(Photo for representation.)
New Delhi: The Indian Army is gearing up for a technological leap with plans to significantly expand its Army Design Bureau (ADB) and establish new infrastructure dedicated to testing and innovation. This initiative, which was announced recently, aims to bolster domestic defence capabilities and achieve self-reliance in military equipment.
The existing ADB, established in 2016, serves as a central hub for fostering innovation and collaboration between the Army, academia, industry, and defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs). The planned expansion entails setting up specialized ADB cells at various command headquarters across the country.
The Army expects these cells to bridge the gap between frontline needs and technological solutions, accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge military equipment.
In addition to expanding the ADB, the Army also plans to create new infrastructure for testing, which it referred to as “test-bed brigades”. This will include state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology, allowing for more rigorous and comprehensive real-world testing of new equipment and systems.
The Army said this real-world testing will provide valuable feedback for further refinement and ensure the effectiveness of newly developed equipment. This will ensure that the service is equipped with the most reliable and effective equipment possible.
Furthermore, discussions are underway to establish a separate fund dedicated to supporting innovation projects within the ADB framework. This financial backing will be crucial for nurturing promising ideas and accelerating the development cycle.
The Army is also committed to fostering a culture of innovation within its ranks. Revisions to human resource management (HRM) policies are planned to facilitate the seamless integration of advanced technology into training programs and equip soldiers with the skills needed to operate and maintain these new systems.
