 "Robot dogs steal the show at Indian Army Day parade: The military’s best friend?")
Robot dogs have stolen the show at the Indian Army Day parade.
The Indian Army at the parade on Wednesday put on display its first batch of robotic Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULES).
The MULES were showcased at the Southern Command Investiture Ceremony at the BEG & Centre Parade Ground in Khadki.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, GOC-in-C Southern Command, supervised the ceremony.
But what do we know about these robot dogs?
Let’s take a closer look:
As per The Times of India, the ARCV MULES put on display were designed by AeroArc.
This New Delhi-based firm is a subsidiary of Arc Ventures (ARCV).
They can perform various duties such as perimeter security, asset protection, handling hazardous materials (CBRNE), bomb disposal, and intelligence gathering.
They can operate autonomously or be guided via remote control.
They comprise a computer, battery, front and rear sensors, and legs for mobility.
The MULES weigh 51 kilo and have a top speed of three metres per second.
They have a battery life of 20 hours and work on the NVIDIA Xavier processor.
They can carry a load of up to 12 kilos. They can be set up within 15 minutes.
The Indian Army received 100 of these MULES in June.
A defence source told The Print that the Indian Army ordered these mules under emergency procurement in September 2023.
The scheme allows the army to negitate contracts up to Rs 300 crore.
They are designed to operate across different terrain, reduce risk to soldiers and improve their efficiency.
The MULES are said to be able to ascend and descend stairs, steep inclines and navigate area filled with debris.
They are designed to operate in for extreme temperatures – from -40°C to 55°C) and are said to be dustproof and water-resistant.
Sources told The Print these MULES come with thermal cameras and other sensors that can help them carry out surveillance.
They can also be equipped with small arms that allow them to confront the enemy without putting our soldiers’ lives at risk.
The MULES can also carry payloads to soldiers serving on the front lines.
“The MULES are basically for surveillance in mountainous terrain or when it is suspected that some terrorists are holding up. Risking a human life or that of a canine soldier does not make sense,” the source said.
“These machines can also carry small arms and can engage with the enemy as and when needed,” the source added.
According to The Times UK, these robot dogs are meant to replace actual mules – which deliver ammunition, food and medicines to remote areas.
News18 previously reported that the MULES will be able to self-recover and avoid obstacles.
They will be assigned a route and be tracked via a command station at least a hundred kilometres away.
They could even be deployed by special forces.
Army Day Parade
The Army Day Parade, which is traditonally held in New Delhi, was for the first time held in Pune.
The theme for the 77th Army Day celebrations was ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena.’
The focus this time was on demonstrating the capabilities of the army contributing to a stronger nation.
The Army Day Parade commemorated Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s appointment as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, symbolizing India’s post-independence military leadership.
All-female Agniveer contingent, an all-female marching group from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), and the Nepal Army band marched during the parade.
The Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, Madras Regiment, Mechanised Infantry, Regiment of Artillery, Bombay Engineer Group, Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps also participated in the parade.
The parade also featured various weapons including the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer, BMP-2 Sarath infantry combat vehicle, Sarvatra bridging system, T-90 tanks, Swathi weapon locating radar, ATOR N1200 all-terrain vehicle, multi-barrel rocket system, drone jamming systems, and mobile communication nodes.
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable while asserting that his force is fully ready and capable of dealing with any situation. In his address at the 77th Army Day celebrations here, he also said the ceasefire is maintained along the Line of Control (LoC) but “attempts to infiltrate continue”.
He said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable. “Our Army is fully ready and capable to deal with any situation,” the Army chief said. He also underlined that special attention has been given to developing modern equipment and critical infrastructure at the northern border.
“We will continue on the path to make the Indian Army a modern, agile, adaptable, technology-enabled force,” he asserted.
The army chief said the 77th Army Day Parade taking place in Pune holds special significance as it has been a place of valour since the Maratha rule.
With inputs from agencies
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