Indian Army: News and Discussion

[youngindian]

Boeing submits proposals to India for attack and transport helicopters

Fri, Oct 23, 2009

The Boeing Company submitted two proposals to the Indian Air Force this week, offering the AH-64D Apache and the CH-47F Chinook for India's attack and heavy-lift helicopter competitions.

"Boeing believes the Apache and Chinook helicopters are the most capable and cost-effective rotorcraft to meet India's defense and transport requirements," said Vivek Lall, vice president and India country head for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "The Apache will be a capable and lethal defender of India's troops and assets, while the Chinook will answer many of the country's military and humanitarian needs".

India is seeking 22 attack helicopters and 15 transport helicopters and has not set a date to announce the winning proposals.

The combat-proven AH-64D Apache Longbow is the newest version of the Apache and a candidate to fulfill the attack helicopter and reconnaissance requirements of numerous armed forces worldwide.

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter is the world's standard for providing heavy-lift and high-altitude transportation for a multitude of missions, with a proven track record of military, humanitarian, disaster-relief, search-and-rescue and firefighting missions on six continents in all climates and conditions.

If selected, Boeing will build the Apache helicopters at its rotorcraft facility in Mesa, Ariz., and the Chinook helicopters at its rotorcraft center in Ridley Park, Pa. Suggested production rates and delivery schedules have not been announced.

Boeing submits proposals to India for attack and transport helicopters : Defenseworld.net

 

[youngindian]

ITBP to raise new battalions, have jungle warfare school

October 23rd, 2009

New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) Home Minister P. Chidambaram Friday assured clearance to the central paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) proposal to raise 15 new battalions, set up a jungle warfare school on par with the army and a high-altitude medical institute in Leh.

“We are considering a restructuring plan. Under this plan the home ministry would ensure speedy and early clearance for 15 new battalions, a counter-insurgency and jungle warfare school, a high-altitude medical institute, and three recruit training centres,” Chidambaram said at the 48th raising day of the ITBP.

“The plan includes measures to strengthen border posts,” he added.

Advanced communication systems, surveillance equipment, water crafts, specialized vehicles and modern weaponry are also under consideration for the force, he added.

According to ITBP officials, a comprehensive proposal for all this has been submitted to the home ministry in the wake of new responsibilities being given to the force. The ITBP has been asked to deploy four of its battalions for counter-insurgency operations in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

“No other paramilitary force has a jungle warfare school or a high-altitude medical institute so far. We have demanded this seeing our operational requirements,” said a senior official of ITBP.

The minister also hinted at strengthening troop posts along the India-China border and acquisition of modern weaponry and specialised vehicles for troopers guarding the border.

“Various bottlenecks in the process of procurement and acquisition of essential items have been an impediment in the modernisation of the paramilitary forces. Therefore, the home ministry has enhanced the delegation of financial powers to its director generals,” he said.

The ITBP has 45 battalions and four upgraded specialist battalions. The force is deployed along the India-China border.


ITBP to raise new battalions, have jungle warfare school | Sindh Today - Online News

 

[1.44]

Army could take 20 years to bridge officers shortage

Army could take 20 years to bridge officers shortage​

NEW DELHI: Bogged down by shortage of 11,500 officers due to low intake at military academies and a high rate of premature retirements, the army has indicated to its leadership that it will take 20 years of best efforts to fill up the vacancies.

In an internal study, the army has said the projection was conditional and the vacancies could be filled up in two decades only if training capacities in the academies are increased and the exit rate of officers wanting to retire prematurely is kept low.
On the basis of the study, the army headquarters has suggested to the commanders that the intake of recruits at the Dehradun-based Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai be increased by improving training capacities of the two institutes, an officer said.

The Commanders have been discussing the issue of officer shortage for quite sometime now and it was again debated at the recently concluded conference of senior offices, he said.

The 1.2-million strong army has a sanctioned strength of over 46,000 officers.

The data, compiled through a study, showed that army faced the prospect of an average of 1,500 premature retirements (PMRs) of officers every year.

The current annual average number of officers commissioned in the army from its academies stood at 1,700, around 300 less than the required average number of nearly 2,000 recruits.

Army could take 20 years to bridge officers shortage - India - The Times of India

 

[youngindian]

India to build 50 new outposts along the Chinese border

Sunday, October 25, 2009

New Delhi: With an aim to increase vigil along the Sino-Indian border, government is planning to set up 50 new border outposts (BOP) all along the icy frontier.

The plan to establish more BOPs along the Sino-Indian border will allow troops of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police to undertake Short Range Patrols (SRP).This will reduce the inter-BOP distance, which exceeds more than 50-kilometres, and the present Long Range Patrols (LRP) can be made effective by having more SRPs, official sources said.

Currently the ITBP, which guards the 3,500-km-long border, has more than 140 BOPs in the inhospitable terrain that are prone to frequent blizzards, avalanches, heavy snowfall and have temperatures as low as minus 20 to minus 40 degrees.

The posts are located at heights ranging from 9,000 to 18,500 feet while 60 percent of them are not connected by roads.Most of the BOPs are located on hills and almost 30 percent are maintained by helicopters. Communication between patrol parties and the base locations and posts is often disrupted by bad weather.

Once the new posts come up, not only the patrols would be effective, they would be able to cover more areas qualitatively, the sources said.

Home Minister P Chidambaram while addressing ITBP men on their 48th raising day on Friday had said, "We are considering an ITBP restructuring plan. The plan includes measures to strengthen border posts".

The government has also decided to provide more than 100 satellite phones, all terrain vehicles and oxygen cylinders to ITBP troops on the border.

The troops deployed here will also have high-altitude clothing on par with Army troops who are stationed at the Siachen glacier.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also sanctioned computers, recovery vehicles, fibre-reinforced polymer huts, high-power snow cutters, deep-search mine metal detectors, hand grenade simulators and other surveillance devices for the ITBP troops.

ITBP Director-General Vikram Srivastava had said the troops will also be provided with modern BOPs which will be equipped with solar power generating apparatus.

"Every BOP will be provided with two 620 litres capacity oxygen cylinders. A number of such initiatives have been taken for the benefit of our troops posted at these difficult areas," Srivastava said.

Fifty new borders outposts to come up along Sino-Indian frontier

 

[RPK]

Army to equip its special forces with GPS wrist watches in J-K

fullstory

Jammu, Oct 26 (PTI) Army is all set to equip its special forces with Global Positioning System (GPS) wrist watches to help them in operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

With the aim of giving special forces a technological edge over militants, Northern command headquarters had recently floated tenders for the purchase of high-tech multi-utility GPS wrist watches, defence sources said.

In the first phase, 120 such GPS watches would be procured for special forces and sealed bids - both technical and commercial have been invited from the bidders in this regard.



Dozens of GPS devices have been recovered from infiltrating militants during encounters along the Line of Control (LoC) during the past year, they said.

"Militants are frequently using GPS devices for infiltration and reaching their guides along LoC. The watches are used by militants for navigation", the sources said.

 

[youngindian]

US would welcome `profesional’ Indian Army in Iraq and Afghanistan

October 26th, 2009

Babina (UP), Oct. 26 (ANI): A senior commander of the U.S. Army on Monday said that having a professional force like the Indian Army at its disposal, especially in highly aggressive war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, would always be welcome.

“The Indian Army is a professional force and the US Army will be comfortable with it anywhere,” Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, Commander, Pacific Command, said in reply to a question on whether the US Army is ready to seek India’s help in Iraq and Afghanistan in a counter terror and insurgency operation.

Lt. Gen. Mixon, who was addressing accompanying media on the sidelines of the first ever Indo-US joint mechanized forces exercise in Babina, Uttar Pradesh, further went on to say:” We want to work together as militaries to establish peace in Asia-Pacific region. If any eventuality occurs in future, we are better prepared to work together.”

He also claimed that the exercise had so far been a wonderful and worthwhile experience, and had gone a long way in raising the level of understanding between the two armies.

“The counter insurgency/terror exercise with India has been absolutely fantastic and it has helped the US soldiers to understand India in a better way,” Lt. Gen. Mixon said.

From the Indian side, Lt. General A.S. Sekhon, Director General, Military Operations, said: “This is a training exercise and it is not aimed at anybody. We are trying to know each other’s procedures. The is all about training with the US Army to enhance our understanding and capability.”

A significant aspect of the 17-day exercise that commenced on October 17 and concludes on October 29, is that for the first time the US Army has deployed the Javelin Missile and Stryker armoured vehicles to act as force multipliers in a third country other than Iraq and Afghanistan.

Another first is that of the Indian mechanized battalion participating along with Strykers Squadron in a joint exercise under overall command of an Indian Brigade headquarters.

So far, the achievements of the joint exercise called Yudh Abhyas-2009 are:

-Both sides have achieved interoperability and capability to function alongside for operations under an UN mandate and - The US troops were exposed to rich culture and tradition of India. The Indian troops gained exposure to contemporary weapons systems used by US troops.The overall aim of the exercise is to conduct a joint Indo-US training exercise under the framework of an agreed joint training program for sharing useful experience in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian and disaster managements and relief operations.

Two hundred and ninety five personnel are representing the US Army, while 700 personnel are representing the Indian Army.

Yudh Abhyas is a regularly scheduled bilateral exercise hosted by the Indian Army.

The exercise is designed to promote cooperation between the two militaries while sharing training, cultural exchanges, and building joint operating skills.

This year’s Yudh Abhyas features 17 Stryker vehicles - the largest deployment of the vehicles outside of Iraq and Afghanistan for the U.S. Pacific Rim forces.

Along with the 17 Strykers, the U.S. will showcase the Javelin Anti-Tank Missile system, employed to defeat current and future threat armored combat vehicles.

The YA 2009 constitutes the largest troop exchange since the YA partnership exercise commenced in 2004.

Indian Army soldiers from the 31st Armored Division are working with U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry regiment, “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

This year’s exercise includes a multi-echelon, full spectrum combined operation focusing on a United Nations peacekeeping operation scenario, while executing a maneuver live-fire exercise.

During the exercise, participants will engage in a variety of missions, from joint planning and maneuver execution, a variety of artillery ranges, to cordon and search operations as well as search and rescue training. (ANI)

US would welcome `profesional’ Indian Army in Iraq and Afghanistan

 

[youngindian]

Ready for joint counter-insurgency operations with India: US army

26 October 2009

BABINA, UP: India and the US on Monday concluded the largest-ever army exercise here involving tanks, combat vehicles, anti-tank missiles
and UAVs while signalling that the two forces were ready for future joint counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations.

"We will be comfortable going with the Indian Army anywhere, anytime. We want to work together as militaries and ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," US Army Commander (Pacific) Lt Gen Benjamin R Mixon told reporters here.

Asked about the possibility of future joint operations, for example in Afghanistan, he said the Indian government has to take a decision on it.

Indian Army's Director General (Military Operations) Lt Gen A S Sekhon, nodding in approval, said: "Why not? However, this exercise is not targeting anybody or any nation, or for any specific contingency. We cannot be using this kind of force in peace-keeping operations.

"This is only a training exercise to learn from each other's experience in similar type of operations," said Sekhon to a specific query if future joint operations were possible in the region.

The fortnight-long Yudh Abhyas-09, that began on October 12, saw the Indian Army's Mechanised Infantry Battalion of 94 Armoured Brigade under Bhopal-based 21 Srike Corps, and the US 2/14 Cavalry of 25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, testing the Russian-made T-90S tanks and BMP-II armoured personnel carriers (APC) with eight-wheeled Stryker APC capable of carrying nine fully-armed personnel.

Ready for joint counter-insurgency operations with India: US army - India - The Times of India

 

[RPK]

Indian Army says Pakistan capitalising on ceasefire to strengthen defence

Akhnoor, Oct 29 (ANI): Major General K. Majumdar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Indian Army’s 10 Division has said that Pakistan is taking advantage of the ceasefire to strengthen its defence along the India-Pakistan border.

After attending an ex-serviceman rally, General Majumdar said that India was aware of the activities of Pakistan across the border, and counter measures were being taken.

Further he added that the war of wits is always on between the two nations and it would continue.

“There is no doubt that they are taking advantage of ceasefire to strengthen their defence, but we can’t take any action unless there is ceasefire violation. We are doing our bit and they are doing their bit,” said General Majumdar.

General Majumdar added that threat of infiltration is always there, but the Indian army is always vigilant to foil attempts of anti-national elements.

“There has always been a lurking threat. There have been attempts in the winters in our sector. Of these, people out of sheer desperation of not having been able to get through try and infiltrate places where they feel they can. However since the time we have got this fence on road, we have developed this fence. So this sort of threat to some extent has reduced. We need to be careful and eliminate any attempts by these antinational elements to get across LoC oblique the border,” General Majumdar said.

Kashmir remains at the core of a six-decade-long conflict between India and Pakistan.They fought two of their three wars over Kashmir since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. (ANI)

 

[RAM]

India-US army exercise concludes

2009-10-29 17:30:00

The joint India-US army exercise, which included the largest deployment of the latter's Stryker armoured vehicles outside Iraq and Afghanistan, concluded Thursday at Babina in Uttar Pradesh.

The exercise aimed at sharing peace-keeping experiences with focus on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism in a semi-urban scenario.


'About 1,000 military personnel from the Indian and US armies participated in exercise Yudh Abhyas 2009,' said a senior army official here.


Yudh Abhyas is a regularly-scheduled bilateral exercise hosted by the Indian Army.


The US featured 17 Stryker vehicles and the Javelin anti-tank missile system, deployed against current and future armoured combat vehicles.


'This year's exercise included a multi-echelon, full spectrum combined operation focusing on a UN (United Nations) peacekeeping operation scenario, while executing a manoeuvre live-fire exercise.


'During the exercise, participants engaged in a variety of missions, from joint planning and manoeuvre execution, a variety of artillery ranges, to cordon and search operations as well as search and rescue training,' said the official.


The US, on the other hand, has used the joint war games as a platform to pitch for Strykers as it is anxious to grab a major chunk of the lucrative Indian arms market.


The Stryker is an eight-wheeled all-wheel-drive armoured combat vehicle that is known for its lightweight and easy maintenance.


Most cables, hoses, and mechanical systems in the vehicle can be quickly disconnected for maintenance work, while the engine and transmission can be removed and reinstalled in approximately two hours.


Each Stryker armoured vehicle costs around $1.5 million (nearly Rs.7 crore).

India-US army exercise concludes

 

[Sridhar]

Operation Bluestar did not go as planned: P.C. Alexander

Operation Bluestar did not go as planned: P.C. Alexander

BY: IANS

Indira Gandhi decided to send the army to the Golden Temple in 1984 as a last resort and only after getting repeated assurances from then army chief A.S. Vaidya that not a brick of the Sikh shrine would be harmed, recalls P.C. Alexander, the powerful principal secretary to the former prime minister.
‘What happened was not planned. Things happened in the Golden Temple much against what had been approved by her and what had been indicated to her by the army chief,’ Alexander, one of Gandhi’s closest confidants, told IANS in a telephone interview from Chennai.
It has been 25 years since Gandhi was assassinated on Oct 31, 1984, by two Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for her ordering army troops to storm the Golden Temple complex in June 1984.
Tracing the events leading to the ‘difficult decision’ to send the army June 5, 1984 to liberate the temple from Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the militant Sikh leader, and his cohorts rooting for a separate state, Alexander stressed that Gandhi’s efforts all along were to find a political settlement.
‘When she returned to power in 1980, she held a series of meetings with Akali leaders like Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh Barnala to find a solution to the Punjab problem,’ said Alexander.
‘But the Punjab situation was taking a dangerous turn.
‘Bhindranwale was pursuing a policy of creating a rift between Sikhs and Hindus. He was organising an unofficial army and was spewing venom against the Hindu community. Money was flowing in from Britain, Canada.’
‘Finally, when he occupied the Akal Takth and Harmandir Sahib, Mrs Gandhi realised that even if all their demands were granted, they will then also insist on a separate state,’ he said.
The 88-year-old Alexander, who also served as governor of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, recalls vividly the fateful meeting on May 25, 1984 that was to culminate in the army action inside the Golden Temple and subsequently Gandhi’s assassination Oct 31, 1984.
‘Indira Gandhi had called a meeting to discuss the Punjab situation. Army chief, General A.S. Vaidya, RAW chief R.N. Kao, minister of state for defence K.P.Singh Deo, and I were present at that meeting.’
‘She was assured by Gen. Vaidya that force will not be used inside the Golden Temple. She made it clear to Vaidya that the holy book will not be touched and not a single brick will be damaged and made Vaidya repeat these assurances many a time.
‘Finally she gave the go-ahead, subject to these conditions,’ he said.
‘Four days later, (May 29, 1984), Vaidya again met her and said it was not possible to launch the operation as planned earlier as Bhindranwale and his men were heavily armed. He said it will be a risky operation but we will do our best not to harm the shrinen
‘Mrs Gandhi listened to him. But in the end she agreed as she respected the army a lot. I trust my general,’ Alexander recalled Gandhi telling Vaidya.
‘However, the operation did not go as planned. The tanks had to be used as there were a large number of people armed with sophisticated weapons who were well-entrenched inside the temple.’
In retrospect, Alexander said Gandhi was anguished by all that had happened but her decision emanated from her belief that she had the superior knowledge to decide what was good for the country.
‘Mrs Gandhi did not find fault with the army. She never said she was let down by the army. She was very proud of the Indian Army and of Sikh heritage. Ironically, she was killed by Sikh soldiers in uniform.’
Having worked with Gandhi closely during her last stint in power, Alexander feels that her image as an ‘Iron Lady’ was really an invention of people who never knew her. ‘She was very safe and gentle. When a journalist famously described her she was the only man in the cabinet, she was outrageously angry as he thought the comment was very patronising.’


Operation Bluestar did not go as planned: P.C. Alexander IDRW.ORG

 

[RPK]

Special Forces being modernised in view Taliban menace: Army Chief

Agra: To guard the territorial integrity and national security from any quarter, the Army Chief, General Deepak Kapoor, has assured that security forces are ready to face any challenge from the Taliban, and added that Special Forces modernisation is being done keeping in view asymmetric and fourth generation warfare.

Para commandos are elite special forces of Indian Army. They are the largest and most important part of the Special Forces of India. The parachute units of the Indian Army are among the oldest airborne units in the world. On April 15, 1952, by absorbing three parachute battalions the Parachute Regiment was finally formed.

“I like to assure everyone that we are ready to face any challenge,” General Kapoor said when asked about the preparedness of the Army in wake of growing Taliban menace in neighbouring countries.


A fortnight ago Tehreek-e-Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud said that India is the next stop for Taliban fighters after they create an Islamic state in Pakistan.

“There are whole lot of new equipments, which is being thought of for Para Special Forces modernisation, especially in view of the fact that asymmetric warfare, and fourth generation warfare is a matter of concern and from that perspective we are trying to modernize entire Para Forces,” said the Army Chief during the paratroopers reunion hosted by the Parachute Brigade here on Tuesday.

Since the mid-1990s the role of Para commandos as a counter terrorist force has increased substantially. They are now actively involved in counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct pro-active raids against militants hiding in the countryside and mountains.

Commenting on the preparation of the Special Forces for 21st century warfare, Colonel of the regiment, Lt. General P C Katoch said: “One can see what is happening in the J-K, Northeast, there is outside interference. Parachute Regiment and Special Forces are all prepared for it all along.”

As part of the modernisation of the Special Forces, hi-tech warfare training is being given to the troopers, who have been equipped with light weight weaponry to enable them to take swift action during combat operations.

The Special Forces, which is also known as the Red Devils for their courage and professionalism, have been equipped with Travor rifles that would prove beneficial to the troops, deployed in counter insurgency operations.

The Special Forces will also get helmets fixed with night vision binoculars and earpiece for communication purposes. The body armour will comprise of lightweight bulletproof vests and shoes. (ANI)

 

[RAM]

Double hump camels to be deployed along China border

New Delhi: Troops guarding the icy Sino-Indian frontier will soon have a new companion in the form of double hump camels which will be deployed to carry rations and materials for them.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the 3,488 kilometre-long frontier, has decided to induct these sturdy animals in the force.

The force will initially induct around five such camels and deploy them after procuring from Ladakh where they are reared under government sponsored schemes.

These camels till now were used for tourism purposes and it would be the first time when they will be deployed for delivering supplies for troops.

"We will induct the double hump camels to transport rations and material for our troops. A trial would be carried out by procuring few of them initially," ITBP director-general Vikram Srivastava said.

These camels will be deployed in the cold desert of Leh and Ladakh, he said.

The double hump camels are shorter and stouter as compared to their single hump counterparts.

The double humps are also plump and pliable and collapse in winter when food is scarce.

Currently mules and horses are used by the border guarding force to transport rations and luggage for the troops in the difficult areas where vehicles do not ply.

ITBP posts are situated at heights ranging from 9,000 to 18,500 feet.

Double hump camels to be deployed along China border - dnaindia.com

 

[RAM]

Indian Army ready with winter strategy to foil infiltration

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir), Oct 31 (ANI): The Indian Army on Saturday said its troops were ready with their winter strategy to foil infiltration along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, Lieutenant General B.S. Jaswal, said: “We have winter strategy ready. When there is snowfall, we adopt a winter strategy as per which we re-deploy and cover certain areas, which infiltrators would have to cross if they try to infiltrate.”

“So, in those areas, heavy deployment is there as fences are covered with snow during the winters. Apart from this, there are two-three other things that are part of our winter strategy. Like there is aerial reconnaissance and our surveillance devices are deployed. So, if there is any endeavour we would definitely be able to destroy or foil the attempt,” Lt.Gen. Jaswal said.

He also said that the morale of the Pakistani army was very low at present due to the turmoil in that country.

“I want to say in very clear terms, as far as infiltration is concerned, morale of the Pakistan Army is very low at this point of time. And all of you know that why do they attempt for ceasefire violation. Obviously to help the infiltrators. But, I can assure that morale of our troops is much higher,” Lt.Gen. Jaswal added.

He further said that about 600 to 700 rebels are still active in Jammu and Kashmir and many were waiting to infiltrate.

“As per the measurement we use, they are approximately between 600 to 700, because this has to be an approximation. And as far as the number beyond the border is concerned, I cannot give you extrapolated figure. But, I can say that there are many who are waiting to infiltrate,” Lt.Gen. Jaswal said. (ANI)


Indian Army ready with winter strategy to foil infiltration

 

[RAM]

Army patents two varieties of camouflage

KOLKATA: The army has finally patented its uniform. The Ordnance Factory, Avadi, in Chennai, has warned that legal steps would be taken against companies that continue to churn out clothing that resemble battle fatigues worn by soldiers.

For long, the army had been concerned about the use of camouflage clothing by civilians. Even militants in insurgency-hit areas use such clothing. This makes it difficult for troops to distinguish between the enemy and their comrades. Even Maoist leader Koteswar Rao alias Kishanji was seen wearing camouflage trousers on the night he released Atindranath Dutta, the abducted officer-in-charge of Sankrail police station.

"We have patented two varieties of camouflage. One is a jungle pattern in green and the other a desert pattern in brown. Both will have the logo of the Indian Army. Till now, we could do little against companies manufacturing such textile. Now, we can take legal action even if a product resembles our cloth in any way. Textile manufacturers, traders and even the general public have been asked to inform us of any misuse of the designs," a senior officer said.

In some parts of the country, like Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Assam, use of camouflage clothing by civilians is banned in principle. The use of jungle' shoes readily available across the counter at many stores is also discouraged. However, with no law to fall back on, the defence ministry could not take any legal steps against the offenders.

"In recent times, it has become fashionable among the youth to wear combat fatigues. It may be alright in peaceful locations, but there is immense confusion in insurgency-hit states. It is very difficult to distinguish between friend and foe during a crisis. The situation turns worse when there are civilians moving around in fatigues. In fact, we also strongly object to the use of combat fatigues by security agencies," the officer added.

But what about central paramilitary force units who use combat fatigues. Sources said the Ordnance Factory Board has already started selling the material to the ministry of home affairs.

"Some paramilitary units have even started using the material for their uniform. When the OFB can manufacture weapons and supplies for such organisations, why can't we supply uniforms. The uniforms may carry the Indian Army logo but this will not lead to problems. In fact, this will lead to solidarity," another officer said.

The officer added that action under the Copyright Act can also be taken against civilians continuing to wear camouflaged clothing. Such people may even be charged with wearing combat fatigues to confuse those actually entitled to wear them.

Army patents two varieties of camouflage - Kolkata - City - The Times of India

 

[RAM]

We are ready for border offensives: Army

November 1, 2009 2:18

Srinagar: Sending a clear message to India's neighbors, the Army on Saturday said it was well prepared to deal with any moves from Pakistan or China. "The Army is well prepared to meet any eventuality from Pakistan and China. We maintain an adequate posture in our borders. My troops understand the need to maintain peace along the Line of Control (with Pakistan) and the Line of Actual Control (with China)," said Lieutenant General BS Jaswal, general officer commanding in chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command

The Northern Army commander admitted that there remained some areas of differences in the perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), between India and China, in the Ladakh region. "These are being addressed on the diplomatic front. However, building our defence capability and preparing for any contingency is an ongoing process. From the defence point of view we are aware of the ground realities and are prepared to deal with any eventuality," he said.

Lt Gen Jaswal said the incidents reported in the media are merely transgressions and not incursions (from the Chinese side). "Transgressions are reported by both sides and resolved through regular Border meetings at the local level. On the LAC, peace and tranquility prevails. Both sides patrol upto their perceived lines, as per the agreed Border Management posture," he said.

The Army commander also sent a tough message to Pakistan for violating the ceasefire and infiltration. "The LoC is a clearly-defined line and accepted by both India and Pakistan. Infiltration across the LoC is something we reckon with failing regularity throughout the year. However, the situation is normal with minor aberrations along the LoC which are addressed through the medium of flag meetings. Ceasefire violations will not be tolerated and effectively responded to," he said.

There have been 37 infiltration attempts made from January till date, in which 74 terrorists were killed. "Most infiltration bids have been foiled and 74 terrorists were killed, albeit some infiltration has taken place. Adequate measures are in place for an effective domination of the LoC, including synergy of employment of all surveillance means. A three-tier deployment exists, which is dynamic and based on the movement pattern and concentration of terrorists," he said. The Northern Army commander said militancy in the state has shown a downward trend.

We are ready for border offensives: Army - dnaindia.com

 

[RAM]

Border Fencing- Survey work partially completed


Imphal, October 2009: Survey work for border fencing along Indo-Myanmar border in Moreh sector has been partially completed.
After survey work between border pillar numbers 79 and 80 has been completed, the Union Home Ministry has instructed the Assam Rifles to open a temporary camp and help in the survey work up to border pillar number 81 .

The survey work was conducted jointly by the BRO, Survey of India and Assam Rifles ten metres into Indian territory from the international boundary.

The Government is planning to put up border fencing for 10 kms in Moreh sector to check trans-border movement of insurgents as well as cross-border arms and drug smuggling, conveyed a source.

There was little problem while surveying the area between border pillar numbers 79 and 80 .

But beyond this, the surveyors are facing serious difficulties as they have to walk for 2/3 hours to reach the site.

Taking due note of this problem of conveyance, the Union Home Minister has instructed the AR to open a temporary camp there so that the survey work can be completed without undue delay.

As of now, no temporary camp has been opened.

The Ministry has also approved design of the border fence.

It is reported that a service road would be constructed near the border fence.

Notably, the Union Home Secretary has already announced to put up border fencing in the entire length of Manipur's boundary with Myanmar.

However, Myanmar has been making strong protest against the Government of India's initiative to put up border fencing.

Further, the military junta has evinced little interests in New Delhi's efforts to settle the issue of missing border pillars.

Meanwhile, the State Government has written to the Union Government to shift the Indo-Myanmar trade route through Moreh Gate No 2, conveyed the source.

Survey work partially completed : 29th oct09 ~ E-Pao! Headlines

 

[nitesh]

'Morale-lifting' revamp of posts on China border

 

[nitesh]

step in right direction
Army patents two varieties of camouflage - Kolkata - City - The Times of India

 

[Quickgun Murugan]

Agni-II user trial anytime between 3-8 November
domain-b.com : Agni-II user trial anytime between 3-8 November

Balasore, Orissa: Indian defence scientists and Indian Army officials are working towards conducting a user trial of the country's medium range ballistic missile, the Agni-II, sometime between 3-8 November this year. The Agni-II, a nuclear capable missile, can hit targets beyond 2,000 km and up to a distance of 3,500 km with varying payloads.

''The missile is scheduled to be fired from the Wheelers Island based test range facilities any time between November 3 and 8,'' defence sources said.

According to scientists, the 700-km range Agni-I along with the 2000+ km range Agni-II and the 3000+ km range Agni-III form the triad of the country's nuclear deterrence.

The Agni-II missile, whose first operational variant was test-fired in April 1999, is 20-meter long and 1.3 meter in diameter. Weighing 16 tonnes it is designed to carry a nuclear payload of about 1,000 kg to a distance in excess of 2500 km.

The previous user trial conducted on 19 May this year was not a success.

The missile has already been inducted into the Indian Army's 555 missile group.

Agni-II is a ready-to-fire missile with a launch time of about 15 minutes.

The missile is unique in that its second stage has a flex nozzle which enables small changes in the thrust vector direction in flight allowing far superior manoeuvrability and thrust control than any comparable missiles in its class, including western ones.

The flex nozzle can be exploited with the help of an on-board closed-loop guidance and control system. Till now, the flex nozzle has been used only in the third-stage motor of the PSLV.

The missile's re-entry vehicle uses its manoeuvring fins to porpoise the warhead, to avoid missile defences while manoeuvring to its target, employing terminal guidance radar operating in the C- and S-bands.

The Agni-II is designed to be launched from a rail-mobile launcher; one that can move on a standard broad-gauge rail system. It is also road-mobile and the services can choose which system they want. A rail- and/or road-based missile system reduces vulnerability and allows for greater operational flexibility.

While India's is mostly covered with road and rail infrastructure in most parts of the country except the north-east which has more rail and less road infrastructure, the missile's rail mobility means that in strategic terms its deployment in this part of the country is a serious possibility.

Deployment here will allow the missile to hit deeper into China, though without reaching important city and industrial centres such as Beijing, which are 3000+ km away.

While earlier test versions of the missile had a CEP of ±100 metres, the latest versions will have a CEP of around 30 metres.

Indian scientists such as BrahMos Aerospace chief Dr A Sivathanu Pillai have said that the missile would have a unique on-board energy management system and an on-flight guidance process using navigational sensor technology.

 

[RAM]

Militant activities to feature in BSF-BDR talks


The BSF will hand over a list of around 100 camps of different militant groups located in Bangladesh and seek action against them during a four-day meeting with top BDR commanders in Sylhet beginning on Wednesday, official sources said.

The camps are basically 'permanent in nature' and belong to different outfits, including ULFA, NDFB, KLO and PLA, said an official in the Tripura sector of BSF.

The meeting, coming ahead of DG-level talks between both the border-guarding forces, is the first such high-level meeting after the mutiny in BDR headquarters earlier this year.


BSF's Tripura sector Inspector General S K Mishra will be leading the 17-member Indian side which will also include the IGs of Assam-Meghalaya Frontier and Mizoram-Cachar Frontier besides a representative from Union Home Ministry.

The Bangladesh side will be headed by the deputy director general (DDG) of BDR, the official said

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/militant-activities-to-feature-in-bsfbdr-talks/536722/