Indian Army: News and Discussion

[youngindian]

Indian Soldier to Be Equipped with Modular Bullet-Proof Vests

India Defence Online, New Delhi – After having faced major criticism for the sad state of military gear that the Indian soldier is equipped with, the Indian Army will soon import modular light-weight bullet-proof jackets and ballistic helmets with internal communication gear. The need for better body and head armour for the soldier has been heightened due to the continual counter-insurgency operations in the country.

According to the Indian Army, the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) has been remodelled and modular jackets will be imported from potential foreign vendors. The trials for the same will be conducted at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh and later in Rajasthan deserts and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army will be equipped by these modern bullet-proof jackets by 2012.

Apparently, over ten companies have elicited their interest in supplying these modular jackets and the Indian Army's tender indicates that 150,000 bullet-proof jackets will be inducted in the first phase and another 180,000 will be acquired in the second round.

The new bullet-proof jackets will be ergonomically designed, light-weight, modular and fitted to ensure agility and maximum protection. Two kinds of jackets are being envisaged by the Indian Army. For a "low threat perception" mission, the jacket will weigh less than 4 kilograms and have a trauma pad with a soft armour plate all around it and a high threat mission jacket which will weigh 10.5-11.5 kilograms with hard armour plates all around it. The latter will provide protection against 7.62mm x 39mm mild steel core ammunition fired from an AK-47 from 10 meters. Unlike the conventional bullet-proof jackets, these vests can be taken off part by part depending on the mission of the soldiers.

According to the report by the Parliamentary Panel, the Indian Army was short of 1,86,138 bullet-proof jackets despite being authorized 3,53,765 new ones way back in March 2004. Besides that, the current bullet-proof vests weigh over 11 kilogram thereby hampering the agility of the soldier who carries other equipment as well. These new acquisitions by the Indian Army are crucial to plug the gaps in its operational capability and enable effective and decisive actions in response to hostile situations.

http://indiadefenceonline.com/2441/indian-soldier-to-be-equipped-with-modular-bullet-proof-vests/

 

[youngindian]

Navy, Army vice chiefs to get highest service medal .

http://www.sify.com/news/navy-army-...-service-medal-news-national-lbzuurahgab.html

 

[youngindian]

Army to showcase T-90 tanks, 'Dhruv' at R-Day parade


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...Dhruv-at-R-day-parade/articleshow/7358764.cms

 

[RAM]

Jodhpur gets modern army training centre

Jodhpur: The Indian Army opened a modern training centre in the military cantonment area in Jodhpur on Tuesday.

Chief Lieutenant General Pradeep Khanna inaugurated the centre. The centre will provide training in war techniques as well as latest information technology.
The training provided at the newly inaugurated centre will polish the skills of our competent army officials.

Khanna also conferred awards at the event. Former official at State Bank of India (SBI) Narayan Singh Ujjwal was presented citations for his remarkable work in helping war widows and retired army officials to get their pensions on time.

Ujjwal had met bank officials from SBI, Punjab National Bank (PNB), UCO Bank and State Bank of Bikaner and Jaisalmer (SBBJ) to sort out the issue of pension


http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JOD-jodhpur-gets-modern-army-training-centre-1790210.html

 

[black eagle]

SBI signs MoU with Indian Army for offering customized salary packages

State Bank of India and the Indian Army entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for offering a customised Salary Package to Army Personnel across India at a formal function at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi today.

Mr. Diwakar Gupta, Deputy Managing Director & Group Executive (National Banking Group) representing SBI and Lt.Gen V K Chaturvedi, AVSM, SM, Director General, Manpower Planning and Personnel Services, representing the Indian Army signed the MOU.

The package will offer, amongst other things, a Unique Lifelong Account Number which can be retained despite transfer and even after retirement to draw pension. Under the MOU, SBI also offers, free Anywhere Banking and free additional ATM cards even for the single account holder so that even the family members away from the Army troops will be able to transact on the same Bank account through ATMs.

This package also offers automatic sweep to Multi Option Deposits ensuring higher yield on the salary savings and also free Personal Accident Insurance. There are also free drafts, free cheque books and free transfer of funds.

As a unique and innovative initiative under DSP Army, SBI is offering training facilities to Defence Personnel in State Bank Learning Centres, under the Train the Trainers concept interestingly called "Educate a Thousand, Empower a Million" which will equip them with knowledge on Banking, Investment opportunities and also impart "hands-on" training to them on Alternate Banking Channels like Internet Banking.

SBI also has tied up with some manufacturing majors Like HCL infosystems, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, TATA Motors etc to offer attractive schemes to Defence Personnel like sizeable discounts, free foreign trips and free maintenance warranties. All these come with loans at attractive interest rates.

Other initiatives under this Package include installing Point of Sale machines at their CSD canteens, which can be used free of cost and opening of new ATMs, Multi Function Kiosks and Branches to suit the needs of Army Personnel in the remotest places.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/sbi-signs-mouindian-army-for-offering-customized-salary-packages/423298/

 

[Virendra]

India Defence Online, New Delhi – After having faced major criticism for the sad state of military gear that the Indian soldier is equipped with, the Indian Army will soon import modular light-weight bullet-proof jackets and ballistic helmets with internal communication gear. The need for better body and head armour for the soldier has been heightened due to the continual counter-insurgency operations in the country.

According to the Indian Army, the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) has been remodelled and modular jackets will be imported from potential foreign vendors. The trials for the same will be conducted at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh and later in Rajasthan deserts and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army will be equipped by these modern bullet-proof jackets by 2012.

Apparently, over ten companies have elicited their interest in supplying these modular jackets and the Indian Army's tender indicates that 150,000 bullet-proof jackets will be inducted in the first phase and another 180,000 will be acquired in the second round.

The new bullet-proof jackets will be ergonomically designed, light-weight, modular and fitted to ensure agility and maximum protection. Two kinds of jackets are being envisaged by the Indian Army. For a "low threat perception" mission, the jacket will weigh less than 4 kilograms and have a trauma pad with a soft armour plate all around it and a high threat mission jacket which will weigh 10.5-11.5 kilograms with hard armour plates all around it. The latter will provide protection against 7.62mm x 39mm mild steel core ammunition fired from an AK-47 from 10 meters. Unlike the conventional bullet-proof jackets, these vests can be taken off part by part depending on the mission of the soldiers.

According to the report by the Parliamentary Panel, the Indian Army was short of 1,86,138 bullet-proof jackets despite being authorized 3,53,765 new ones way back in March 2004. Besides that, the current bullet-proof vests weigh over 11 kilogram thereby hampering the agility of the soldier who carries other equipment as well. These new acquisitions by the Indian Army are crucial to plug the gaps in its operational capability and enable effective and decisive actions in response to hostile situations.

http://indiadefenceonline.com/2441/indian-soldier-to-be-equipped-with-modular-bullet-proof-vests/

I still remember how the martyr Hemant Karkare's vest was punched by bullets. Smallest error or slightest corruption would directly play with the lives of our protectors. This deserves a lot of attention. We cannot afford to err, atleast in these kind of things.

Regards,
Virendra

 

[Kunal Biswas]

 

[chex3009]

Awesome pic sir, now thats T-90 of Indian Army....

 

[youngindian]

Army tightens rules to prevent land scams.



http://www.zeenews.com/news683853.html

 

[youngindian]

We can fight even after a nuke attack: Army Chief

Jan 29, 2011

Even in the event of a nuclear strike by a hostile neighbour, the Indian Army has developed the ability to march through contaminated areas and strike back at the enemy. This is significant given that Pakistan has been trying to build more nuclear warheads to negate the Indian Army's traditional edge in conventional forces.

This also means a nuclear attack will not cripple the Indian Army or stop it launching retaliatory operations.
In an exclusive interview to this newspaper, Gen. V.K. Singh, Chief of Army Staff, said: "Even if there is a (nuclear) strike in a particular area, we have developed a capability to move a certain force level ... which will not get affected (even if) the area is contaminated." Pakistan has recently been trying to accumulate more nuclear warheads to give it a military edge. It is resisting pressure from the Americans, who are alarmed that the Pakistani arsenal could fall into the hands of terror groups like the Taliban.
Pakistan feels its nuclear arsenal prevented a no-holds-barred war with India following its 1999 Kargil intrusions and the Indian Army's Operation Parakram in 2001-02.
But Gen. Singh said India was supremely confident of its own nuclear deterrence capabilities. "No country in the world will use it (nuclear arsenal) immediately despite whatever they say. They (Pakistan) can keep accumulating what they want to. I'm sure, as our policy goes, you have enough retaliatory triad (ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air and sea) to cater for such an attack." Gen. Singh doesn't believe Pakistan will ever launch a nuclear attack. "Are they going to start a war with a nuclear strike? I don't think so," he said, adding: "If somebody throws something at you, I'm quite sure we are capable enough to retaliate in equal measure."
Subject to clearance from the political leadership, the tri-services Strategic Forces Command has to operationalise India's nuclear weapons. India already has a declared "no first use" policy on nuclear weapons, thus it will only launch a strike in retaliation. It can already launch nuclear weapons from land and air, and is on the threshold of developing the capability to launch these from sea as well.

http://www.asianage.com/india/we-can-fight-even-after-nuke-attack-army-chief-625

 

[black eagle]

Army helicopter crashes in Nasik


Two pilots of the Indian Army were killed when their Cheetah helicopter crashed in a residential area in Maharastra's Nasik district on Wednesday, police said.

The chopper crashed soon after it took off from an Army aviation training schools after 9 am.

Army personnel rushed to the site of the accident for rescue operation. The pilots were yet to be identified.

Initial reports said the pilots in the ranks of Major were dead in the accident.

The chopper was on a routine sortie from Nashik to an Army base in Goa.

http://www.indiablooms.com/NewsDetailsPage/newsDetails020211a.php

 

[Parthy]

Indian Army to be transformed into a more lethal force: Gen VK Singh

Strengthening its capabilities for a two-front war, the Indian Army on Friday said it would "reorganise, restructure and relocate" its various formations for transforming into a more agile and lethal force.

The aim of this transformation is also to shift the organisation from a threat-based to a capability-based service and provide theatre-based capabilities to the force, Army Chief General V K Singh said on the eve of the 63rd Army day.

"We are looking at reorganising and restructuring our force headquarters including the Army headquarters for a faster decision making so that it becomes slightly flattened and more responsive," he said.

The Army chief said the transformation plans were originally evolved in a study carried out last year after which sub-committees were formed to implement them.

"This year, we will make test beds to try out the concepts that would be implemented at larger level later," he added.

He said the reorganisation and restructuring of troops would take place in formations located in both mountains and plains and strike capabilities would be adequately provided to them.

"We are looking at integrated logistics, which makes it more structured. We are looking at theaterisation of combat support resources to ensure synergy of resources in a theatre as part of theatre battle plan," the Army chief said.

Officials said this would mean that the Army would be organised in such a manner that the two theatres would be independent of each other and for war-fighting in a particular theatre, the resources of the other theatre would not be required.

Under the plans, the Army is also thinking of putting elements under its Strike Corps under a Strategic Command, which would be located around both its eastern and western frontiers.

Gen Singh said the force would also like to increase its aviation assets by getting more choppers under its control.

He also said probably for the first time, the Army would meet its financial targets.

"We have ensured that all our cases are pushed through and meet the time lines. All services have integrated developmental plans and we aim at doing doable things. We have been able to ensure that targets are met adequately," he said.

On the out-dated weapon systems in the force, he said, "In any force in world, 30 per cent of the equipment is state of the art, 40 per cent is of current technology and rest is of out-dated technology and can be upgraded."



http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indian...a-more-lethal-force-Gen-VK-Singh/6056/1/.html

 

[Parthy]

Indian Army takes delivery of four 'Nishant' UAVs

After completing successful flight trials in Rajasthan, Indian Army recently took delivery of four indigenously designed and developed 'Nishant' Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

"Nishant has successfully completed the series of confirmatory trials conducted by the Indian Army at Chandan Range in Pokharan recently before (the Army) taking delivery of a set of four UAVs together with ground systems," DRDO officials said here.

To be used for battle-field reconnaissance in day and night, surveillance, target tracking and correction of artillery fire, the DRDO-developed UAV can also be utilised for anti-insurgency operations.

The electro optical, electronic intelligence and communication intelligence payload on-board the UAV make it suitable for a range of operations both during wartime and counter insurgency operations, they said.

The Nishant is capable of being launched from a hydro pneumatic launcher, without the need of a runway. The UAV can be controlled by 'Ground Control Systems' mounted on Tatra vehicles, DRDO distinguished scientist Prahlada said.

With an endurance level of four and a half hours, Nishant is designed for safe recovery from a desired place with the help of parachutes.

Along with the regiments which would be operating the UAVs, the confirmatory flight of the UAV were witnessed by the Director General of artillery Lt General Vinod Nayanar and Director of Aeronautical Development Agency P S Krishnan.

Nishant has been designed and developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), which specialises in developing UAVs, flight control systems and simulators in association with other labs.


http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indian-Army-takes-delivery-of-four-Nishant-UAVs/6204/1/10.html

 

[RPK]

Indian Army has two new mountain divisions in northeast

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/135558/indian-army-has-two-mountain.html
New Delhi, Feb 7 (IANS)

With an eye on China's growing military strength in Tibet, India has ''fully raised'' two new mountain divisions with 30,000 troops in the northeast as a counter-measure and to shore up its mountain warfare capabilities.


"We have now fully raised the two new mountain divisions in the northeast. They are fully functional. Only some support elements may join them soon," a senior officer at the Army Headquarters here told IANS.

The two new mountain divisions, raised at a cost of Rs 700 crore/ Rs 7 billion each, will be under the command of the Rangapahar-based 3 Corps in Nagaland and the Tezpur-based 4 Corps in Assam of the army's Kolkata-based Eastern Command.

The two divisions with 15,000 personnel each will further enhance the tactical strength of the Indian Army in the strategically important areas along the borders facing its traditional rival China, which claims the whole of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory.
The new mountain divisions have come up at a time when India's security top brass is warily watching the massive upgrade of Chinese military infrastructure along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) - the ceasefire line as there is no demaracated border - in all the three sectors - western (Ladakh), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal).

The other China-specific plans include the raising of the 'Arunachal Scouts' and 'Sikkim Scouts' that was given the nod last year.

India has also deployed a Sukhoi SU-30 air superiority fighter jet squadron in Tezpur as one of the aerial offensive measures apart from upgrading airfields and helipads in the northeast.The Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the raising of the two new divisions in early 2008 and preparations for raising the offensive infantry formations began the same year.

The army, out of its 35 divisions, already has 10 divisions dedicated to mountain warfare and another infantry division earmarked for high altitude operations.

Though the plan for raising the two new formations was to be in two phases over five years, the army has compressed timelines to have them in place within three years, primarily in view of the defence ministry's focus on building military strength in the northeast, the officer, who did not wish to be named, said.

Under the first phase, the two new divisions' headquarters, along with a brigade each, have come up, including the headquarters' support elements such as signals, provost, and intelligence units. Implementation of the second phase will be completed in the first half of this year to make them operationally ready.

The divisions have been armed with state-of-the-art technology such as heavy-lift helicopters capable of carrying 50 troops each; ultralight howitzers that can be slung under the helicopters for transportation; missile and cannon-armed helicopter gunships; utility helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

India is already in the process of purchasing 140 M777 ultralight howitzers worth $647 million through the foreign military sales route from the US under its Rs 12,000-crore ($2.7-billion) artillery modernisation plan.

The air assets, such as the helicopter gunships and attack helicopters, will provide the two divisions capabilities to carry out manoeuvres for countering the terrain impediments.
"The gunships and attack choppers will be necessary for providing the two formations firepower in a mountain terrain, as the army will not be in a position to deploy tanks and armoured vehicles," the officer pointed out.

The firepower in the third dimension (air) was required due to difficulties the army would face in using artillery guns in an operation over a mountainous terrain.

 

[nitesh]

http://frontierindia.net/blast-proof-boxers-hit-india
Blast-Proof Boxers hit India

BCB International Ltd, the UK survival equipment specialists are now making available to Indian soldiers their award winning Blast Boxers, a pair of protective shorts which BCB believe will help reduce the number of Indian troops who are dying or suffering horrendous life changing injuries from roadside bombs.
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[RAM]

AERO INDIA: Indian army accepts first five Shakti-powered Dhruvs


Hindustan Aeronautics delivered its first five Shakti-engined Dhruv advanced light helicopters to the Indian army at the show.
Dubbed the Dhruv Mk III, the new aircraft features a more powerful engine than previous examples of the indigenous type. The Shakti was developed by HAL with Turbomeca as a replacement for the latter's TM333 powerplant which equipped earlier aircraft for the Indian armed forces. It is also used by the Indian manufacturer's advanced light helicopter, which is flying here at the show for the first time.


HAL chairman Ashok Nayak handed over the first batch of Shakti-powered aircraft to army Maj Gen PK Bharali during a ceremony staged on the company's stand. One of the new type is also on static display here at Aero India.
India's army has previously fielded more than 50 Dhruvs.


http://www.flightglobal.com/article...n-army-accepts-first-five-shakti-powered.html

 

[RAM]

Army to unveil futuristic Rambos next year

Come 2012, the Indian Army will have among its ranks quite a few high-tech and all-terrain infantrymen. They will have the ability to fight in a network-centric environment and will carry a weight — of weapons and other equipment — almost 50 per cent less than what they shoulder at present.

They will be the Futuristic Infantry Solider as a System (F-INSAS). The Army on Wednesday floated a global tender (request for information) for acquiring an integrated computer and communications system for its infantrymen. The systems — including mini-computers or laptops along with GPS and radio systems — will be part of the F-INSAS programme.

India has embarked upon on a similar programme called F-INSAS 2020, by when each soldier in its 3.75 lakh-strong infantry will be covered. The entire process is likely to cost more than $3 billion. The F-INSAS programme was first announced in 2007. The first phase of acquiring and training infantrymen is likely to be over by the end of 2011.

Faced with rapidly-changing warfare and the advent of information technology, countries like the US have made their infantry soldier self-sufficient, or "one-man armies."

The futuristic soldier will have a more lethal but lighter rifle, lighter but stronger bulletproof jacket and lighter boots, besides ultra modern gadgets to increase his efficiency in war and reduce chances of casualty.

Sources said computers similar to the ones for which the tender has been floated are now in use by the US Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have proved their real-time worth vis-à-vis the ability to accept and present by command, control, communications, computers and intelligence tools, among others.

GPS, radio systems and computers — in the form of mini-laptops, helmet-mounted pads or wristbands — will enable soldiers to exchange pertinent information up and laterally across the chain of command under all environmental and climatic conditions.

Moreover, the Army wants to acquire systems which allow the soldier knowledge of what is happening around him and his location on the battlefield with respect to the enemy and his own troops.

The main objective of the F-INSAS programme is to enhance the soldier's lethality, survival capacity and mobility.

Hi-tech Armoury

Helmet

Fitted with thermal sensors, video cameras besides chemical and biological sensors. Visor to function as a display monitor like two small computer monitors.

Clothing

To be lighter, waterproof but breathable besides resistant to chemical warfare. Also have sensors to monitor the health of soldier in order to provide immediate medical assistance.

Weapons

DRDO is developing a multi-calibre rifle and grenades. The rifle will be fitted with thermal weapon sight and laser finder to provide the soldier with range and direction information.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/317017/Army-to-unveil-futuristic-Rambos-next-year.html

 

[black eagle]

Indian Army Gets First Shakti-powered Dhruv Copters


http://livefist.blogspot.com/2011/02/indian-army-gets-first-shakti-powered.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FUQMw+%28LiveFist+-+The+Best+of+Indian+Defence%29

 

[Anshu Attri]

Soldier cremated

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110216/himachal.htm#9

Hamirpur, February 15
The mortal remains of soldier Jagdev Singh ( 25), who was killed in a landmine blast on Saturday in Nagaland, were consigned to flames in his ancestral Gabba village in Hamirpur district today with full military and civil honours.

Jagdev, who was serving in the 20 Jack Rifles in Nagaland, was on a petrol duty when he stumbled upon a landmine and was killed. The deceased has left behind his mother, wife and a 10-month-old child. A large number of villagers, Hamirpur SDM Pankaj Raj, DSP Anjani Jaswal and several political leaders paid tributes to the soldier and participated in the last rites.

Chief Minister PK Dhumal in his condolence message has expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and said the sacrifice made by Jagdev would always be remembered. — TNS

 

[Kunal Biswas]

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