Lt Gen JS Sidana, Commandant of the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Electronics & Mechanical Engineers, recently emphasized the importance of self-reliance in defense technology. He spoke as the chief guest at the Southern Star Army – Academia – Industry Interface’ (S² A² I²) event in Secunderabad, organized by the 1 EME Centre. Lt Gen JS Sidana discussed the challenges faced by defense manufacturers in their journey towards self-reliance and highlighted various government initiatives to support industry participation in defense production, fast track research and development, and accelerated procurement procedures. He also emphasized the role of academia in developing next-generation defense technologies.
During the event, representatives from various industries and eminent speakers discussed the opportunities and potential for academia to promote military indigenization and financing indigenous manufacturing of defense equipment. Maj Gen Rakesh Manocha, General Officer Commanding, Telangana & Andhra Sub Area, stressed the need for the Indian Army to enhance its outreach and collaborate with industries and academia for indigenously manufactured defense-related equipment.
The S2A2I2 event aimed to strengthen bonds between the Indian Army, industry, and academia. Major industries dealing with defense-related products and technologies, as well as academic institutions, participated in the event. The second half of the event featured technical talks by industry experts on the challenges faced by industry and academia in meeting the expectations of the Indian Army. This was followed by a panel discussion involving industry, academia, and armed forces supporting the Army’s initiative.
Brig Suresh G, Comdt 1 EME Centre, delivered the closing address and appreciated the efforts of academia and industry in making the event a success. The findings of the discussion and out-of-the-box ideas for implementation were summarized during this address. Overall, S2A2I2 achieved its mandate and was considered a huge success.
