Indian Army: News and Discussion

[Sridhar]

Indian Army outshines armies of 11 other countries in Everest Marathon 09!

BY : INDIAN ARMY PR

Army Adventure Wing, Directorate General of Military Training, for the first time, fielded four members team in Everest Marathon, the world’s highest, prestigious and renowned International High Altitude Adventure Sports event. The Marathon is organized by Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon Committee every year to commemorate the first ascent to Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. It is conducted as per the Olympic regulations and demands a very high level of physical and mental fitness of the participants.

The four member’s Indian team were selected after rigorous training and selection trial organized by Army Adventure Wing in the similar terrain, altitude and weather conditions prevailing at Everest Base Camp.

The marathon, starting from Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 18,000 ft and culminated at Namche Bazar (11,500 ft) traversing through glacial moraine in the Highland Sherpa trails of Khumbu Valley covering a distance of 42.2 KMs.A total of 52 participants from 12 countries is., India, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Romania, South Africa, USA and UK participated in the event in Foreign Category.

The Indian Army participants brought laurels and glory to the country by winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th position in Foreign Category. Individual position of the Indian Army participants in Foreign Category are LNk Shyam Kesho, ASI Pune, 1st, LNk Om Kumar, 63 Engr Regt, 2nd, Gnr Thoti Ganapathi, 114 Med Regt 3rd and, Sep Rajesh Kumar of 18 Mech Inf 6th.

IDRW.ORG Blog Archive Indian Army outshines armies of 11 other countries in Everest Marathon 09!

 

[youngindian]

Concord Safety Solutions Launches New Light Weight Armoured Vehicle

July 14th, 2009

Concord Safety Solution, Group Company of MKU, unleashes, a new light weight armoured vehicle C8, aimed to capture the Indian defence market by providing high mobility and light bullet proof vehicle to Indian armed forces, paramilitary and police forces.

The emerging security threats being faced by the Defence Personnel’s, in the present scenario of insurgency & terrorism, calls for new and improved defence solutions in every conceivable sphere. The presence of a safe, reliable and light weight armored vehicles for safety of troops operating in such insurgent areas has been conspicuous by its absence.

Concord has been recently invited to participate in a Proposal for providing Light Weight Armoured Vehicle Solution (LWAV) by Indian Army. To beat the challenges of Indian Army’s operational requirements, Concord developed the new light weight armoured vehicle - the C8. The first prototypes were built at Concords manufacturing facility in Dehradun, India. The vehicle is currently under trials at Northern Command of Indian Army. After two months this vehicle will be available for paramilitary and police forces.

Concord’s, “C8″ has been developed at Concords state of art manufacturing facility in Dehradun. The Concord’s, “C8″ is a cost effective armored vehicle, based upon Powerful and rugged 4 X 4 platforms, and will be soon launched in Asian markets as well.

The Rugged C8 4X4 light weight armored vehicle viable to operate virtually in all types of terrains. Its unmatched capacity permits carrying of 6 soldiers including driver with full combat loads. The vehicle is ideally suited to operate in counter insurgency operations for patrol, reconnaissance and convoy protection, logistics, search and rescue missions.

The special features of C8, LWAV, which has been offered to the Indian Army for evaluations, is its high power to weight ratio enabling carriage of extra combat loads, full ballistic protection of the crew compartment, engine, fuel and fuel pump, air pressure tanks, ensuring complete safety of the crew inside the vehicle.

“We have designed C8, with three goals in mind, to provide the operationally unmatched performance in all terrain and provide ultimate security and comfort “, said Anurag Gupta Director Concord Safety Solution.
Published in Defence Products Manufacturing Companies, General Indian Armed Forces News, Indian Army News


Concord Safety Solution, Group Company of MKU, unleashes, a new light weight armoured vehicle C8, aimed to capture the Indian defence market by providing high mobility and light bullet proof vehicle to Indian armed forces, paramilitary and police forces.

The emerging security threats being faced by the Defence Personnel’s, in the present scenario of insurgency & terrorism, calls for new and improved defence solutions in every conceivable sphere. The presence of a safe, reliable and light weight armored vehicles for safety of troops operating in such insurgent areas has been conspicuous by its absence.

Concord has been recently invited to participate in a Proposal for providing Light Weight Armoured Vehicle Solution (LWAV) by Indian Army. To beat the challenges of Indian Army’s operational requirements, Concord developed the new light weight armoured vehicle - the C8. The first prototypes were built at Concords manufacturing facility in Dehradun, India. The vehicle is currently under trials at Northern Command of Indian Army. After two months this vehicle will be available for paramilitary and police forces.

Concord’s, “C8″ has been developed at Concords state of art manufacturing facility in Dehradun. The Concord’s, “C8″ is a cost effective armored vehicle, based upon Powerful and rugged 4 X 4 platforms, and will be soon launched in Asian markets as well.

The Rugged C8 4X4 light weight armored vehicle viable to operate virtually in all types of terrains. Its unmatched capacity permits carrying of 6 soldiers including driver with full combat loads. The vehicle is ideally suited to operate in counter insurgency operations for patrol, reconnaissance and convoy protection, logistics, search and rescue missions.

The special features of C8, LWAV, which has been offered to the Indian Army for evaluations, is its high power to weight ratio enabling carriage of extra combat loads, full ballistic protection of the crew compartment, engine, fuel and fuel pump, air pressure tanks, ensuring complete safety of the crew inside the vehicle.

“We have designed C8, with three goals in mind, to provide the operationally unmatched performance in all terrain and provide ultimate security and comfort “, said Anurag Gupta Director Concord Safety Solution.

Concord Safety Solutions Launches New Light Weight Armoured Vehicle | Frontier India Strategic and Defence - News, Analysis, Opinion - Aviation, Military, Commodity, Energy, Transportation, Conflict, Environment, Intelligence, Internal Security

 

[I-G]

Army plans to buy armoured vehicles for vulnerable areas

New Delhi (PTI): In a bid to protect its troops in insurgency-affected areas, Army is planning to procure over 800 light weight armoured vehicles to be used in vulnerable places.

"We are planning to induct over 800 light armoured vehicles for protecting our troops from being attacked by terrorists during ambushes in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states. These vehicles would be provided to units deployed in these areas," an army source told PTI.

"These vehicles would be used in counter-insurgency operations for patrolling, reconnaissance and convoy protection, logistics and search and rescue missions. Tenders for procuring these vehicles were released early this year," the source said.

Four companies have responded to the tender for armoured vehicles requirement of the army and have sent their products for trials. The participants in the race for over Rs 250 crore tender include Mahindra Defence Systems, Tata Motors, Force Motors and MKU Systems.

The trials of these vehicles, the source said, are being conducted simultaneously at two locations.

"We are carrying out the trials at Doda in Jammu and Kashmir and at our Armoured School in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra," the source said.

"At Ahmednagar, we would be testing the performance of armour protection of the vehicles and in Doda, the vehicles would be tested for their mobility in mountainous terrain," the source said.

The army would test the vehicles on basis of their performance after driving for 5,000 km each at both the locations.

In 2005, the army had procured over 200 light armoured protection vehicles, which were found to be lacking in pulling power and later on, it was found that the engines were not as per the forces' specifications.

After last year's Mumbai attacks, the demand for armoured vehicles has increased in state police and paramilitary forces also.

"We have offered our C-8 LAV for the army's requirement and we would soon be offering it to other forces in the country," MKU Defence System Director Anurag Gupta said.

Army's Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers had also produced an in-house armoured protected vehicle called 'Takshak', which was displayed during this year's Republic Day parade.


The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

Indian Coast Guard, police conduct security drill

Staff Reporter

This follows general alert sounded by Intelligence agencies

Kakinada: The Indian Coast Guard (CG) and the police conducted a security exercise along the district coastline on Tuesday involving officers and men of 10 police stations and an unspecified number of CG forces.

The exercise was in response to general alert sounded by the Intelligence agencies on possible sea-borne terrorist attacks in the wake of last year’s Mumbai carnage.

Important stretch


The CG and the police have been doing joint drills for the last few months, and Tuesday’s was one aimed at drawing combat strategies. It was necessitated by the vulnerability of this stretch of the East coast, where several important economic installations exist, mainly Reliance Industries’ off-shore oil and gas terminal at Gadimoga in Tallarevu mandal and Kakinada port, which is a hub for export and import of edible oils, food grains and fertilizers.

A marine police station was set up at Vakalapudi here last year in view of the rising threat of terrorist attacks. Its personnel were also involved in Tuesday’s exercise.

SP Y. Nagi Reddy told The Hindu that the exercise was a part of the preparedness to deal with anti-national activities, which gained more relevance on account of the increased coastal surveillance mounted by the security agencies across the country.

Due focus was on several desolate locations along the coast, which could become safe havens for the insurgents.

‘Naka bandi’


Visakhapatnam: The city police too are on high alert following receipt of information that terrorists are likely to target Visakhapatnam through the coast. The police are conducting ‘naka bandi’ and checking vehicles at different junctions in the city.

“There is specific information on a possible terrorist attack. The issue is being dealt at the highest level. We have been asked to be on high alert and be ready to initiate prompt action,” Police Commissioner N. Sambasiva Rao said. “We were asked to hire a boat and be ready to press into operation based on the need. A control room has been opened in the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to receive information from the nodal agency and communicate to the action team,” he said.

“I will have to alert the action teams concerned as and when I get information about any specific targets,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) P. Viswa Prasad said.

Meanwhile, it’s learnt that the whole exercise was being done to check the level of coordination between the different agencies concerned in tackling terrorist intrusions in view of the impending threat from across the coast.

The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Indian Coast Guard, police conduct security drill

 

[John]

NSG needs something like the following, the old MP-5 mk1 rifles they use are useless and lack the punch to take down heavily armed targets, need a .45 cal heavy smg which is also the most accurate SMG in the world having the lowest recoil. Its the ideal weapon for the Special Action Group, MARCOS, Garuds, Force one, etc.

KRISS Vector CRB/SO?.45 ACP

SPG can use the PSD, 6.8mm, deadly punch.

PSD - Personal Security Detail

For Special Rangers Group,

REPR - Rapid Engagement Precision Rifle

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/magpul-masada-cutaway-diagram.jpg

M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[I-G]

Armed Forces personnel can be tried in regular courts: High Court

Armed Forces personnel can be tried in regular courts: High Court

Staff Reporter

MADURAI: Armed forces personnel accused of committing murder, rape or other such crimes could be tried in a criminal court and not necessarily before a Court Martial, the Madras High Court has said.

Dismissing a revision petition filed by a Lance Havildar in the Madurai Bench, Justice A. Selvam said both the criminal court as well as the Court Martial enjoyed concurrent jurisdiction to try criminal offences.

The petitioner was accused of killing his wife on August 25 last during his visit to Usilampatti near here on casual leave. A Judicial Magistrate here refused to transfer the case to a Court Martial and hence the revision petition.

As per Section 70 of the Army Act, a person accused of murder, culpable homicide or rape should not be tried by a Court Martial unless the offence had been committed while he was in active service or at any place outside the country or at a frontier post.

Taking refuge under the Section, the petitioner claimed that he should be tried only by a Court Martial because casual leave comes within the purview of ‘active service’ as held by the Supreme Court in Balbir Singh Vs. State of Punjab (1995).

Mr. Justice Selvam agreed that a soldier on casual leave could be considered to be in active service. However, he said that neither the Army Act nor the Code of Criminal Procedure prevented a criminal court from conducting trial against servicemen.

Section 475 of Cr. P. C. states that if a person is charged with an offence for which he is liable to be tried either by a criminal court or by a Court Martial, the Magistrate should in proper cases hand him over to the Commanding Officer concerned.

“From a close reading of the Section, one can easily discern that if a person working in Army, Navy or Air Force commits any offence, he can be tried either by a court to which the Code of Criminal Procedure applies or by a Court Martial,” the Judge said.

He also recalled that a Full Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court had taken a similar view in Ajit Singh Vs. State of Punjab (1975). The apex court too had concurred with the view in Balbir Singh’s case.


The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Madurai News : Armed Forces personnel can be tried in regular courts: High Court

 

[Sridhar]

Concord Safety Solutions Launches New Light Weight Armoured Vehicle

Concord Safety Solution, Group Company of MKU, unleashes, a new light weight armoured vehicle C8, aimed to capture the Indian defence market by providing high mobility and light bullet proof vehicle to Indian armed forces, paramilitary and police forces.

The emerging security threats being faced by the Defence Personnel’s, in the present scenario of insurgency & terrorism, calls for new and improved defence solutions in every conceivable sphere. The presence of a safe, reliable and light weight armored vehicles for safety of troops operating in such insurgent areas has been conspicuous by its absence.

Concord has been recently invited to participate in a Proposal for providing Light Weight Armoured Vehicle Solution (LWAV) by Indian Army. To beat the challenges of Indian Army’s operational requirements, Concord developed the new light weight armoured vehicle - the C8. The first prototypes were built at Concords manufacturing facility in Dehradun, India. The vehicle is currently under trials at Northern Command of Indian Army. After two months this vehicle will be available for paramilitary and police forces.

Concord’s, “C8″ has been developed at Concords state of art manufacturing facility in Dehradun. The Concord’s, “C8″ is a cost effective armored vehicle, based upon Powerful and rugged 4 X 4 platforms, and will be soon launched in Asian markets as well.

The Rugged C8 4X4 light weight armored vehicle viable to operate virtually in all types of terrains. Its unmatched capacity permits carrying of 6 soldiers including driver with full combat loads. The vehicle is ideally suited to operate in counter insurgency operations for patrol, reconnaissance and convoy protection, logistics, search and rescue missions.

The special features of C8, LWAV, which has been offered to the Indian Army for evaluations, is its high power to weight ratio enabling carriage of extra combat loads, full ballistic protection of the crew compartment, engine, fuel and fuel pump, air pressure tanks, ensuring complete safety of the crew inside the vehicle.

“We have designed C8, with three goals in mind, to provide the operationally unmatched performance in all terrain and provide ultimate security and comfort “, said Anurag Gupta Director Concord Safety Solution.

Concord Safety Solutions Launches New Light Weight Armoured Vehicle | Frontier India Strategic and Defence - News, Analysis, Opinion - Aviation, Military, Commodity, Energy, Transportation, Conflict, Environment, Intelligence, Internal Security

 

[Sridhar]

Concord Safety Solutions Launches New Light Weight Armoured Vehicle

Concord Safety Solution, Group Company of MKU, unleashes, a new light weight armoured vehicle C8, aimed to capture the Indian defence market by providing high mobility and light bullet proof vehicle to Indian armed forces, paramilitary and police forces.

The emerging security threats being faced by the Defence Personnel’s, in the present scenario of insurgency & terrorism, calls for new and improved defence solutions in every conceivable sphere. The presence of a safe, reliable and light weight armored vehicles for safety of troops operating in such insurgent areas has been conspicuous by its absence.

Concord has been recently invited to participate in a Proposal for providing Light Weight Armoured Vehicle Solution (LWAV) by Indian Army. To beat the challenges of Indian Army’s operational requirements, Concord developed the new light weight armoured vehicle - the C8. The first prototypes were built at Concords manufacturing facility in Dehradun, India. The vehicle is currently under trials at Northern Command of Indian Army. After two months this vehicle will be available for paramilitary and police forces.

Concord’s, “C8″ has been developed at Concords state of art manufacturing facility in Dehradun. The Concord’s, “C8″ is a cost effective armored vehicle, based upon Powerful and rugged 4 X 4 platforms, and will be soon launched in Asian markets as well.

The Rugged C8 4X4 light weight armored vehicle viable to operate virtually in all types of terrains. Its unmatched capacity permits carrying of 6 soldiers including driver with full combat loads. The vehicle is ideally suited to operate in counter insurgency operations for patrol, reconnaissance and convoy protection, logistics, search and rescue missions.

The special features of C8, LWAV, which has been offered to the Indian Army for evaluations, is its high power to weight ratio enabling carriage of extra combat loads, full ballistic protection of the crew compartment, engine, fuel and fuel pump, air pressure tanks, ensuring complete safety of the crew inside the vehicle.

“We have designed C8, with three goals in mind, to provide the operationally unmatched performance in all terrain and provide ultimate security and comfort “, said Anurag Gupta Director Concord Safety Solution.

Concord Safety Solutions Launches New Light Weight Armoured Vehicle | Frontier India Strategic and Defence - News, Analysis, Opinion - Aviation, Military, Commodity, Energy, Transportation, Conflict, Environment, Intelligence, Internal Security

 

[youngindian]

Army plans to buy armoured vehicles for vulnerable areas

July 15, 2009

New Delhi (PTI): In a bid to protect its troops in insurgency-affected areas, Army is planning to procure over 800 light weight armoured vehicles to be used in vulnerable places.

"We are planning to induct over 800 light armoured vehicles for protecting our troops from being attacked by terrorists during ambushes in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states. These vehicles would be provided to units deployed in these areas," an army source told PTI.

"These vehicles would be used in counter-insurgency operations for patrolling, reconnaissance and convoy protection, logistics and search and rescue missions. Tenders for procuring these vehicles were released early this year," the source said.

Four companies have responded to the tender for armoured vehicles requirement of the army and have sent their products for trials. The participants in the race for over Rs 250 crore tender include Mahindra Defence Systems, Tata Motors, Force Motors and MKU Systems.

The trials of these vehicles, the source said, are being conducted simultaneously at two locations.

"We are carrying out the trials at Doda in Jammu and Kashmir and at our Armoured School in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra," the source said.

"At Ahmednagar, we would be testing the performance of armour protection of the vehicles and in Doda, the vehicles would be tested for their mobility in mountainous terrain," the source said.

The army would test the vehicles on basis of their performance after driving for 5,000 km each at both the locations.

In 2005, the army had procured over 200 light armoured protection vehicles, which were found to be lacking in pulling power and later on, it was found that the engines were not as per the forces' specifications.

After last year's Mumbai attacks, the demand for armoured vehicles has increased in state police and paramilitary forces also.

"We have offered our C-8 LAV for the army's requirement and we would soon be offering it to other forces in the country," MKU Defence System Director Anurag Gupta said.

Army's Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers had also produced an in-house armoured protected vehicle called 'Takshak', which was displayed during this year's Republic Day parade.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

Armed forces short of 14,299 officers: Antony

Updated on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 16:29 IST
New Delhi: The armed forces are short of a staggering 14,299 officers, Parliament was informed Wednesday.

Of this, the Indian Army is short of 11,387 officers, the Indian Air Force of 1,512 officers and the Indian Navy of 1,400 officers, Defence Minister AK Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

This apart, during the last five years, 4,300 Army officers, 1,177 Air Force officers and 1,096 Navy officers have sought premature retirement or have resigned.

"Premature retirement is considered on the grounds of non-empanelment (for promotion), supersession and permanent low medical category, as also on compassionate grounds," Antony said.

According to the minister, a number of steps have been taken "to motivate the service personnel to continue in service and to attract the talented youth to join the armed forces".

All officers, including those in the Short Service Commission (SSC) stream, are now eligible to hold the substantive rank of captain, major and lieutenant colonel after two, six and 13 years of service, respectively.

The tenure of SSC officers has also been increased from 10 years to 14 years, Antony said.

Seven hundred and fifty posts of lieutenant colonel have been upgraded to colonel as part of implementing phase-I of the AV Singh Committee Report.

Besides, 1,896 additional posts in the ranks of colonel, brigadier, major general and lieutenant general and their equivalent in the other two Services have been upgraded as part of implementing phase-II of the report, the minister said.

"The implementation of the recommendations of the VI Central Pay Commission with substantial improvements in the pay structure of officers of the armed forces will also go a long way in making the services more attractive," Antony added.

Armed forces short of 14,299 officers: Antony

 

[nitesh]

now this is not a good news:

‘Precision ammo’ fails test at high altitudes

 

[nitesh]

Why the Army loves the Bofors gun

 

[Sridhar]

Indian Army mulls procuring armoured vehicles for vulnerable areas

BY : PTI

In order to ensure better internal insecurity in the country and safety of the Army and para-military troops, the Indian Army mulls procuring as many as 800 light weight armoured vehicles at an estimated cost of around USD 50 million, reported Press Trust of IndiaThese vehicles would be especially used in insurgency-affected areas in states like Jammu and Kashmir and north-eastern states, including Assam and Manipur.

The report quoted an Indian Army source as saying: “We are planning to induct over 800 light armoured vehicles for protecting our troops from being attacked by terrorists during ambushes in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states. These vehicles would be provided to units deployed in these areas.” The source added: “These vehicles would be used in counter-insurgency operations for patrolling, reconnaissance and convoy protection, logistics and search and rescue missions. Tenders for procuring these vehicles were released early this year.” Four Indian companies that manufacture military products have responded to the tender for armoured vehicles requirement of the army and have sent their products for trials for the USD 50 million deal.

The report quoted the Army source as saying that trials of these vehicles are being conducted simultaneously at two locations in the country. “We are carrying out the trials at Doda in Jammu and Kashmir and at our Armoured School in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra,” said the source.

IDRW.ORG Blog Archive Indian Army mulls procuring armoured vehicles for vulnerable areas

 

[Sridhar]

Indian Army uses 10 million rupees of defence budget on golf carts

BY : Times Online

At first sight the deal looked honourable: Indian army chiefs claimed they had spent 10 million rupees (£127,000) on silent reconnaissance vehicles for missions beyond enemy lines.

This week, however, it was revealed that they had bought 22 golf buggies, several of which were deployed to patrol the army’s Shivalik Golf Course in Chandigarh.

The scandal emerged in a scathing audit of the military’s recent spending by India’s civil servants after army chiefs were given powers over their expanding budgets to combat terrorism.

The report details how the army bought Dhruv helicopters that can fly to a height of only 5,000 metres (16,400ft) — well short of the 6,500 metres required to patrol the Himalayan battlefields. Thousands of Russian-made heavy artillery shells that do not fire were bought and the Northern Command, which oversees Kashmir, bought stretchers that were unsuitable for evacuating combat casualties.

It was the details of how military chiefs apparently diverted funds to the upkeep of their golf courses that has rankled most. An additional five golf buggies, worth 1.5 million rupees, were bought by the Western Command. It was claimed that the electric multi-utility vehicles were to be used to transport patients in military hospitals. Several actually went to courses in Ambala and Jalandhar.

The allegations come at a sensitive time for India’s security services. The terror attack in Mumbai in November led to criticism after frontline forces were left to tackle militant gunmen with ageing rifles and faulty armour.

To close the gap with its regional rival, China, the budget for weapons was raised by a third last year to £7 billion. The overall defence budget was increased by another 25 per cent this year, eclipsing the total spent on health and education combined.

http://idrw.org/?p=290#respond

 

[venom]

Army chief to Antony: Don't block gun trials

A worried army chief, General Deepak Kapoor, has protested to Defence Minister A K Antony about the derailing of vital defence purchases by allegations of corruption. On June 10, General Kapoor complained about the cancellation of army trials on the Pegasus ultra-light howitzer, after the manufacturer, Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK), was suspended on suspicion of links with a discredited MoD official.

The trials of the 155 mm Pegasus were to commence on 22 June at the Pokhran Ranges in Rajasthan. Any delay, General Kapoor warned Mr Antony, would push back the hot-weather trials by a year.

The next day, the deputy chief, Lt Gen MS Dadwal, fired off a letter to the Defence Secretary, Vijay Singh (Letter No 00048/Proc/DCOAS (P&S)/Sectt) reiterating that the Pegasus trials must continue, even while the Central Bureau of Investigation probes whether STK was connected in any way with Sudipta Ghosh — the former chairman of the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) — who was arrested for corruption on 19 May. If STK was found guilty, the purchase could always be cancelled.

The army chief, an artilleryman himself, has emphasised on the crucial need for modern artillery; the last important purchase was more than 20 years ago: the 155mm Bofors FH-77B gun in the mid-1980s. Even that was restricted, by allegations of kickbacks, to the direct purchase of 400 guns. The chance to manufacture thousands more in India, through transfer of technology (ToT) was thrown away, even though India paid for the technology. In 2005, amidst a push to buy towed and self-propelled artillery, South African gun manufacturer, Denel, was banned. Soon afterwards, Israeli artillery firm, Soltam Systems, found itself under the scanner.

General Kapoor’s request to Antony has counte0d for little; the CBI and the CVC suggested to the MoD that the ban on STK continues. The MoD wrote back to Army HQ (Letter No 1(5)/2007/D(Proc) dated 7 July) saying that the trials stood cancelled until further orders.

Ironically, the army could benefit from this delay, which creates conditions for bringing another gun into contention: the combat-proven BAE Systems M777 ultra-light howitzer, which is currently doing battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. So far, Pegasus was the only gun in contention — a monopoly situation explicitly discouraged in the MoD’s Defence Procurement Policy of 2008 (DPP–2008). BAE Systems could not bid because the MoD refused to grant it several months for clearing Indian ammunition to be fired from M777 howitzers.

Major General AJS Sandhu, an Indian artillery expert, explains that — since British Army M777 crews would fire Indian ammunition during the trials — British regulations demanded that the ammunition first be “classified”, or cleared by safety experts, before the trials. And since India insisted on firing several types of ammunition during trials, classifying every one of them would take several months.

Asked to confirm, BAE Systems India President, Julian Scopes told Business Standard by email, “In the tender for ultra-light howitzers, there were requirements in the [tender] that made it difficult for us respond in the time available. But we remain hopeful that M777 can be considered and continue to point out to the MoD that the BAE Systems M777 is the lightest 155mm howitzer in the world, in service with the US Army, US Marine Corp and Canadian Army, and the only one that is combat proven.”

Defence experts are unanimous that India’s artillery has deteriorated worryingly from poor procurement. In a hurry to acquire ultra-light howitzers, the MoD opted for a single vendor (STK), which offered a gun that has never seen battle. Now, with STK blacklisted, a yearlong delay seems inevitable; but that period, says General Sandhu, could allow the MoD to bring in BAE Systems, generating wider choice and competitive bidding.

The MoD has tendered for three types of guns: self-propelled guns for the mechanised forces; towed guns for divisions deployed in the plains; and ultra-light howitzers for mountainous areas. Two new mountain divisions, being raised for offensive operations on the China border, will be equipped with these guns. Constructed largely from titanium, their low weight provides tactical mobility, or the ability to quickly move around the battlefield on mountain roads and dirt tracks where heavier guns would get bogged down. Ultra-light guns can even be airlifted into inaccessible firing positions by helicopter.

Army chief to Antony: Don't block gun trials

 

[1.44]

CAG blasts defective 'Dhruv' and dud Russian Shells

CAG blasts Dhruv project, Krasnopol purchase - India - NEWS - The Times of India

 

[I-G]

BSF to raise women's battalion, increase strength by 35,000

Updated on Saturday, July 18, 2009, 13:22 IST
Jammu: The strength of the Border Security Force (BSF) is to be increased by 35,000 troopers and a women's battalion will be raised by July 25, the Director General (DG) of BSF ML Kumawat said on Saturday.

Kumawat, addressing a press conference here, said that despite the "dangerous" situation in Pakistan, "our strong vigil has assured safe borders".

He said that after the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, "there was heavy build up like situation at the border on the Pakistani side but we did not get provoked."

India had been able to maintain calm on the borders, he added.

Kumawat said that the BSF was raising its strength by 35,000 troopers including a women's battalion "which is being raised July 25".

Commenting on the recent news report of militants planning to dig a tunnel from Pakistan into India the DG said: "It was not feasible that 30 to 40 militants will dig such long tunnel unless they have help of others."

Kumawat said that there had been incidents of incursions in Sir Creek area of the border between India and Pakistan in Gujarat, but the BSF had been able to push it back.

BSF to raise women`s battalion, increase strength by 35,000

 

[Daredevil]

Army Chief to Antony: don’t block gun trials

by Ajai Shukla
Business Standard, 18th July 09

A worried army chief, General Deepak Kapoor, has protested to Defence Minister AK Antony about the derailing of vital defence purchases by allegations of corruption. On 10th June 09, General Kapoor complained about the cancellation of army trials on the Pegasus ultra-light howitzer, after the manufacturer, Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) was suspended on suspicion of links with a discredited MoD official.

The trials of the 155 mm Pegasus were to commence on 22nd June at the Pokhran Ranges in Rajasthan. Any delay, General Kapoor warned Mr Antony, would push back the hot-weather trials by a year.

The next day, the deputy chief, Lt Gen MS Dadwal, fired off a letter to the Defence Secretary, Mr Vijay Singh (Letter No 00048/Proc/DCOAS (P&S)/Sectt) reiterating that the Pegasus trials must continue, even while the Central Bureau of Investigation probes whether STK was connected in any way with Sudipta Ghosh --- the former chairman of the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) --- who was arrested for corruption on 19th May 09. If STK was found guilty, the purchase could always be cancelled.

The army chief, an artilleryman himself, has emphasised on the crucial need for modern artillery; the last important purchase was more than 20 years ago: the 155mm Bofors FH-77B gun in the mid-1980s. Even that was restricted, by allegations of kickbacks, to the direct purchase of 400 guns. The chance to manufacture thousands more in India, through transfer of technology (ToT) was thrown away, even though India paid for the technology. In 2005, amidst a push to buy towed and self-propelled artillery, South African gun manufacturer, Denel, was banned. Soon afterwards, Israeli artillery firm, Soltam Systems, found itself under the scanner.

General Kapoor’s request to Mr Antony has counted for little; the CBI and the CVC suggested to the MoD that the ban on STK continues. The MoD wrote back to Army HQ (Letter No 1(5)/2007/D(Proc) dated 7th July 09) saying that the trials stood cancelled until further orders.

Ironically, the army could benefit from this delay, which creates conditions for bringing another gun into contention: the combat-proven BAE Systems M777 ultra-light howitzer, which is currently doing battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. So far, Pegasus was the only gun in contention --- a monopoly situation explicitly discouraged in the MoD’s Defence Procurement Policy of 2008 (DPP–2008). BAE Systems could not bid because the MoD refused to grant it several months for clearing Indian ammunition to be fired from M777 howitzers.

Major General AJS Sandhu, an Indian artillery expert, explains that --- since British Army M777 crews would fire Indian ammunition during the trials --- British regulations demanded that the ammunition first be “classified”, or cleared by safety experts, before the trials. And since India insisted on firing several types of ammunition during trials, classifying every one of them would take several months.

Asked to confirm, BAE Systems India President, Julian Scopes told Business Standard by email, "In the tender for ultra-light howitzers, there were requirements in the [tender] that made it difficult for us respond in the time available. But we remain hopeful that M777 can be considered and continue to point out to the MoD that the BAE Systems M777 is the lightest 155mm howitzer in the world, in service with the US Army, US Marine Corp and Canadian Army, and the only one that is combat proven."

Defence experts are unanimous that India’s artillery has deteriorated worryingly from poor procurement. In a hurry to acquire ultra-light howitzers, the MoD opted for a single vendor (STK), which offered a gun that has never seen battle. Now, with STK blacklisted, a yearlong delay seems inevitable; but that period, says General Sandhu, could allow the MoD to bring in BAE Systems, generating wider choice and competitive bidding.

The MoD has tendered for three types of guns: self-propelled guns for the mechanised forces; towed guns for divisions deployed in the plains; and ultra-light howitzers for mountainous areas. Two new mountain divisions, being raised for offensive operations on the China border, will be equipped with these guns. Constructed largely from titanium, their low weight provides tactical mobility, or the ability to quickly move around the battlefield on mountain roads and dirt tracks where heavier guns would get bogged down. Ultra-light guns can even be airlifted into inaccessible firing positions by helicopter

 

[I-G]

One killed in Army firing during recruitment drive in UP

Chandauli/Lucknow (PTI) An 18-year-old youth was on Sunday killed and three persons were injured as armymen opened fire on irate aspirants who went on a rampage during an army recruitment drive alleging irregularities in the process in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh.

The violence spread to other part of Chandauli city, 300 km. from Lucknow, with irate protesters torching vehicles and attacking the circle officer's office and the district court, prompting the state government to order a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

"One person was killed and three others were injured during firing by armymen after the aspirants went on rampage alleging irregularity in recruitment process," Additional Director General of Police (law and order) Brij Lal told PTI.

Two companies of para-military Provincial Armed Constabulary comprising 200 personnel have been dispatched to maintain law and order. "The situation is now under control and senior officials are camping in Chandauli," he said.

Superintendent of Police, Chandauli, Laxminarayan claimed that police were not informed about the recruitment rally at a local polytechnic. Nearly 2,000 youths, including many from Bihar, had gathered for the recruitment drive.

"There were scuffles between the youths and armymen and later the situation went out of control," he said, adding an 18-year-old unidentified boy was killed in the firing and three others injured, including a local Jitendra Prasad.

Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh told reporters in Lucknow that the government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident


The Hindu News Update Service

 

[1.44]

Ordnance Factory to enhance ICVs production

Ordnance Factory to enhance ICVs production
​

Sun, Jul 19 11:56 PM
Hyderabad, July 19 (PTI) The Ordnance Factory Board would enhance production capacity of the factories to meet the increasing demand from the Army for the defence equipment, the Board''s Chairperson Saroj Vinayek said here today. The current production capacity of the Ordnance Factory in Medak, near here, is 125 BMPs (called as Infantry Combat Vehicles-ICVs) and it will be enhanced, she told reporters here.

The Ordnance Factory is involved in the production of BMP-II variant which will be equipped with several advanced features, officials said. The new features include digital communication system, smoke grenade launching, upgrading the engine capacity from 300 hp to 400 hp.

The vehicles are amphibious and their on-road speed is 65 kmph, while in water their speed is seven kmph. The factory at Medak has, in recent years, developed a Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) to be used for carrying forces in insurgency areas.

These vehicles are protected against landmines being used extensively in insurgency-hit areas. The factory has also developed bullet-proof vehicles which are in great demand and are now being used by various police forces.

fullstory