On the second day of Aero India 2025, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), continued his engagement with industry leaders to gain firsthand insights into the latest defence innovations. His visit underscored the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to indigenisation, collaboration with the defence industry, and advancing technological self-reliance.
The COAS visited several key industry stalls, where he interacted with both Indian and international partners. The stalls showcased a range of advanced defence technologies, from UAVs and counter-UAV systems to aviation platforms and cutting-edge missile systems.
Indigenous Capabilities and Strategic Collaborations
General Dwivedi’s visit to the stalls highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with the defence industry. He expressed the Indian Army’s focus on enhancing self-reliance, stating, “85% of the acquisition by the Indian Army is indigenous in nature. Since we have a lot of revenue and capital requirements, starting from UAVs, counter-UAVs, and aviation, we are looking at it in a big way as of now. We are also looking at Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). These are the issues we are looking at immediately. As far as the upgradation of various equipment and platforms is concerned, we are looking for great support from the Indian industry.”
General Dwivedi reaffirmed that self-reliance remains a top priority for the Indian Army. He highlighted the success of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program, with the Army having flown 40,000 hours in the past two years, marking significant progress. He further added, “As far as ALH is concerned, in the last two years, we have flown 40,000 hours. Apart from one, we have no major problem at all. Now, whatever we are looking at has to be made in India as self-reliance will always remain our main priority.”
The COAS also noted the increasing collaboration between the Army and the defence industry, saying, “The Army is collaborating with the industry from the conceptual stage. As seen in Aero India, the Army’s aspirations are being met by the industry.” This partnership is pivotal in meeting the evolving needs of the Indian Army, ensuring that the force remains equipped with world-class technologies tailored to its requirements.
Stalls Visited by COAS
The COAS visited several prominent stalls of Indian companies and also interacted with international companies These stalls presented a broad spectrum of solutions that enhance the Indian Army’s capabilities, ranging from surveillance systems and missile technology to next-generation aerospace platforms.
After his visit to the industry stalls, General Dwivedi witnessed the static display of various aviation platforms.
A Vision for the Future
The ongoing efforts at Aero India 2025 underscore a future where the Indian Army continues to prioritise indigenisation and self-reliance, while fostering innovation through strategic partnerships with both domestic and international defence industries. General Dwivedi’s interactions on the second day of the event reaffirmed the Indian Army’s dedication to strengthening its capabilities, ensuring it remains ready to meet both current and future security challenges.
