In an exclusive interview with Life of Soldiers, Prachi Gupta, the CEO of Netro Optronics, a division of MKU, shared her invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of defence technologies. As a visionary leader in one of India’s foremost defence manufacturing firms, Prachi Gupta discussed the critical role her division plays in equipping modern armed forces with cutting-edge optronic solutions. She highlighted the challenges, innovations, and future trends shaping the industry, while also emphasizing MKU’s commitment to supporting national security and enhancing operational capabilities of defence personnel globally. This conversation offers a deep dive into the technological advancements driving India’s defence ecosystem forward.

LoS: Could you explain MKU’s role in providing optronic solutions to the Indian Army?

PG: At MKU, we are committed with our ultimate motto of empowering heroes, we offer advanced, indigenous optronic solutions under our brand NETRO, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Indian Army. We specialize in providing smart-edge situational awareness and surveillance systems that enable soldiers to maintain a clear view of the battlefield, regardless of the conditions. Our solutions also extend to weapon aiming systems for various firearms, ranging from small arms to heavy machine guns and grenade launchers. Additionally, we have developed, ANVG (Aviator Night Vision Goggles), which enhance the operational capabilities of military Helicopter pilots during night-time missions. All these innovations stem from our commitment to delivering indigenously developed, high-quality solutions that boost the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness.

LoS: What are the key features of MKU’s optronic technology that set it apart from competitors?

PG: Several factors differentiate MKU’s optronic products from competitors. First and foremost, we retain complete intellectual property (IP) ownership of all of our products, ensuring we have full control over the design and development process. Each product is fully indigenous, which not only supports local manufacturing but also allows for quick adjustments based on operational feedback. The focus on ease of use is critical—our products are designed with soldiers in mind, ensuring that they can be operated intuitively, even in the most stressful situations. Additionally, the reliability of our products is second to none, as we integrate some of the most advanced sensors available on the market today, which greatly enhances their performance and accuracy and we achieve this reliability and durability of our devices through different kind of rigorous testing parameters being conducted at our inhouse world class environment testing labs.

LoS: How does MKU ensure the durability and reliability of its optronic equipment in extreme combat conditions?

PG: Ensuring the durability and reliability of our optronic devices is a top priority for us. To achieve this, we employ a detailed Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), which allows us to anticipate potential failure points and address them during the design phase. We also invest heavily in state-of-the-art testing equipment to ensure that each component of our products undergoes rigorous testing. By subjecting our equipment to harsh environmental simulations and endurance tests, we ensure that our solutions can withstand extreme combat conditions and continue functioning without failure.

LoS: Can you elaborate on the latest advancements MKU has made in night vision and thermal imaging technologies?

PG: MKU has made significant strides in the realm of night vision and thermal imaging technologies. Some of our latest innovations-

NM 3200– an ULTRA LIGHT WEIGHT night vison monocular which is extremely light weight in industry

MW 5000– It is a sighting system that enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of grenade launchers, and heavy machine guns (HMGs). It integrates multiple advanced optronic components: the NETRO TW-4100 Thermal Weapon Sight, NETRO DW-1101 Reflex Sight, and NETRO LW-2100 Laser Range Finder. It features a special mount with ballistic range compensator for precise aiming.

NB 3101– Aviation NVGs are specialized night vision goggles designed for helicopter and light fixed wing pilots. It enhances situational awareness by amplifying existing ambient light (moonlight, starlight) to create a clear view in low-light conditions.

LoS: How does MKU integrate artificial intelligence or data analytics into its optronic products?

PG: We are constantly working on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to enhance the capabilities of our optronic solutions, specifically in target detection and precision acquisition.

LoS: What role does your company play in enhancing the situational awareness of soldiers on the battlefield through optronic?

PG: We provide a range of systems aimed at enhancing situational awareness for soldiers in the field. One of our most innovative developments is the use of fusion optics, which combine multiple sensors to offer an integrated view of the battlefield.

Moreover, we have a strategic alliance with Estonian technology firm Vegvisir, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of advanced situational awareness systems within India’s armoured vehicle fleets. This partnership promises to outfit over 10,000 Indian armored vehicles, including Main Battle Tanks, Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and Armored Personnel Carriers, with Vegvisir’s bespoke situational awareness technologies.

LoS: Could you share examples of feedback received from the Indian Army regarding MKU’s optronic equipment?

PG: We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Indian Army regarding the design and performance of our optronic equipment. One of the recurring themes in the feedback is how intuitive and user-friendly our products are, which is a result of us incorporating input from ex-servicemen during the design phase. Their insights have allowed us to create fail-safe designs that work seamlessly in combat situations. The Indian Army has also praised the durability and reliability of our equipment, which consistently meets their high standards.

LoS: How does MKU support the ‘Make in India’ initiative while developing high-end optronics solutions?

PG: MKU is deeply committed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. We invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to create indigenous products that cater specifically to the needs of the Indian military. By working closely with our supply chain partners and local manufacturers, we have been able to achieve over 80% indigenization in our products. This not only strengthens India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem but also reduces dependency on foreign technology.

LoS:  What are some of the challenges MKU faces when designing products for specific operational requirements of the Indian Army?

PG: One of the biggest challenges we face is designing products that can perform in India’s varied and extreme terrains. From high-pressure and temperature conditions to humidity and desert environments, our products must withstand it all. This requires us to conduct extensive testing to ensure that each piece of equipment functions optimally in every conceivable condition, whether in mountainous regions or low-lying plains.

LoS:  How do MKU’s optronic solutions contribute to the broader goals of modernization within the Indian Armed Forces?

PG: MKU’s optronic solutions contribute significantly to the Indian Armed Forces’ modernization by providing some of the best sensors, advanced image processing, and cutting-edge optical designs. We constantly push the boundaries of technology, aiming to create lighter devices with a wider operational range, thus ensuring our forces are always equipped with the most advanced and efficient tools available.

Published by- Life of Soldiers