Zen Technologies Unveils Remote-Controlled Weapon and Surveillance Systems to Strengthen India's Defence Capabilities

Key Takeaways from the Launch

• Zen Technologies, in collaboration with AI Turing Technologies, has launched four advanced remote-controlled weapon and surveillance systems. 
• The newly unveiled systems are designed for use across land, sea, and air, strengthening India’s operational efficiency in multiple defence sectors.
• The systems, including Parashu, Fanish, Sharur, and Durgam, reflect Zen’s commitment to India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by offering homegrown, IP-owned solutions for defence modernisation.

These innovations are set to transform India’s defence capabilities across land, sea, and air by integrating advanced technologies that enhance operational efficiency.

According to a stock exchange filing, the RCWS - 7.62 x 51 MMG (Parashu) is a versatile weapon system optimised for both vehicles and ships, equipped with advanced thermal imaging and anti-drone features, making it an essential tool for rapid-response missions. Fanish, a tank-mounted RCWS 12.7 x 108 HMG, enhances firepower for tanks like the T-72 and T-90, ensuring precision in extreme conditions through sophisticated targeting technology. For naval defence, Sharur provides superior accuracy in low-visibility conditions, engaging surface and aerial threats with its robust stabilisation system. Lastly, the Artillery Rugged Camera (Durgam) offers all-weather surveillance with day/night vision, ideal for use in high-threat zones and extreme environments, providing real-time threat detection.

These systems underscore Zen Technologies’ commitment to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by providing indigenous, IP-owned defence solutions, advancing India’s defence modernisation across various platforms, the company said in the filing.

This launch further solidifies Zen's position as a key player in India’s defence sector, building on its previous successes with systems like Hawkeye and Prahasta.

Commenting on the launches, Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director of Zen Technologies, said: “At Zen, we, along with our associate companies are dedicated to designing and developing cutting-edge technology to enhance both national defence and global security. Our new range of remote-controlled weapons and surveillance systems are designed to equip armed forces with advanced tools that significantly boost operational capabilities while taking our soldiers out of harm’s way giving our forces extraordinary tactical superiority. This launch underscores our commitment to position India as a global leader in certain technologies of defence industry.” 

About Zen Technologies Limited

Zen Technologies, founded in 1996, creates combat training systems and anti-drone solutions for defence and security forces. The company focuses on developing technology within India, benefiting the country’s armed forces, police, and paramilitary units. Zen Technologies is based in Hyderabad, India, with additional offices in the UAE and the USA.

Key Takeaways from the Announcement

• Greenlam Industries has established a new subsidiary in Bangladesh, Greenlam Overseas Bengal Limited.
• The subsidiary will operate in the distribution and wholesale of high-pressure laminates and wood-based products.
• Greenlam Industries holds a 99.9% stake, having invested BDT 4,99,800 in 4,998 ordinary shares.
• The incorporation of this subsidiary strengthens Greenlam’s regional presence in Bangladesh.

As per a stock exchange filing, Greenlam Industries holds a 99.9% share in the new subsidiary, which was incorporated with an authorised share capital of BDT 2 crore and an initial subscribed capital of BDT 5 lakh. The subsidiary will act as a distributor and wholesaler of high-pressure laminates and other related products, further expanding Greenlam's presence in the South Asian market.

This move aligns with Greenlam's core business strategy and will help enhance its distribution network for wood-based products in Bangladesh.

About Greenlam Industries

Greenlam Industries is a leading manufacturer of laminates, decorative veneers, and allied products. With two manufacturing facilities in Behror (Rajasthan) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh), the company operates through a vast distribution network comprising nine regional distribution centres, 21 branch offices, and five warehouses. Greenlam's products are available in over 100 countries, supported by three international distribution centres, 14 overseas offices, and five operational subsidiaries. Its wide-reaching network includes over 14,000 distributors, dealers, and retailers, with a diverse team of 100+ multicultural employees.

Key Takeaways from Birlasoft’s Achievement:

• IT consulting and services organisation Birlasoft on 25 September announced that it has achieved the AWS Manufacturing and Industrial Consulting Competency status.
• It emphasises the capability of Birlasoft to deliver transformational digital solutions for manufacturing and industrial industries.
• Being an Advanced Tier Services Partner for AWS places a specific focus on the technical aspect and excellence in cloud-based solutions.
• The program aids in identifying partners whose industry expertise is scalable, flexible, and cost-effective for customers.
• In Birlasoft solutions, engineering and design, smart manufacturing, supply chain management, and sustainability are included.

As an AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner, Birlasoft commits to a high level of technical expertise combined with professional service excellence in cloud-based solutions. 

Chief Operating Officer at Birlasoft, Selvakumaran Mannappan, said on the development, "We are pleased to have achieved the AWS Competency in Manufacturing and Industrial Consulting, our second Competency from AWS.”

“Our cloud-based platforms and microservices-enabled architecture, supported by over 4,000 AWS proficient consultants and 30+ proprietary assets, are enabling our customers to achieve substantial improvements in performance, cost efficiency, and operational excellence,” added Mannappan.

The AWS Competency Program serves to help customers identify partners with deep industry expertise so that scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions can be delivered to organisations of all sizes. 

Birlasoft is also an AWS Manufacturing and Industrial Competency Partner offering solutions in the breadth of Engineering and Design, Smart Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, and beyond.

About Birlasoft Limited:

Birlasoft Limited is a global leader in Cloud, AI, and Digital technologies. Coupled with industry knowledge and enterprise solutions, the company works on a consultative and design-focused approach to helping businesses improve efficiency and productivity around the world. Birlasoft, led by Chairman Mrs. Amita Birla, has over 12,000 professionals dedicated to driving digital transformation. Being richly experienced in specific industries, the company delivers advanced technology solutions that add towards building sustainable communities.

About CK Birla Group:

CK Birla Group is an Indian multinational company, and it posted revenues of around $3 billion with over 35,000 employees. It has 52 manufacturing units spread across India and other countries and is present in diverse business streams, such as technology, automotive, home and building, and healthcare. The firm looks to create long-term value through trust-based relationships with its customers, partners, and communities and engages in philanthropy. In the last 70 years, the family has built trusts and foundations for social development and healthcare, gifting science, technology, education, art, and culture to society. Companies owned by the group are Birlasoft, HIL Limited, Orient Electric, CK Birla Healthcare, GMMCO, NBC Bearings, Orient Cement, Orient Paper, AVTEC, and Neosym Industries.

About Amazon Web Services India Private Limited:

Since its launch in 2006, Amazon Web Services India Private Limited has provided prime cloud technologies that assist organisations and individuals in developing solutions to improve industries, communities, and lives. As an Amazon company, AWS focuses on being the most customer-centric company on Earth. This they achieve by being informed about the challenges of their customers in providing cloud infrastructure serving their needs, enabling constant innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Whether an entrepreneur with a new venture, an established company looking to reinvent itself, a not-for-profit continuing to advance its mission, or a government looking to serve its citizens, customers trust AWS to achieve their goals, implement their ideas, and store and protect their data.

Key Takeaways from Tata Motors Financial Performance:

• Tata Motors reported a 74% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 5,566 crore from Rs 3,203 crore the previous year.
• Revenue from operations for April-June rose 5.7% at Rs 1,07,316 crore compared with Rs 1,01,528 crore for the same period last year.
• Consolidated EBITDA grew 19% year-on-year, with the operating margin improving to 14.6% from 12.9%.
• Domestic CV revenue of Rs 17,800 crore witnessed 5.1% growth and margins improved 240 bps QoQ at 8.9%.
• Passenger vehicle revenue declined 7.7% due to challenging market conditions but EBITDA improved by 50 bps at 5.8% due to low material costs.
• JLR reported a revenue increase of 5.4% in the quarter to GBP 7.3 billion and firmed up its EBIT margins at 8.9% due to improved sales and cost efficiencies.

EBITDA for the company stood at Rs 15,785 crore, with a year-on-year growth of 19%. The operating margin touched 14.6% from the earlier level of 12.9% in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Revenue from the domestic market for commercial vehicles stood at Rs 17,800 crore, up by 5.1% year-on-year. Consolidated EBITDA margins grew by 240 basis points to 8.9% mainly because of better pricing and cost savings.

However, passenger vehicle revenues fell by 7.7%, primarily because of tough market conditions. EBITDA, however, increased by 50 basis points at 5.8% due to lower material costs.

JLR or Jaguar Land Rover for Tata's premium line of business’ revenues were up by 5.4% for the quarter at GBP 7.3 billion with EBIT margins increasing to 8.9% due to better sales and lower material costs.

“The passenger vehicle industry in Q1FY25 witnessed retail (registrations) moderating, impacted by the general elections and intense heatwaves across the country,“ Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Motors Electric Mobility, said. “Tata Motors’ sales of 138,682 cars and SUVs were slightly lower than in Q1FY24, as we proactively readjusted our wholesales in line with retail to keep channel inventory under control.”

About Tata Motors Limited:

Tata Motors Limited, or TML, is one of the largest Original Equipment Manufacturers in India. It offers a comprehensive suite of integrated smart and e-mobility solutions. Commercial vehicles of TML range from less than 1 tonne gross vehicle weights to 55 tonnes and small, medium, and large buses and coaches. For passenger cars, TML introduced the NEW FOREVER range, which gives a new expression through the IMPACT 2.0 design language, along with innovative and sustainable technologies. Similarly, with new-age electric mobility, TML is well-positioned to outclass the Indian market. In addition to these, TML has joint ventures with Fiat Group Automobiles to manufacture passenger cars, engines, and transmissions for both domestic markets as well as with Cummins Inc. for the design and production of diesel engines.