Army explores next-gen defence tech at Agra workshop

Agra: The Indian Army’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhancing operational readiness took centre stage over the weekend, as senior Army officials reviewed advanced electronics, thermal imaging, and counter-drone projects at the 509 Army Base Workshop (ABW) in Agra.Army Master General Sustenance (MGS) Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, alongside Director General of Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) Lt Gen Rajiv K Sahni, visited the workshop on June 27 to assess its strategy for technology infusion and enhancing production. To address evolving technological challenges, Industry 5.0 practices were spotlighted – a manufacturing model that pairs automation and AI with human intelligence.The 509 ABW functions as the Army’s centre of excellence for Opto Electronics, managing the maintenance, repair and upgradation of operational optical sights, radars and telecommunication equipment.Key projects showcased at the facility included the manufacturing of a 500 mW cryocooler, a critical component for thermal imagers, and the development of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capable of drone detection and directional jamming.

The facility has also undertaken innovative repair techniques to maintain the legacy Weapon Locating Radars, upgraded passive night sights and cooled thermal imagers into uncooled systems, and established a state-of-the-art telecommunication repair facility to service next-generation equipment.Army officers said the initiatives, developed in line with the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, will enhance operational preparedness, reduce reliance on imported defence technologies, and generate substantial cost savings through indigenous manufacturing and maintenance capabilities.