Modernisation of Indian Army Infantry

[Ray]

Do you have a picture for that, Sir?

 

[Ray]

Summer Mess Dress (not armoured corps)

 

[KS]

All of them wearing spectacles..WTF.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

All of them wearing spectacles..WTF.

Its very common in SAF..

 

[p2prada]

All of them wearing spectacles..WTF.

Super advanced NVGs which pass off as regular spectacles during the day.

 

[KS]

Its very common in SAF..

With the specs, they look like internet warriors..not real ones

 

[The Messiah]

With the specs, they look like internet warriors..not real ones

Our soldiers would gun them down within minutes.

 

[Singh]

I wouldn't be surprised to find out if an Indian firm is supplying American camouflage fabric.

PS: One of the world's largest bulletproof vest manufacturing is based in India.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Our soldiers would gun them down within minutes.

Despite that, they are very professional in doing their Jobs..

Singapore Armed Forces to introduce new combat uniform in 2009
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 September 2008 0238 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singapore's men in green will be seeing a new combat uniform from next year.

Some 300,000 servicemen will eventually be wearing the new SAF combat uniform with high-tech pixelised patterns on it. The patterns replace the large green patches on the old outfit.

The new material maintains the camouflage effect even when viewed through night vision devices.

It is also designed to be used in war zones that extend beyond the jungle.

Colonel Tan Chor Kiat, Chief of Staff, HQ 9 Division, Infantry, Singapore Armed Forces, said: "When you talk about urban terrain, you are really looking at a very unique characteristic where the opposing forces can co-exist within the same urban terrain in a very volatile system. Consequently, the soldiers are going to get shot at a lot more often, and at a much more shorter distance."

According to the SAF, the new uniform increases detection time by 30 to 50 percent in the urban environment, making it harder for enemies to find their targets.

It is also made from better quality fabric which helps dissipate sweat and heat away from the body quicker and comes with ergonomic features such as extra padding and pockets.

It will be introduced to all servicemen over a three-year period starting from 2009.

The first to receive the new uniforms will be recruits from the January Basic Military Training intake, as well as active personnel and NSmen in their sixth and seventh In-Camp Training years, while the rest will get theirs in 2010 and 2011.

NSmen currently in their seventh to ninth years, however, will not receive the new uniform.

SAF says this phased approach takes into consideration the wear and tear of servicemen's existing uniforms. - CNA/de

New camouflage uniform gives soldiers an edge

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers will wearing new military combat fatigues in place of the current uniform, which was introduced 25 years ago, starting from Jan 2009. By 2011 all NSmen will be donning the new uniform.

The pixelised pattern on the new uniform makes it harder for soldiers to be spotted by enemies, hence increasing their survivability in the battlefield in various light conditions. This is fourth revamp of the SAF's combat fatigues since 1967 and it serves to enhance fighting capabilities of the Third Generation SAF.

Colonel Tan Chor Kiat, Chief of Staff, HQ 9 Division, Infantry, SAF conducted a brief on the new uniform. He said that with the advancement of technology, it is easy for soldiers to be detected by enemy forces. He added that the current camouflage uniform is becoming less effective in an increasingly complex modern battlefield. A team from the army and the Defence Science and Technology Agency was in charge of developing the new uniform and its members studied the colours and patterns for about a year.

The new uniform will adopt new technology that uses smaller pixels of colours to create a complex pattern. The pixels on the uniform break up boundary lines and generate a quivering effect which makes it more difficult for soldiers to be detected. It takes 30 to 50 per cent more time to detect a soldier wearing the new uniform at a distances of less than 50m.

The new uniform is also made of a tougher fabric that is designed to dry faster, transfer sweat to the outer surface more quickly and allow more air to circulate. In addition, the uniform is coated with a special chemical that keeps mosquitoes away. Among other changes, the new uniform comes with fewer buttons on the chest and none on the shoulders, as well as a Velcro feature. These new features relieve the pressure on the soldier's body when he dons equipment like body armour. The mandarin collar also prevents abrasion from rifle sling.

To ensure a good fit, each uniform is tailored according to the soldier's measurements.The first to receive the new uniforms will be recruits from the January Basic Military Training intake, as well as active personnel and NSmen in their sixth and seventh In-Camp Training years, while the rest will get theirs in 2010 and 2011. NSmen currently in their seventh to ninth years, however, will not receive the new uniform.

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asiaone.com - 3 September 2008

SAF's enhanced camouflage pattern

Camouflage is an important element in military tactics.

With today's advanced surveillance equipment and weapon optics, soldiers face a greater risk of detection in combat. Recognising this, the Army and the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) have jointly developed a new SAF combat uniform with an enhanced camouflage pattern to reduce detection - based on the science of human visual performance and visual biophysics.

Besides an enhanced camouflage pattern, the new SAF combat uniform also consists of better quality fabric and an ergonomic functional design.

In developing the new SAF combat uniform, the following techniques were used to enhance the uniform's camouflage pattern:

Pixelised Pattern

Research was done to see how the defined boundary lines in the current camouflage pattern could be replaced to improve the camouflage capability of the combat uniform. Pixels were used to break up boundary lines and to generate a quivering effect.

This affects the ability of the eye to see solid lines and the brain to detect recognisable shapes, resulting in a slower detection rate of the pixelised camouflage pattern at short distances (micro-pattern).

Viewed at longer distances, the pixelised camouflage works just like the traditional camouflage which comprises pattern shapes (macro-pattern). Overall, it was found that the new pixelisation technique reduced our soldiers' risk of detection.

Colour and Shades

Extensive research was done to determine the combination of colour and shades used in the new combat uniform. The research involved capturing images in various operating environments at different distances and lighting conditions, for feature analysis and colour selection.

These images were segmented into pixels to generate the patterns used in the uniform's design. Field trials were then conducted to fine-tune the design and colour of the camouflage patterns.

Night Camouflage

In developing the camouflage uniform, it was noted that night vision devices negated the effects of pixelisation by showing all colours in the camouflage pattern as a single tone.

To counter detection by night vision devices, the material used in the new SAF combat uniform was given Near Infra-red (NIR) treatment to ensure that every colour in the camouflage pattern reflected a different wavelength. This maintains the pixelised camouflage effect when viewed through night vision devices.

The trials involving different terrain and distances in both day and night conditions showed that the new camouflage pattern was significantly more effective than the current one.

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asiaone.com - 3 September 2008

SAF soldiers to be less "outstanding"

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is among the latest of a growing number of militaries around the world whose troops are taking on a digital look.

According to the Ministry of Defence (Mindef), the army developed the new uniform together with the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA).

The technology for digital camouflage is not something new though, the Canadian and US militaries were among the first to design and use digital pixel camouflage.

Elsewhere in the region, the Chinese military had in 2007 unveiled its own line of digital camouflage uniforms. The new fatigues sport computer-generated camouflage patterns which, according to their creators, are designed to simulate the natural environment.

Earlier this year, Thailand announced that after four years of research, they have come up with an innovative digital pattern, designed especially to meet the needs of Thai soldiers.

In Singapore's case, extensive research was done to determine the combination of colour and shades used in the new combat uniform. This makes it extremely suitable for the local forested terrain. Take a look at our photo gallery to see for yourself.

Besides an enhanced camouflage pattern, the new SAF combat uniform also consists of better quality fabric and an ergonomic functional design. The cost for uniform is also higher than that of the current set, but Mindef declined to reveal how much.

For the soldiers sweating it out in the fields, here's some good news, the new uniform will be cooler to wear. This is because the new fabric has higher permeability for better air flow. It also has an enhanced wicking ability which allows the quick transfer of moisture from the soldier's body to the outer surface of the uniform. This enables perspiration to evaporate at a faster rate, allowing greater heat dissipation, and increased comfort, according to Mindef.

Aiming to ergonomically integrate with the soldier's personal equipment, the new fatigues are designed to be highly functional as well. The design removes pressure points on the soldier's body and protects it against abrasion from use of body armour. It also allows for knee and elbow guards to be secured to the uniform and has additional pockets for storage. These features have been proven to optimise the soldier's performance in the field.

Mindef says the new combat uniform will be phased in over three years, taking into consideration the wear and tear of the serviceman's existing uniform.

So besides the recruits entering national service next year, active personnel and NSmen in their 6th and 7th In-Camp Training (ICT) years will get their new uniforms at the start of the 2009.

This will be followed in 2010, by NSmen who are in their 5th and 6th ICT years. In 2011, NSmen in their 3rd to 5th ICT years will receive the new uniform.

Unfortunately, NSmen currently in their 7th to 9th ICT years will not receive the new uniform.

Some of these Studies Indian army should be looking at..

 

[W.G.Ewald]

Our soldiers would gun them down within minutes.

Looking at the photo, the scene is posed. No face camo, the entire squad is facing in the same direction, everyone is bunched together. Good cover is nearby (behind them) , but they are not using it. Surely the squad leader knows better, but is complying with what the photographer wants. On an actual patrol, things would have to be different.

Lots more on patrolling here:

US Army Field Manual 7-8

CHAPTER 3
PATROLLING

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/7-8/ch3.htm

 

[Shaitan]

Kanpur, May 11 (PTI) Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) has developed a special bullet proof jacket which can absorb the impact of "Kirkee" - the most powerful bullet fired from an AK-47 rifle. A rigorous test of the bullet proof jacket has already been conducted in the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory at Chandigarh and it also cleared the parameters created by the Army under the General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) 1318, Director of DMSRDE Arvind Kumar Saxena told reporters here today. The special bullet proof vest has been sent to the Army for further tests and after getting the final clearance it would be ready for supply, Saxena added. Weighing over 10kg, each jacket is priced in the range of Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000. "Till date the bullet proof vests available in the country can withstand the "normal" bullet fired by an AK-47, pistol or rifle," he said. Saxena remarked, "Defence ministry had asked us to manufacture a bullet proof jacket which could absorb the pressure of powerful "Kirkee" bullet fired from an AK-47 and projectiles of an INSAS rifle." Based on the inputs, the DMSRDE manufactured the special bullet proof jacket, he said, adding that the vest also covers the neck region. "The help of a Panvel-based firm S M Pulp, involved in manufacturing defence material, was taken in the making of the bullet proof jacket, but it was developed at DMSRDE and the quality control tests were performed by scientists here," he added. DMSRDE, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, is responsible for research and development of material for the military services, including various types of protective clothing and equipment. PTI ZIR KAS


DMSRDE develops special bullet proof jacket, IBN Live News

 

[drkrn]

congratulations .

is this our first attempt in making bullet proof jackets?

 

[bhramos]

grt news.....
but i dont think this is first attempt!!!
but couldnt provide source....

 

[sayareakd]

10 kg for each jacket is good, earlier each plate used to have 10 kg wait and a jacket is used to have two plates, which means 20 kg with option to remove back plate as per mission requirement. So it is good attempt, but we need to reduce weight without compromising on quality.

 

[H.A.]

10 kg for each jacket is good, earlier each plate used to have 10 kg wait and a jacket is used to have two plates, which means 20 kg with option to remove back plate as per mission requirement. So it is good attempt, but we need to reduce weight without compromising on quality.

Agreed, 10 Kgs is only the weight of the jacket, add to that other stuff that a soldier has to carry, either our soldiers have to become vikings or we have to reduce the weight of all the equipment carried by our soldiers.

 

[sayareakd]

@HA even the good patka, has weight of 10 kg to protect head, add to that 20 kg for the existing BPJ, add 4.5 kg for rifle, plus ammo and other basic things you are looking at over weight soldier, which effects his efficency.

 

[H.A.]

@HA even the good patka, has weight of 10 kg to protect head, add to that 20 kg for the existing BPJ, add 4.5 kg for rifle, plus ammo and other basic things you are looking at over weight soldier, which effects his efficency.

Exactly my point sir, that's why i said either make our soldiers strong or reduce the weight they have to carry, to get the end result of increase efficiency.

 

[sesha_maruthi27]

Good to see indigenous stuff being made........

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Modernisation of Infantry in India


General

The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) organised a seminar on "Modernisation of Infantry in India" on May 25, 2009 at the CLAWS campus. The seminar was attended by a large gathering of serving officers from the army and select guests from the strategic community. Lt Gen GK Duggal (Retd) chaired the seminar. Lt Gen Jasbir Singh, AVSM, VSM, Director General Infantry, delivered the Keynote Address. Col HS Faujdar presented a paper while Maj Gen GD Bakshi (Retd) and Brig Rahul Bhonsle (Retd) were the discussants.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Opening Remarks

Brig Gurmeet Kanwal, Director CLAWS, opened the proceedings by welcoming the participants. He highlighted the crucial role that the infantry battalions of the Indian Army have played in keeping the nation together through four wars and numerous internal security challenges. Brig Kanwal spoke about the dilemma of modernising for conventional conflict which is not very probable and sub-conventional conflict which is ongoing. He emphasised the need to find a viable meeting-ground.

-----------------------------------

Chair's Remarks

Lt Gen GK Duggal (Retd) emphasised the need of modernisation of Infantry but pointed out the need to prioritise the requirement. The US is fighting militants in Afghanistan and Iraq and has realised the need of keeping the Infantry as light as possible. In today's environment unless the Infantry is adequately and appropriately equipped, it cannot confront the challenges being faced. There are deficiencies in the organisation and equipment which must be addressed by all concerned. The endeavour of the army should be to make the Infantry as light as possible and give our soldiers the right opportunities to operate with freedom. Lt Gen Duggal stressed the lack of cooperation and coordination with the research and development organisation and industry that should develop adequate capabilities to compete with the rest. He also pointed out that there is a tendency to exaggerate the threat perception and this needs to be checked.