KEEPING pace with the changing security scenario driven by rapid advancement in AI-powered technology, the Army has gone high-tech with the introductionofstate-of-the-artequipment like smart fence system, robotic mules and all-terrain vehicles to fortify security along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said.

 

The newly-introduced equipment, including quadcopters, advanced surveillance tools, bullet-proof vehicles, modern weapons and night-vision sights,wereallsuccessfully tested during Operation Sindoor between May 7 and May 10, whenIndianArmedForcescarried out missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack andsuccessfullycountered the enemy retaliation. Providing a rare opportunity to visiting mediapersons to witness the Indian Army’s unwavering courage and dedication along the LoC in the remote regions of Sunderbani ahead of Independence Day, theArmyhas activateda threelayered security system and intensified patrolling and vigil all along the border to ensure peaceful celebrations of the event.

 

The induction of advanced military vehicles like the Armadoandall-terrainvehicles have given the Army’s quickreaction teams an advantage to act swiftly in the most challengingandrugged terrainwith dense foliage to neutralise any threat, especially from infiltrating terrorists, the officials said. During a drill, the soldiers demonstrated how they cordon off an area and engage terrorists, highlighting the vehicles’ speed, protection and adaptability. The Mahindra Armoured LightSpecialistVehicle (ALSV) or Armadois a lightweight and air-transportable armoured vehicle designed for the Army and special forces.

 

The indigenously-developed “Robotic Mule” is emerging as a game-changer on the battlefield, the officials said, adding that the MULE (Multi-Utility Legged Equipment), designed byAeroArc under the“Makein India” initiative, is a quadrupedal robot capable of navigatingsnow,deserts,water and other challenging terrains to complete the assigned job. During Operation Sindoor, these robotic mules played a crucialrolein surveillance and logistics, an Army official said. Equipped with advanced sensors, he said theMULE can transport supplies, detect explosives andconductreconnaissance. Its modular design allows forcustomisationacross various battlefield roles and it can even operate in swarms, creating a “mini robot army” that enhancesoperational efficiency while reducing risks to soldiers.