Army intensifies modernization drive with a focus on surveillance, night fighting

New Delhi, July 29 (UNI) The Indian Army, in its modernization drive, is focusing on long-range weapons, night fighting capabilities, multi-capacity drones, and early detection and targeting systems. As per the latest figures, as many as 93 modernization projects of the Army are at various stages with procurement worth Rs 1.37 lakh crore ($18.4 billion) under progress. Further with the emphasis on indigenization, 19 out of 22 new procurements in the current financial year are made from indigenous suppliers.”The objective (of the modernization) was to address operational deficiencies, even as the rebalancing of additional forces and infrastructure upgrades on the northern borders were fast-tracked to counter the Chinese threat,” a source said. Ongoing plans include the large incorporation of artillery guns and advanced Pinaka rocket regiments.