Showcasing Maharashtra’s Defence Manufacturing Prowess:

• The expo, organized by the Maharashtra government, showcases the indigenous capabilities and innovations of MSMEs, private companies, DRDO labs, and DPSUs in the state.

General Pande’s Keynote Address:

• He commended Maharashtra for being a major contributor to India’s economy, highlighting its leadership in:
  • Industrial growth
  • Exports
  • FDI attractiveness
• He praised the state for being the first in India to establish a Defence Manufacturing Policy and designate aerospace and defence manufacturing as a thrust sector, resulting in:
  • Over 20% contribution to the national output of aircrafts, ships, and boats
  • 30% contribution to the national output of weapons and ammunition

Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat and Innovation:

• General Pande emphasized the improved economic growth and aspirations of Indian citizens.

• He appreciated the government and armed forces’ commitment to sustainable development through:

  • Policy reforms
  • Skilling initiatives
  • Infrastructure investment
  • Digital initiatives
  • Supporting entrepreneurship

• He highlighted the importance of leveraging MSMEs and startups in meeting the Indian Army’s capability development needs through the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative.

• He elaborated on the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program, stating that:

  • All projects are mandated to involve startups.
  • 55 projects worth Rs 400 crore are currently underway, involving 65 startups.
  • Four contracts worth Rs 70 crore have been finalized for equipment procurement.
  • The iDEX approach utilizes a “Spiral Model” for developing indigenous technology.

• He mentioned the Indian Army’s in-house Ideas & Innovation initiative, citing two successful examples of technology transferred to industry:

  • VIDYUT RAKSHAK – IoT-based generator protection system
  • A biomedical device

Promoting Innovation and Intellectual Property:

• General Pande underscored the Army’s commitment to promoting innovation through:
  • Pursuing Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for co-developed products
  • Filing 66 IPRs to date, with 13 patents, 5 copyrights, and 5 design registrations already granted

Army Equipment Display and Industry Interaction:

• The Indian Army showcased its indigenous equipment and systems at the expo, including:
  • Tanks
  • Artillery
  • Rocket launchers
  • Bridge systems
  • Air defense guns and radars
  • Assault rifles and other infantry weapons
• General Pande interacted with participating industries, encouraging them to align their products and services with the future needs of the Army.
• He urged everyone to contribute to building a self-reliant India through commitment and resolve.

This visit highlights the Indian Army’s focus on promoting self-reliance and fostering innovation in the defense sector, while collaborating with MSMEs and startups to achieve its modernization goals.

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5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commences in Rajasthan

Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 25th February to 9th March 2024

The contingent of both sides comprises of 40 personnel each… pic.twitter.com/63JjrUZWwZ

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 25, 2024

Alternating Annual Exercise:

Held annually, ‘Dharma Guardian’ alternates between India and Japan, fostering mutual understanding and operational readiness. This year, 40 personnel from each side participate, with the Japanese contingent represented by the 34th Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.

Shared Objective:

The exercise aims to enhance combined capabilities in conducting joint operations in semi-urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. High-intensity physical training, joint tactical drills, and specialized skills development are core elements of the program.

Realistic Training Scenarios:

Troops will practice establishing temporary bases, setting up intelligence grids, conducting mobile vehicle checks, executing cordon and search operations, and honing their skills in heliborne operations and house intervention drills. A dedicated weapon and equipment display will showcase India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and growing defense manufacturing prowess.

High-Level Engagement:

Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi, Commanding General of the Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self Defence Force, will visit India on the sidelines of the exercise. His presence at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on March 3rd will witness live demonstrations of combat shooting, specialized heliborne operations, and house intervention drills.

Strengthening Ties:

‘Dharma Guardian’ serves as a platform for sharing best practices in tactical operations and fostering interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual respect between troops. This strengthens defense cooperation, further solidifying the bilateral relationship between India and Japan.

Stay Updated:

Follow this space for further updates and insights into this crucial military exercise!

#IndiaJapanJointExercise #DharmaGuardian #MilitaryCooperation #StrategicPartnership

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