Ex-Military Leaders Commend India's Military Growth and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' Program
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On Armed Forces Veterans' Day, former military officials expressed pride in India's military growth and recognized the significance of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in strengthening defense capabilities, showcasing advancements in technology and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- India's military strength has significantly increased.
- Initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat are crucial to defense.
- The Dhanush gun is a notable addition to the arsenal.
- New technologies in warfare are being integrated.
- Infrastructure development along borders is progressing.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) On the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans' Day, numerous former military officials conveyed their pride in India's escalating military prowess, deeming it a significant accomplishment.
The veterans especially lauded initiatives such as "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) for bolstering the defense sector.
Retired Lieutenant General D.P. Pandey stated to IANS, "The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative is empowering our army with significant strength. This initiative will ensure that we are no longer dependent on foreign sources."
Retired Major General G.D. Bakshi noted that India's military has greatly enhanced, integrating new technologies. He emphasized that India's army has excelled in electronic and cyber warfare.
He also mentioned that the Dhanush gun is now part of India's arsenal.
The 8X gun, according to him, is currently among the most formidable combat artillery pieces globally, boasting a range of 48 km and the capacity to fire five rounds per minute. In contrast, its American counterpart has a range of 45 km and can only fire three rounds per minute. Notably, this gun is manufactured indigenously in India.
Retired Major Gaurav Arya asserted that India's army has significantly strengthened over the last decade. He highlighted that the new weapon platforms introduced are unprecedented.
He added that the nation has never experienced such a vast influx of weaponry.
This advantage, he believes, stems from the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
He pointed to various advancements, including the Zorawar and Vajra tanks, Tejas fighter jets, INS Vikrant, nuclear submarines Arihant and Arighaat, Chinook helicopters, and combat drones, among others.
He observed that in the past decade, there has been a revolutionary transformation in India’s defense sector.
On the ninth Armed Forces Veterans' Day, retired Colonel D.P.K. Pillai reflected on the might of the Indian Army.
He compared the reactions to the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the Uri attack, underscoring the substantial differences in the manner both incidents were handled.
He noted that the Indian Army's approach has transitioned from a passive stance to an aggressive defense policy.
He also highlighted the military's substantial progress in infrastructure development, particularly along the border.
Many border roads that had remained undeveloped for years, whether along the China border or in Jammu and Kashmir, are now in the process of development.
