Indian Army Chief Visits Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 in Pune

Pune: Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, visited the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 at the International Exhibition Convention Centre, Moshi, Pune, on February 26, 2024. The expo, organized by the Government of Maharashtra, serves as a platform to showcase the indigenous capabilities and innovations of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), private companies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, and Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) setups in Maharashtra.

Addressing the MSMEs and students, General Manoj Pande praised Maharashtra as a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, industrial growth, exports, and FDI attractiveness. He highlighted Maharashtra’s strategic vision, being the first state in India to frame a Defence Manufacturing Policy after private investment was allowed in the defence sector. The state has declared Aerospace and Defence manufacturing as a thrust sector in the ‘Package Scheme of Incentives,’ resulting in over 20% contribution to the country’s output in aircraft, ships, and boats and 30% to the national output in weapons and ammunition.

General Pande emphasized the economic growth witnessed by India, citing improved consumer affluence, better standards of living, higher literacy rates, and rising citizen aspirations. He commended government agencies and armed forces for their commitment to sustainable development and being reliable supply chain stakeholders.

Highlighting the focus on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), General Pande mentioned the Indian Army’s emphasis on leveraging both MSMEs and the startup ecosystem to meet capability development requirements. Under the Innovations in Defence Excellence (iDEX) procurement, 55 Indian Army projects worth Rs 400 Cr are being pursued through 65 startups. Notably, four contracts worth Rs 70 Cr have been concluded for the procurement of equipment.

The Chief of Army Staff also shared insights into the Indian Army’s in-house Ideas & Innovation initiative, showcasing two innovations, VIDYUT RAKSHAK (an IoT-based generator protection system) and a biomedical device. He emphasized the importance of promoting innovation, highlighting that the Indian Army has filed 66 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), including 13 patents, 5 copyrights, and 5 design registrations.

During the expo, the Indian Army displayed various indigenous equipment and systems, including Tank T-90, BMP Mk-II, Soltam Gun, Dhanush Howitzer, K-9 Vajra, Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher, Sarvatra Bridge System, Schilka Gun, Fly Catcher Radar of Army Air Defence, Tavor, Sig Sauer & M4 Assault Rifles, Ak-47, Sniper Rifles, and other weapons and equipment.

General Pande interacted with participating industries, encouraging them to align their products and services with the future requirements of the Indian Army. He urged collective contributions to the aspirations, goals, and objectives of a Rising India through a commitment to Atmanirbharta.