In a significant boost to India’s defence modernization, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced on Monday that the Army is transforming its combat capabilities by restructuring and employing advanced weaponry. Among the notable procurements, a contract for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), valued at Rs 8,000 crore, is expected to be finalized before the end of the current financial year.
Speaking at the annual day press conference, General Dwivedi outlined several high-value acquisition projects. The Army plans to procure range-enhancing ammunition worth Rs 10,500 crore for the indigenous Pinaka rocket system. It includes Rs 6,000 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and Rs 4,500 crore for area-denial munitions.
Zorawar Light Tanks and Modernization
Addressing the media at the annual press conference ahead of Army Day, the COAS also updated the media on the Army’s plans to acquire 354 Zorawar light tanks, which are undergoing trials. The project, valued at Rs 17,000 crore, includes 295 tanks under the Make-I initiative and 59 tanks developed in collaboration with DRDO.
“High-altitude trials have been completed, and the Zorawar light tank is now returning to Chennai for improvements based on trial feedback. Once the enhancements are implemented, further trials will be conducted,” General Dwivedi said.
Addressing delays in upgrading T-72 tanks, the Army Chief noted that Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) has ramped up its production capacity from 120 to 150 tanks annually, with plans to increase this to 200 tanks per year.
On the conventional T-72 tanks whose major upgrades are delayed, the Army Chief said there were slippages earlier on the part of the defence PSU Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) but he added that now the government company has enhanced its capacity from 120 tanks to 150 and this will go up further to 200 tanks per year.
No Shortage of Funds for Modernization
General Dwivedi affirmed the government’s commitment to defence modernization, echoing Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s statement that there is no dearth of money. The Army’s modernization priorities, including emergency procurement powers introduced after the 2020 Galwan clash with China, are being met.
However, he revealed that funds allocated for constructing the 4.1-km-long Shinku La tunnel, aimed at reducing the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km, have been returned to the Ministry of Defence.
Force Restructuring and Future of Integrated Battle Groups (IBG)
Highlighting the challenges of modern warfare, General Dwivedi said the Army is focused on restructuring, raising information operation groups, combat units, and manned-unmanned teams to enhance operational efficiency.
The proposal to establish Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) for mountainous terrains in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim remains under consideration. “The IBG is the first Special Purpose Vehicle in our restructuring efforts. If approved, it will pave the way for similar initiatives. However, if not finalized by 2025, the project may be scrapped,” he said.
The Army Chief’s updates underscore a critical phase in India’s defense modernization. The force aims to align with contemporary warfare requirements while enhancing its indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Ravi Shankar
