Army’s Design Initiatives Showcased on Eve of Vijay Diwas

Drone of Turkish Origin Downed by Indian Army During Operation Sindoor

Possibly drawing lessons from the War in Ukraine where innovation by forward troops has been a battle winning factor for Ukraine as well as Russia, the Indian Army under the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi’s initiative, has launched several projects in the recent past essentially focused on enhancing battlefield efficiency and effectiveness exploiting modern technology under Atma Nirbharata.

On the eve of the Vijay Diwas, Indian Army organised “At Home” in Army House, [Official Residence of the Chief of the Army Staff] in New Delhi. With President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu an Army press release highlighted, “an impressive showcase of indigenously developed technologies and niche capabilities, reflecting Indian Army’s steady transformation into a modern, innovative and self-reliant force”. Vijay Diwas is celebrated in

India to mark the decisive victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War.

The innovations featured by soldiers, engineers, startups and academic institutions for, “solutions that strengthen national security while also offering strong benefits for disaster response, infrastructure development and sustainability”. The aim was also to contribute to national development though the Army press release did not use the favoured term, “Viksit Bharat 2047”.

Amongst the category of equipment and technologies demonstrated were those focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Drone and Related Systems, Mobility and Connectivity projects and force multipliers as indicated below based on the Indian Army Press Release.

Artificial Intelligence Led Innovations

         Artificial Intelligence for Better Ground Awareness. An AI-based satellite imagery analysis system that helps interpret satellite pictures quickly and accurately. Instead of manually studying images, the system uses artificial intelligence to identify changes, track developments and flag important observations. Developed with Indian startups and academic institutions, the technology supports better planning, monitoring and decision-making. While it strengthens the Army’s awareness and preparedness, the system can also support civilian agencies in areas such as disaster monitoring, land management, agriculture assessment and infrastructure planning. The initiative demonstrates how advanced technology developed for defence can directly support national development.

         Portable AI System for Remote Areas.  An “AI-in-a-Box” allows users to analyse information, plan tasks and receive decision support independently. Built to work in tough conditions, the system ensures that technology remains available even in remote locations. Developed with Indian research institutions and industry partners, it highlights how artificial intelligence can be adapted to Indian conditions rather than relying on imported solutions. The same technology can also support disaster relief teams and emergency planners working in isolated regions. It offers dual-use strategic capabilities, including intelligence automation, real-time situational awareness, vision-based inspection, logistics forecasting, process optimisation, and training simulations, making it a force multiplier for the Armed Forces as well as government agencies and critical national infrastructure.

         Ekam AI – India’s Secure AI Platform. Ekam AI is a fully indigenous and secure artificial intelligence platform designed for sensitive environments. It enables users to analyse information, manage documents, and support decision-making without dependence on foreign software or external cloud systems. Built for ease of use, it allows personnel at different levels to leverage AI-enabled support without requiring specialised technical expertise. By ensuring complete data security and sovereignty, Ekam AI marks a significant step towards building trusted national digital systems.

Drone and Related Systems

         Indigenous Drone Analysis Tool. The Army presented a drone analysis system developed in India to study recovered drones and extract useful information. The tool helps understand how drones were used and supports better preparedness against emerging threats. Its development reflects the Army’s proactive approach to new technologies.

         Satellite-Based Connectivity for Remote Regions.   Under Project SAMBHAV, the Army showcased a portable communication system that provides mobile connectivity using satellite support. The system can be deployed quickly in remote or disaster-affected areas, improving communication for both soldiers and civilians. The project highlights how defence innovation can also strengthen national communication infrastructure.

Mobility and Connectivity

         Rapid Bridge for Quick Connectivity. The Indian Army showcased an indigenously developed Advance Truss Bridge, designed to quickly restore connectivity across rivers, gaps and damaged roads. Unlike older bridge systems that required large teams and long assembly times, this new bridge can be erected much faster using fewer personnel. Its strength allows it to support heavy vehicles, while its modular design makes transportation and assembly easier in difficult terrain. Beyond military use, the bridge has significant value during floods, earthquakes and landslides, where rapid restoration of road links is critical for civilian relief and rescue operations. Fully designed and produced in India, the bridge reflects the Army’s focus on faster response, reliability and self-reliance.

         Indigenous All-Terrain Vehicle for Difficult Terrain. The Army presented a made-in-India all-terrain vehicle developed specifically for narrow, steep and rugged mountain tracks where conventional vehicles cannot operate. Designed after extensive field trials, the vehicle can carry supplies, evacuate injured personnel and support rescue operations in high-altitude and remote areas. Its development was driven by practical experience of soldiers working in extreme conditions. Built in partnership with Indian industry, the vehicle reduces dependence on foreign platforms and demonstrates how Indian engineering can deliver solutions tailored to local terrain and requirements.

         Eco-Friendly Trackways from Recycled Plastic. One of the most innovative displays was a trackway system made using recycled plastic waste. These trackways are laid temporarily over soft or broken ground to help vehicles move safely and smoothly. Compared to older systems, the new version is lighter, easier to handle and quicker to deploy. Importantly, it also supports environmental sustainability by converting plastic waste into useful infrastructure. This initiative reflects the Army’s commitment to green practices while improving mobility, and shows how operational needs and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

         Silent Electric Tactical Vehicle.  A new electric tactical vehicle developed in India was also on display, reflecting the Army’s shift towards cleaner and quieter mobility. The vehicle operates with very low noise and heat, improving safety and efficiency. It can be used for patrol, logistics support, casualty evacuation and reconnaissance. The platform demonstrates how electric and hybrid technologies can be adapted for demanding operational conditions while reducing fuel dependence and environmental impact.

Force Multipliers

         Indigenous Component for Night-Vision Equipment. The Indian Army highlighted a major achievement in indigenising a critical component used in night-vision devices. Earlier imported at high cost and with long supply delays, this component is now manufactured in Army workshops using Indian technology. The move significantly reduces costs, improves availability and ensures faster repairs. This step strengthens operational readiness while saving public resources. The technology also has potential applications beyond defence, including medical equipment and scientific research, reinforcing the broader value of defence-led innovation.

         Firefighting Robot for High-Risk Areas. The Army displayed an unmanned firefighting robot designed to operate in dangerous fire zones where human entry is risky. Controlled remotely, the robot uses cameras and sensors to help firefighters tackle intense fires from a safe distance. Its use can save lives in defence installations, industrial areas and disaster situations. Developed under the iDEX initiative with Indian industry, the robot highlights how automation can improve safety and efficiency in emergency response.

         Quick-Build Protective Shelters. An innovative pre-fabricated shelter system was showcased, designed to be assembled quickly in remote and high-altitude areas. These shelters reduce construction time, manpower and logistics, while providing improved safety and protection. The solution reflects the Army’s focus on practical, soldier-friendly innovations that enhance living and working conditions in challenging environments.

         Green Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure.        The display also featured green initiatives, including energy-efficient buildings, foldable concrete for rapid construction, and a green hydrogen power project in Ladakh. These projects reduce fuel dependence, lower emissions and improve energy security in extreme conditions, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to sustainability.

         Conclusion. Possibly projects initiated by the Army Design Bureau were displayed on Vijay Diwas Eve at the Army House. As per the SIDM, the Army Design Bureau, “functions as a single point of contact for the Industry, Start-Ups, Research Organisations, Innovators and Academia, in providing the User requirements and problem statements for facilitating development of indigenous solutions”. It facilitates “indigenous design, development and manufacturing but also to seek out capabilities and support research for developing technologies of the future”.

         Indeed, the inability of the Defence Research and Development Organisation [DRDO] the underfunded defence monolith under the Ministry of Defence, to provide real time solutions to practical challenges in the field has led to establishing design bureaus by the three services with the Indian Navy having taken the lead in warship designing.

The projects demonstrated by the Indian Army do show promise. The factor of scalability of manufacturing, quality assurance and ease of operations will have to be considered for these being of larger benefit for enhancing operational effectiveness of the Army as well as the other services including civilian agencies. The road map for the same and implementation will need much attention and it is unclear if the Design Bureaus have the follow-through bandwidth for this purpose.