Laboratory, Ammunition Factory Khadki, and Bharat Forge Limited. During these engagements, the Vice Chief engaged with various stakeholders, gaining firsthand insights into the latest advancements in defence production. This visit underscores the Army’s dedication to fostering a future-ready force by focusing on indigenous production and the integration of cutting-edge technology.
The Indian Army actively contributes to the drive for self-reliance in the defence sector by prioritising indigenous development. The Vice Chief’s visits to defence production units and research institutes underscore the army’s dedication to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision. These visits, which have significantly boosted the morale of both public and private sector stakeholders, highlight the Army’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production and technology advancement.
#LtGenUpendraDwivedi #VCOAS during his visit to #Pune visited various Industries affiliated to Ministry of Defence in production of equipment for the Armed Forces. Visit included The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Predictive… pic.twitter.com/iVWLRQveZ1
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 2, 2024
During his Pune visit, the VCOA) visited the Military Intelligence Training School & Centre (MINTSD) and National Defence Academy (NDA). Besides these two military training institutions, the VCOAS also visited Pune-based defence production units and research-development institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Defence in the production of arms & equipment for the Indian Armed forces. Lt Gen Dwivedi had extensive interactions with various stakeholders, discussing recent initiatives in the infusion of modern technology in defence production for enabling a future-ready Army. Lt. Gen Dwivedi reiterated the Army’s commitment to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and assured all the necessary support to these defence production units. He also announced the army’s efforts to incorporate technology by introducing 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption.’
In a significant endeavour aimed at building partnership and collaboration and enhancing the capabilities of armed forces, the VCOAS visited important military installations, public and private defence production units and institutions of national importance across the country. Lt Gen Dwivedi recently toured Kanpur and visited a rifle production unit, Adani’s missile and ammunition facility, besides military and industrial installations. He also visited IIT-Kanpur to get glimpses of the training programmes and facilities provided to students. Prior to his Kanpur visit. Lt Gen Dwivedi toured Chennai and had an interaction with students and faculties of IIT-Madras. Where he was briefed on the defence start-ups initiated by IIT-Madras students. He expressed his deep appreciation for the contribution of institutions like IITs in nation-building and for the armed forces.
Vinay Chati, Pune
