Indian Army: News and Discussion

[Kunal Biswas]

 

[nitesh]

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/apr/240411-sachin-tendulkar-pune-wheelchair-bound-soldiers.htm
Sachin greets wheelchair-bound army jawans

When the VC began, Tendulkar was the first to greet the other party, and fired the first salvo. He asked, "Where do you get the strength to fight for the country from?" One member replied, saying, when they go to the battlefield, they don't think about themselves but the country.

 

[nitesh]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...mpowered-police-force/articleshow/8075982.cms
Army wants own empowered police force

With just over 9,000 personnel and no dedicated officer cadre, the CMP has largely been reduced to ceremonial and traffic management duties over the years.

The aim now is to create a "multi-skilled, versatile, flexible and pro-active" CMP, which is capable of "genuine policing", investigating the entire spectrum of crime and providing "provost support" to formation commanders both during conflict and peace. It could also help tackle growing corruption within the Army.

 

[Oracle]

Army wants own empowered police force

NEW DELHI: The 1.13-million strong Indian Army, the second largest in the world, now wants its own "fully-empowered and trained" police to take care of both internal as well as external crime.

As part of an overall transformation in the pipeline to make the force into a lean and mean fighting machine, with a better teeth-to-tail ratio, the top brass led by General V K Singh will also discuss the comprehensive revamp of the Corps of Military Police (CMP) during the annual Army commanders' conference beginning here on Monday, said sources.

With just over 9,000 personnel and no dedicated officer cadre, the CMP has largely been reduced to ceremonial and traffic management duties over the years.

The aim now is to create a "multi-skilled, versatile, flexible and pro-active" CMP, which is capable of "genuine policing", investigating the entire spectrum of crime and providing "provost support" to formation commanders both during conflict and peace. It could also help tackle growing corruption within the Army.

The army wants a stronger, "fully-empowered" military police. This new force, it is hoped, will also help the Army to better tackle the cancer of corruption which has seeped into the force, with a flurry of land, liquor, meat, cereal, petrol scams besmirching its image. "Growth of crime, including corruption, within the ranks does adversely affect discipline and moral health of a force. Crime is becom sophisticated; requisite capability is needed," said an officer. A more organized CMP will also be able to take on 'external criminals' working for enemy forces.

TimesofIndia

 

[macymien]

indian army is great.in the Indian army have many solders and they are ready to do anything for the nation.

 

[Anshu Attri]

Shaurya Chakra to Himachali brave Solider

http://nvonews.com/2011/04/26/shaurya-chakra-to-himachali-brave-solider/

Nahan: 27 years Kapil Dev of Sangrah village in Himachal has been conferred with bravery Award Shaurya Chakra for his selfless contribution during the encounter with militants last year in J&K. Although the brave solider had received the award from president of India last week but his act of bravery came to light yesterday in his native village when he reached village. The winner of Shaurya Chakra Kapil Dev had joined Parachute Regiment of Indian Army on 23rd of September 2002 as a soldier. In 20101 his regiment was shifted to J&K. The brave solider was a part of assault team which was dropped by Helicopter for conducting search operation in Baramulla district of J&K. His father Gopal Singh is a Farmer and mother Kamla Devi is housewife.
The local residents of Sangrah are also planning to honor this brave solider who has brought laurel for area as well as
state. Mr. Bittu, the brother of the solider said that it was the proud for the family that his brother fighted with militants without any fear. While carrying out deliberate search, at o6:30 AM 0n 31st May, 2010 Paratrooper Kapil Dev came under indiscriminate fire from terrorists hiding in dense undergrowth in the area. Exhibiting remarkable initiative and outstanding field craft, Paratrooper Kapil Dev crawled forward and killed one terrorist at close range. He instantly drew heavy automatic fire another terrorist and sustained Gunshot wound in his left thigh (leg). Despite continuous bleeding he changed his position, lobbed grenades and killed him in a fierce hand to hand fight. 26 years Kapil Dev displayed exceptional valour, unmindful of his personal safety and heroic initiative beyond call of duty while fighting the terrorists.
According further information in this hand fight 4 militants were killed. Three Paratroopers of his Regiment admitted him to Military Hospital with the help of Helicopter. After a period of six months Kapil dev was declare fit for rejoining of 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment.
On 18th 0f April, 2011 he was awarded by President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan (Delhi). The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy. As per as the further information the Shaurya Chakra is generally awarded for Counter-Insurgency operations and actions against the enemy during peace-time.

 

[nitesh]

good analysis by orbat.com

http://orbat.com/

Pakistan's reaction to Indian Cold Start doctrine
Mandeep Singh Bajwa and Ravi Rikhye

Pakistani concern over India's Cold Start doctrine has begun to border on panic. The doctrine requires that instead of the usual minimum 10-day mobilization time, the Indian Army should be able to launch at least 8 brigade+ thrusts into Pakistan with zero warning. The objective is not just to grab territory before the Pakistan Army can react, it is also 9intended to get inside Pakistan's nuclear decision-making cycle. India will declare a ceasefire very soon after an offensive begins, rendering the threat of Pakistan nuclear weapons moot. Also, Pakistan will have to dorect these weapons against its own territory, which will obviously limit its options.
While the testing of the 60-km Haft 9 battlefield missile, allegedly carrying a sub-kiloton warhead, has received attention and been touted as Pakistan's answer to Cold Start, the Indian Army believes this is another example of Pakistan seeking to use psychological tactics to deter India. The Indian Army does not take these threats seriously and has no intention of being inhibited on account of Pakistan's N-arsenal. The Indian position is that the weapons of both sides are unusable for a variety of practical reasons.
Of greater concern to the Indian Army is the conventional warfare revamp Pakistan is undertaking with the intention of slowing down Cold Start thrusts. Pakistan is particularly concerned with its perceived vulnerabilities in the Chenab-Ravi corridor which is covered by two reinforced divisions of its XXX Corps. The concern began when India split its XVI Corps into two, with a new HQ IX Corps dedicated specifically to offensive operations in this corridor. Pakistan's worry is that a breakthrough here will (a) permit Indian forces to hook around Pakistan's West Kashmir defenses, forcing a general withdrawal from Kashmir, or (b) a pincer operation by Indian IX and XI Corps will pinch out the salient forward of the line Lahore-Sialkot.
Accordingly, Pakistan is boosting its corps reserves both for its XXX Corps and the Lahore-based IV Corps. It has already boosted reserves south of Lahore down to the Rann of Kutch. Pakistan plans also to raise two new divisions for an Army Reserve Center, thus providing it three strike corps to match against India's three. That requirement was changed to six divisions: one each for the four plains holding corps and two for a new strike corps.
The difficulty Pakistan is facing is a serious shortfall of resources. After the 1999 Kargil War Pakistan identified a need for five more divisions to stop an Indian counter-offensive in the plains in response to a Pakistani attack on Kashmir. Two of those divisions have been raised (Corps Reserves V and XXXI Corps). But first, the new raisings are largely a rationalization of existing loose brigades. Second, Pakistan is stalled: it has XXX Corps Reserves under raising, again, mainly by a rationalization of existing loose brigades, but has been unable to make headway for the IV Corps Reserves, which will also consist of formerly independent brigade. Meanwhile, there seems no hope of the two armor/mechanized divisions for the new strike corps of coming up any time soon.
Aside from blowing the nuclear trumpet, Pakistan is greatly strengthening its fixed defenses, starting first in the Chenab-Ravi corridor, to be followed by the Ravi-Sutluj corridor. These two corridors have always been the most heavily fortified. It is analyzing a move to shift armor reserves closer to the International Border to better provide against a surprise Indian attack.
On its side, India has been undertaking a massive expansion of capabilities. Its 2011 GDP is seven times Pakistan's, and will keep increasing. So resources are available in plenty. Among India's changes are six enormous programs: (a) increasing the Army's capacity for airmobile operations; (b) an all-out effort to enhance the Air Force's strike capabilities; (c) a complete reequipment of artillery; (d) an infantry upgrade; (e) an enhancement of battlefield missile capabilities together with an expansion of longer range systems and ABM systems; and (f) adoption of a netcentric capability for the Army, complete with a big increase in the number of UAVs.
More important, the Indian Army has most lately decided to seize the initiative on the question of N-weapons. Till now Pakistan has been able to define the issue with few, if any, reactions from India. The Army has now begun saying in messages directed at Pakistan: "If you go on talking about how you're going to counter Cold Start with N-weapons, we may well have to use our N-weapons preemptively against your ground forces, in support of Cold Start."
We can all agree this is psychological posturing. But so is Pakistan's ever-continuing threat to use N-weapons on the battlefield. The difference now is the Indian Army has grasped the uses of psychological warfare. It has decided to continue letting Pakistan define the N-debate is counterproductive, and that India must seize the psychological initiative as much as the initiative in conventional capabilities.

 

[Virendra]

Shaurya Chakra to Himachali brave Solider

http://nvonews.com/2011/04/26/shaurya-chakra-to-himachali-brave-solider/

Nahan: 27 years Kapil Dev of Sangrah village in Himachal has been conferred with bravery Award Shaurya Chakra for his selfless contribution during the encounter with militants last year in J&K. Although the brave solider had received the award from president of India last week but his act of bravery came to light yesterday in his native village when he reached village. The winner of Shaurya Chakra Kapil Dev had joined Parachute Regiment of Indian Army on 23rd of September 2002 as a soldier. In 20101 his regiment was shifted to J&K. The brave solider was a part of assault team which was dropped by Helicopter for conducting search operation in Baramulla district of J&K. His father Gopal Singh is a Farmer and mother Kamla Devi is housewife.
The local residents of Sangrah are also planning to honor this brave solider who has brought laurel for area as well as
state. Mr. Bittu, the brother of the solider said that it was the proud for the family that his brother fighted with militants without any fear. While carrying out deliberate search, at o6:30 AM 0n 31st May, 2010 Paratrooper Kapil Dev came under indiscriminate fire from terrorists hiding in dense undergrowth in the area. Exhibiting remarkable initiative and outstanding field craft, Paratrooper Kapil Dev crawled forward and killed one terrorist at close range. He instantly drew heavy automatic fire another terrorist and sustained Gunshot wound in his left thigh (leg). Despite continuous bleeding he changed his position, lobbed grenades and killed him in a fierce hand to hand fight. 26 years Kapil Dev displayed exceptional valour, unmindful of his personal safety and heroic initiative beyond call of duty while fighting the terrorists.
According further information in this hand fight 4 militants were killed. Three Paratroopers of his Regiment admitted him to Military Hospital with the help of Helicopter. After a period of six months Kapil dev was declare fit for rejoining of 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment.
On 18th 0f April, 2011 he was awarded by President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan (Delhi). The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy. As per as the further information the Shaurya Chakra is generally awarded for Counter-Insurgency operations and actions against the enemy during peace-time.

Bravo !! Takes a lot to thrash into hand to hand combat with a bullet wound bleeding from your thigh. Salute to the bravery.


Regards,
Virendra

 

[BangersAndMash]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ort/Missing-in-action/articleshow/8130419.cms

May 1, 2011

Till a few years ago, the term "interoperability" was virtually missing from the Indian military's lexicon. Indian commanders learnt it in the flurry of joint combat exercises with US armed forces after the post-Pokhran-II thaw of 1998. Today, the Indian top brass flings the word "interoperability" about with as much ease as American generals.

But internally, the 1.13-million strong Indian Army grapples with a new buzzword: transformation. With Army chief General V K Singh leading the charge, the aim is to transform the world's second largest army, with a poor teeth-to-tail ratio, into "an agile, lethal, versatile and net-worked force, which is capability-based to meet future challenges". Gen Singh says the transformation must be 360 degrees and "enhance operational capability through reorganization, restructuring, force development and relocation." Those are big words, but the force is not all talk. The Army has conducted 13 transformation studies. These range from ways to consolidate strike capabilities and "flatten" HQs, to "synergising" all resources and revamping the Corps of Military Police. The results of the studies were pondered by the just-concluded Army commanders' conference in Delhi.

Some of the Army's new transformative concepts are already being "test-bedded" and Gen Singh has ruled that delays will not be tolerated. The "stipulated timeframes" for overall transformation, even though revolutionary in scope, are expected to fructify in the next year or two. Deadlines are "sacrosanct", Gen Singh has warned. Change is urgently needed. The Army needs to be transformed considering it is engaged on still-unresolved borders with two nuclear-armed neighbours, even as it tackles militancy in the hinterland. Altogether, the Army is said to face "a two-and-a-half front challenge".

In any case, India needs to build military capabilities that chime with its expanding geo-political aspirations and the vast expanse—stretching from the Persian Gulf right up to the Straits of Malacca—dubbed its "primary area of interest". What led to this much-needed re-think? It didn't happen overnight but its origins could loosely be traced back to the December 2001 attack on Parliament, which led the Army to launch the ponderous 'Operation Parakram', the 10-month-long massive forward troop mobilization along the western front.

Operation Parakram's lumbering mobilization of "strike formations" at the border launch pads took almost a month. That gave Pakistan time enough to shore up its defences and the US to pressure the then NDA government to back off. That was when the mood swung towards transformation, modernization and the "pro-active war strategy", loosely called the 'Cold Start' doctrine, which has rattled Pakistan no end. Ever since, the Army has worked to build the capability to mobilize fast and hit hard with self-contained and highly mobile "battle groups". It wants to be ready-and-out within 96 hours to ensure Pakistan does not have the time to prepare for counter attack.

The proposed transformation seeks to further hone this. A crucial element, for instance, is to bring together the Army's three principal offensive formations -- 1 Corps (Mathura), 2 Corps (Ambala) and 21 Corps (Bhopal)—under one operational strategic command. Gen Singh, in fact, says the Army wants to "re-organize and relocate to enhance and optimize operational capabilities both for plains and mountains", create "network-centricity", integrate logistics to support the "high tempo of future operations'' and enhance operational synergy with the Air Force and Navy.

Big words again but the subtext is clear. After decades of working to a Pakistan-centric strategy geared to battle on the plains, the Army now wants to also build its capability for offensive mountain warfare with China. Transformation also entails major force accretions and modernization for the eastern front, along with the simultaneous strengthening of capabilities on the western one.

The lessons have been learnt. A new South-Western Command was created as the Army's sixth operational command at Jaipur in 2005, falling between the Western and Southern Commands, to provide a greater offensive punch on the western front. Similarly, two new mountain warfare divisions centred around Zakama (Nagaland) and Misamari (Assam) have now been raised, with 1,260 officers and 35,011 soldiers, as well as spy drone bases, for the eastern front with China. An almost Rs 10,000-crore plan was cleared last year to for military infrastructure development in the North-East, with a new mountain strike corps and a third artillery division also on the anvil.

The Indian Air Force, much smaller than the Indian Army, is also taking steps to bridge the gaping military asymmetry with China. After Tezpur, it is now basing Sukhoi-30MKIs at Chabua (Assam), as well as upgrading eastern sector ALGs (advanced landing grounds) like Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Ziro and Vijaynagar and helipads in Arunachal Pradesh. Plans are also underway to progressively base six surface-to-air Akash missile squadrons in the North-East to counter Chinese fighters, helicopters and drones.

So far so good. The problem is the Army's modernization is lagging, with critical deficiencies in artillery, air defence, aviation and night-fighting capabilities. India's lengthy and controversy-ridden military procurement process, coupled with the embarrassing lack of a robust domestic defence-industrial base, are an enormous problem in the planned modernization. But, most important of all is the operation of that term "interoperability" between the Army and defence ministry.

 

[nitesh]

http://frontierindia.net/defence-minister-ak-antony-visits-military-facilities-at-jaisalmer
Antony visits jaisalmer

http://frontierindia.net/ambala-bas...ortnight-long-excercise-on-the-western-border

another exercise

 

[Parthy]

India Seeking Small Arms, Ammunition Worth $1 Billion

India plans to purchase 44,618 close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines and 33.6 million rounds of ammunition. This deal is worth a potential $1 billion (Rs.4,440 crore). The Indian Army is looking at a 5.56 mm caliber system with a rate of fire of 660 rounds a minute. Foreign vendors are partnering with Indian firms.

Potential competitors include FN Herstal, Beretta, Heckler and Koch, Israel Weapon Industries Ltd (IWI), Colt Defense Llc, Bushmaster Firearms International Llc and Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd, among others. Singapore Technologies may not be allowed to compete. In addition to small arms and ammunition, India will purchase magazines, bayonets, slings, reflex sights and visible and invisible laser spot designators.

The selected carbines will likely be manufactured under licence by the new Indian ordnance unit at Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. In addition to the initial batch, India could manufacture another 116,764 carbines and 218,320 advanced carbines for an estimated $500 million. As many as 10,730 lightweight assault rifles for para-special forces may also be acquired.




Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/india-seeking-small-arms-ammunition-worth-1-billion-33836/#ixzz1LGt8tytE

 

[sesha_maruthi27]

At last our political top brass is doing a good job.

 

[black eagle]

At last our political top brass is doing a good job.

I am sure you would change your mind when it will take 5 years or more to finally clear this project.

 

[RPK]

Ladakh Highway Widened For T-72 Tanks
http://www.kashmirobserver.net/inde...r-t-72-tanks-army&catid=2:local-news&Itemid=3

Srinagar, May 02, KONS: With frequent reports of heightened Chinese troop activity on the Ladakh frontier, the key Srinagar-Leh highway has been widened to allow T-72 tanks of the Indian army into the mountain region, a top military commander said here on Monday.

"Last year, an effort was made to see if we can bring in more tanks into this area. Any military force always looks at how to improve its infrastructure, which improves its capabilities," General Officer Commanding of the army's Srinagar-based 15th Corps Lieutenant General S A Hasnain, was quoted by the PTI as having said on the reopening of the highway after nearly six months of winter closure.
"From a military angle, if you find the resources in the areas opposite to you increase and the military capability enhances, it is always a case of worry for you. Therefore, you have to re-analyse your own resources, your own capabilities," he said.
The widening of the Srinagar-Leh road, which passes through the Zoji La at an altitude of 11,500 feet, has been done to facilitate the passage of T-72 tanks following several reports of Chinese incursions into Ladakh region over the past few years. The widening work on the pass was carried out by the 32 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) and 122 RCC.
The general said it (use of T-72) had been a requirement for many years in Ladakh region due to the flatness of the terrain. "You can utilise mechanised elements here (in Ladakh) but bringing in mechanised elements by air has been a major problem in the earlier years," he said.
The army currently operates Russian-made T-72 tank fleet, which has undergone an upgradation to equip it with thermal imaging capabilities to its night-vision system. On the increased Chinese presence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he said it had nothing to do with any particular country but admitted that it should be a cause of concern. Terming the road as strategically important, Hasnain said there have always been efforts to reopen the road after winter as early as possible. The army commander said he was hopeful that the highway will become an all-weather road in near future. "A feasibility study is being conducted for constructing a tunnel between Srinagar side and Gumri. The study shall be completed in 2012," he said. Lt Gen Hasnain said Ladakh generally faces logistic problems during winter and excessive stocking has to be undertaken.

 

[Anshu Attri]

Work on Shinkula tunnel likely to start soon


http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110505/himachal.htm#4

Shimla, May 4

Having an all-weather connectivity to border areas in Ladakh through Manali may finally be translated into reality as based on the pre-feasibility studies, the Defence Ministry can soon pave the way for the construction of the Shinkula tunnel, immensely important for India from the strategic angle.

The Project Deepak, after completing the pre-feasibility studies based on the weather data collected during the peak of last winter, will soon write to the Ministry of Defence to undertake a proper feasibility study as the only option to have unhindered access on the 470-km Manali-Leh road is by way of a tunnel under the 15,920-ft Shinkula Pass.

"We are writing to the Army headquarters for undertaking a proper feasibility report," confirmed IR Mathur. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE) also recently set up its camp at Shikula to have a data base which will help in execution of the tunnel project. Work on the Rs 1,500-crore Rohtang tunnel is already underway.

The length of the tunnel will be between four to five km and the estimated cost is likely to touch Rs 800 crore. The tunnel will not only provide the connectivity but also reduce the distance to Ladakh by 100 km and will help in bypassing the four lofty mountain passes of Baralacha La, Thaglang La, Nakila and Lachung La.

"We are exploring the possibility of having a road through the area with the provision of snow clearance during summers, but seeing almost 20 feet of snow accumulation in the area this winter, having a tunnel seems mandatory," said sources.

 

[Anshu Attri]

Work on Shinkula tunnel likely to start soon


http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110505/himachal.htm#4

Shimla, May 4

Having an all-weather connectivity to border areas in Ladakh through Manali may finally be translated into reality as based on the pre-feasibility studies, the Defence Ministry can soon pave the way for the construction of the Shinkula tunnel, immensely important for India from the strategic angle.

The Project Deepak, after completing the pre-feasibility studies based on the weather data collected during the peak of last winter, will soon write to the Ministry of Defence to undertake a proper feasibility study as the only option to have unhindered access on the 470-km Manali-Leh road is by way of a tunnel under the 15,920-ft Shinkula Pass.

"We are writing to the Army headquarters for undertaking a proper feasibility report," confirmed IR Mathur. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE) also recently set up its camp at Shikula to have a data base which will help in execution of the tunnel project. Work on the Rs 1,500-crore Rohtang tunnel is already underway.

The length of the tunnel will be between four to five km and the estimated cost is likely to touch Rs 800 crore. The tunnel will not only provide the connectivity but also reduce the distance to Ladakh by 100 km and will help in bypassing the four lofty mountain passes of Baralacha La, Thaglang La, Nakila and Lachung La.

"We are exploring the possibility of having a road through the area with the provision of snow clearance during summers, but seeing almost 20 feet of snow accumulation in the area this winter, having a tunnel seems mandatory," said sources.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Ladakh Highway Widened For T-72 Tanks
http://www.kashmirobserver.net/inde...r-t-72-tanks-army&catid=2:local-news&Itemid=3

Srinagar, May 02, KONS: With frequent reports of heightened Chinese troop activity on the Ladakh frontier, the key Srinagar-Leh highway has been widened to allow T-72 tanks of the Indian army into the mountain region, a top military commander said here on Monday.

Top brass better get the best 72s up there, PLA is positioning Type-96G variants recently..

 

[Patriot]

Indian Army, Air Force joint exercise begins Monday

AIPUR (PTI): A six-day long joint exercise of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will begin Monday in the deserts of Bikaner and Suratgarh near Pakistan border.

'Vijayee Bhava', the May 9-14 inter-services exercise, will involve tank to tank wars, helicopter operations and others, Army officials said.

Personnel from both the services are practising for 15 days to successfully carry out the drill.

According to the Indian Army, it has conducted 10 major exercises near the Pakistan border in the last six years and this exercise will boost synergy between the Indian defence forces.

"Battlefield tactics for warfare are being practiced in the exercise which also aims at fine-tuning the concept of Cold Start doctrine," an official said. Cold Start was a military doctrine developed by the Indian Armed Forces in 2004 and involves joint operations between the three main services Army, Navy, and Air Force.

 

[hit&run]

Northern Command on alert! (Times Now Sources)
PA troop formation/movement observed.
PA itching for more humiliation.
After being badly exposed by OBL episode and now ISI terrorist organization's involvement in Mumbai they want to divert attention.

 

[Koovie]

Hi guys, does anyone knows sth about this tender by Army for 40000 new aussault rifles and ammo?? Sound interesting.
India Seeking Small Arms, Ammunition Worth $1 Billion | Army News at DefenseTalk