Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt General S K Saini on Saturday said that drones or unmanned aerial vehicles posed a greater threat in their innovative employment and destructive potential.

Speaking at a webinar organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJWOS) Lt General Saini said, “Considering their (drones) low cost, multi-use and dense proliferation, the threat will no doubt increase manifold in the years to come.”

Saini was addressing a webinar titled “Force Protection India 2020” and spoke at great lengths on numerous issues pertaining to requirements for the protection of armed forces.

Lt General Saini added, “third dimension” threats like drone poses a unique challenge in the near future and hence the Indian Army must plan for it from now.

Saini further noted, “Both hard kill and soft kill counter-drone solutions, including swarm technology, are the need of the hour.”

Saini also stated, “Among other threats, drones and UAVs stand out in their innovative employment and destructive potential.”

The Army vice chief talked in detail about the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and said that such devices were here to stay. He added that such devices were gaining popularity among terrorists and anti-national elements.

Technological innovation is key to combating the threat from the IEDs, Saini said.

“A combination of robotics, artificial intelligence and big data analysis could provide a possible answer,” he added.

Security of defence establishments and vital installations across the country is another key area where the Army has focused its efforts in the past few years, as these present lucrative and high profile targets, he said.

Saini also said that a large number of Indian troops were deployed in extremely high altitude where temperatures reach up to -50 degrees and added that give the dearth of “viable indigenous solutions” India was importing cold-weather clothing and equipment for the soldier.

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Saini added, “A collaborative effort needs to be put in this field to fulfil our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Saini further added that the Indian Army had made substantial progress in terms of modern arms, ammunition, protection, kitting and clothing but said that there was much scope for innovation.

Saini further said that “There is a requirement to focus on night-vision goggles, combat helmets, bulletproof jackets, light portable communication sets and many more.”