Army Set to Deploy Robots to Fight Terror in Jammu and Kashmir

The defence ministry has reportedly sanctioned the proposal, which suggested a requirement of 544 robots.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Image used for representational purpose.

(Photo Courtesy: Muneeb) 

In what is being touted as a boost to the anti-terror fight in Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian Army has proposed to build indigenous robots that are designed to deliver ammunition at targeted locations, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

The defence ministry has sanctioned the proposal, which suggested a requirement of 544 robots, army officials reportedly said.

It is under the ‘Make’ category of acquisition in the Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 that stipulates that only Indian vendors can participate in these endeavours, according to the report.

Also Read: Finally After 20 Years, Indian Army Gets Modern Ballistic Helmets

The army was quoted in a report by the Hindustan Times as saying:

The way the situation is evolving (in J&K), it may just be a matter of time when security forces as a whole, and Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in particular, will be facing the threat in built-up and super built-up areas.

The RR is a high-profile counter-terrorism force, which was established in the nineties. An army note said:

These robotic surveillance platforms can be extensively used by the RR forces…for gathering real-time input prior to manual insertion.

Also Read: India Raises “Caution Level” Among Troops in Eastern Sector

According to the report, these “lightweight and rugged” robots will comprise many surveillance cameras and transmission systems with a 200 metre-range. The army note also claims, as quoted in the report:

A second unit which can be operated alongside the first unit by a single operator with the same remote (having at least dual display screen) should also form part of the system.

So far, an indigenous remotely operated vehicle called ‘Daksh’ has been used for handling improvised explosive devices.

(With inputs from the Hindustan Times)

(Love your mother tongue? This Independence Day, tell The Quint why and how you love your bhasha. You may even win a BOL t-shirt! Sing, write, perform, spew poetry – whatever you like – in your mother tongue. Send us your BOL at [e-mail] or WhatsApp it to 9910181818.)