Zen Technologies has secured a Rs 1.20 billion contract from the Ministry of Defence to establish India’s first Combat Training Node (CTN) at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. The institution, regarded as the alma mater of the country’s infantry forces, will host this state-of-the-art training ecosystem designed to enhance operational preparedness through advanced simulation technologies.

The CTN will integrate more than 60 training simulators and solutions, aimed at modernising and standardising combat training. The initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of strengthening indigenous capabilities in defence technology and reducing dependence on imported systems.

“The creation of India’s first Combat Training Node is evidence that indigenous R&D, when supported by the right policy framework, can deliver world-class capability,” said Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director, Zen Technologies. He noted that the late Manohar Parrikar had recognised early on that companies with strong R&D foundations and combat-proven systems serve as strategic national assets rather than mere vendors.

According to him, the CTN will provide faster readiness, reduced lifecycle costs and home-grown technology that strengthens India’s defence edge. He added that the initiative demonstrates what Atmanirbhar Bharat can achieve when intellectual property development is prioritised alongside manufacturing. Atluri further said that the CTN represents a shift in India’s defence training philosophy—from reliance on foreign systems to building battle-tested indigenous capabilities with export potential. Domestic firms, he said, are uniquely positioned to iterate rapidly based on operational feedback, unlike overseas vendors limited by export regulations and commercial constraints.

The new CTN is expected to set a benchmark for future training infrastructure in the country, enhancing soldier preparedness while showcasing the potential of India’s defence industry to innovate, scale and compete globally.

News source:  Business Standard