Amid an evolving geopolitical environment characterized by unconventional threats, such as proxy conflicts and grey zone warfare, India’s defence strategy is undergoing a significant transformation. Army Chief General Manoj Pande has earmarked 2024 as the pivotal year for technology to catalyze this shift. “Our focus is on harnessing technology to drive transformative change and on collaborating with the domestic defence industry to innovate solutions that meet our operational and logistic demands,” General Pande asserted.
This strategic pivot underscores a broader trend in defence sectors globally, where technology integration is becoming central to maintaining competitive military capabilities.
Kanpur based MKU & Indian Army
At the vanguard of this movement is MKU, a leading Indian defence technology firm, known for its expertise in indigenous design, development, and deployment of advanced technologies for soldier and platform systems. These range from sophisticated armouring solutions to cutting-edge night vision and thermal optronic technologies.
With over four decades in the field, MKU has established itself as a cornerstone of the Indian defence industry, contributing to 80 percent of the armed forces’ technological needs. The company’s history is marked by pivotal moments, such as swiftly supplying over 10,000 mountaineering boots during the Kargil war, becoming the largest supplier of fiberglass helmets in 1992, and fulfilling a landmark contract for 158,000 advanced ballistic helmets in 2017. These milestones are reflective of MKU’s guiding principle: “Sashakt Sainik Shaksham Bharat ” (Empowered Soldier, Capable India).
MKU body armour, optronics & Indian Army
In line with General Pande’s vision, MKU’s Made-In-India Armouring and Optronic solutions stand as testaments to the army’s technological progression. The company is poised to roll out an array of innovative, customer-centric products, setting the stage for a transformative year in the defence industry.
This strategic development not only enhances India’s military capabilities but also positions the country as a key player in the global defence market, potentially opening avenues for international collaborations and exports.