Pune: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the critical role Pune plays in research, development, and production for the defense sector. Speaking at the Army Day celebrations held at the parade ground of the 'Bombay Engineer Group,' General Dwivedi described Pune as a "powerhouse" for ammunition and vehicle manufacturing.

Significance of the Southern Command

Highlighting the importance of the Pune-based Southern Command, General Dwivedi said, "The Southern Command is one of the largest commands, covering 11 states and three Union Territories, which together account for 41% of the country's land area. It oversees three naval headquarters and four air force headquarters, ensuring seamless coordination for defense operations. The command also facilitates joint military exercises with other nations and manages industries essential for the defense sector. This enables the adoption of new technologies, research and development, and production. The Southern Command will play a pivotal role in the transformative changes ahead."

Focus on Self-Reliance in Defense

The Army Day parade underscored the importance of self-reliance. General Dwivedi highlighted that 85% of the Indian Army's capital expenditure is now allocated to indigenous products. "Everything displayed in the parade, including robots and Vajra tanks, was made in India. Self-reliance entails mental self-sufficiency, industrial self-sufficiency, and achieving the vision of a developed India through an Indian lens," he stated.

Future Plans: Inclusion of Veterans and Industries

Looking ahead, General Dwivedi announced plans to expand next year’s Army Day celebrations. "Cities like Guwahati, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Jabalpur are being considered as potential venues for the parade. A dedicated committee will assess the necessary facilities and finalize the location. We are also planning to include veterans and industries involved in defense production in next year’s event," he added.