After Operation Sindoor, two key Army commands — tasked with China and Pakistan — have joined hands with domestic industry to develop technology solutions in drones, AI, satellite communication, robotics and navigation systems.A three-day North Tech Symposium will open in Prayagraj on Monday, focusing on sustaining troops and inducting the latest technologies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the event. The Northern Command, headquartered in Udhampur, and the Central Command, headquartered in Lucknow, along with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), are hosting it.The Ministry of Defence said 284 industry vendors were expected to participate. The domestic industry will present possible solutions to 87 specific needs of the Army. These requirements have been prepared by eight Army teams, and the industry was informed in advance. Existing technology gaps have been assessed, along with lessons from contemporary conflicts.A key focus of the event will be drones, which have emerged as a potent warfare tool. The two Army Commands have asked industry to propose options for ‘kamikaze’ systems; vertically launched anti-tank loitering munitions; high-altitude drones with satellite communication capability; drone-based radar capable of penetrating tree cover; high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance swarms; and drone systems capable of neutralising radars.Industry has also been asked to provide solutions using AI for decoding and translating intercepted enemy communications; AI-enabled real-time drone threat detection systems; AI-based counter-drone electronic warfare systems; AI systems for detecting camouflaged and concealed military assets; AI-enabled autonomous signal interception sensors; and AI-assisted automated combat communication systems.The two commands are also seeking aerial and ground robotic mission systems, including robots equipped with assault rifles and all-terrain remotely operated dozers.The Northern Command is dual-tasked — handling Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The Central Command is responsible for the LAC in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.The Ministry of Defence said, “The symposium is expected to serve as a bridge between defence forces, scientists, industry leaders and the academic community.”It is centred on the theme “Convergence of Technology, Industry and Soldiering” and aims to provide a collaborative platform for the armed forces, industry, innovators and academia to address operational challenges through technology-driven solutions.