As part of the ongoing Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) Abhiyan, the Battle Axe Division of the Army’s Southern Command organized an academia–industry interaction focusing on drone innovation. The event brought together over 50 representatives from Dronum Aviation Ltd, leading academic institutions, and the Indian Army to discuss advancements in drone technology and defense capabilities.
The interaction aimed to align regional talent, research capabilities, and industrial innovation with the technological needs of the Indian Armed Forces. Discussions emphasized the significance of unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, and multi-domain operational capabilities in modern warfare scenarios.
Experts from academia and industry shared insights on indigenous research, skill development, and technological innovation to meet future battlefield requirements. The event also explored ways to strengthen industry–academia partnerships and foster innovation ecosystems for self-reliant defense technologies.
The engagement highlighted the importance of local innovation ecosystems in enhancing national security through collaborative technological development. It reaffirmed the commitment of the Southern Command to promoting innovation, enhancing indigenous capabilities, and preparing for future operational challenges.
Lt Col Nikhil Dhawan, PRO Defence, Rajasthan, emphasized that by integrating knowledge and technological expertise from various stakeholders, the initiative contributes to building a resilient defense ecosystem to support the nation’s security objectives.
