I think he is talking about the order of 72,000+ Sig rifles scheduled to arrive in December.
Infantry modernisation began quite sometime ago. It's split into two phases. The first phase involves guns, BPJs etc. The second phase involves comm systems, wearable sensors etc. The first phase has already started delivering. The second phase should begin after the reorganisation is complete. The more exotic tech like robots and exoskeletons should come in whenever those are developed, which will take time. Like Vstol's interested in developing jetpacks for soldiers, which will allow soldiers to navigate cliff sides and rivers.
And plate carriers, helmets, backpacks, hydration packs, gloves, quarter zip t-shirts etc.
Of the above mentioned gear, plate carriers, BPJs, helmets, gloves have taken off in a big way and has become a common feature now.
Quarter zips and hydration packs are next, the former being the more common of the two. But it seems hydration packs are slowly becoming available to regular infantry.
In this recent video of Indo-Japan army exercises you can see regular soldiers of the Dogra regiment having hydration pack and utility pouches on the back :
Hydration packs were first seen on Ghatak platoon soldiers(Of course SF uses them too) :
Bit haphazardly wouldn't you agree ? On one hand we are modifying AKs with FAB defence kits and buying more AKs from the Russians and on the other hand we are also going for AR based Sig 716. I can only imagine the logistical nightmares.
The carbine deal is stuck, recently there is talk of us looking at the US LSAT program under the DTTI.
0.338 Lapua Magnum sniper deal is also stuck, maybe because the Army is interested in the SSS Defence snipers.
Same is the story of the LMG deal. Although the LSAT program does have a LMG element in it.
We've been using the same side arm from ages. Apart from a few piecemeal purchases of Beretta and Glock pistols there has been no new orders of side arms. Forget standardizing, the Army isn't even interested in buying a new one.
Similar story with the knives, a few units use the Khukri some others use imported knives. No attempt at any standardisation despite the fact that we do have companies making high quality knives in India.
Oh one other thing, do our troops have any standard issue multi-utility tool ? Of course we don't use any utility belts either.
Looking forward, I can see an ocean of logistical issues as long as these piecemeal orders continue.
As far as comms is concerned there is no Indian company that I know of which makes integrated comms sets that double as ear protectors, like say the US mil uses petlor comms sets. MKU has some comms gear but I don't know if they make it themselves or not, and I am pretty sure that those can't do the job as far as ear protection is concerned. So what's it going to be, imports ? I remember a pic(posted below) of the protective head gear for the Arjun tank crews. Don't know who makes it, assuming it was DRDO can some of that expertise be turned to making similar but smaller, less intrusive gear for infantry. I bet the artillery regiment would love to have that too.
Wearable tech like IR strobes is unlikely to be used by us given our non-reliance on airpower for combat support. If that changes, then strobes and other enablers would come.
Our SF are yet to adopt panoramic NVDs and you want exoskeletons and what not. Come on be a bit more realistic.
Everything happens quite suddenly with small ticket stuff.
Yeah, they need to do something about standardisation.
A lot of the wearable stuff you mentioned is in Phase 2 though. In Phase 1, it's only the critical stuff. Dunno if even boots are in Phase 1 or 2.
Indian Army’s ‘Sindhu Sudarshan’ exercise: Over 40000 troops, tanks, attack helicopters currently displaying strike power in Rajasthan
By Shaurya Karanbir Gurung, ET Bureau | Nov 12, 2019, 09.37 PM IST
The finale of this exercise will be at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer between November 29 and December 4. It will be attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officers of the Indian Army and IAF.
War game exercise called ‘Sindu Sudarshan-VII begins close to India’s western border at Rajasthan.
The Indian Army is carrying out a major exercise comprising more than 40,000 troops, besides several tanks, artillery guns and attack helicopters near Pakistan border in Barmer district of Rajasthan. The large-scale exercise, named ‘Sindhu Sudarshan’ will continue till December 5.
This is an annual exercise in which the Indian Army tests the ‘battle readiness’ of the Strike Corps. The Army’s field force is grouped into Corps. Some of these are defensively oriented and have, over the years, acquired an unofficial name – ‘Holding’. The others are called, ‘Strike’ Corps. The principal offensive formations of the Indian army are the three Strike Corps – 1 Corps, 2 Corps and 21 Corps.
The Bhopal-based strike 21 Corps, christened as the ‘Sudarshan Chakra Corps’ was formed in July 1990. In this year’s exercise named Sindu Sudarshan-VII, undertaken by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Southern Command, the Army attempts to validate the operational effectiveness and warfare capability of the Indian Army’s 21 Corps, one of service’s three so-called strike corps, in an integrated air, land battle scenario.
“The exercise underscores Indian Army’s resolve to implement the integrated launch of Strike Corps in desert terrain in consonance with its pro-active strategy using Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the Western Front,” said an Army officer.
Manish Prasad on Twitter
General officer commanding of 21st Core, Lieutenant Yogendra Dimri, will review the exercise on November 15. The finale of this exercise will be at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer between November 29 and December 4. It will be attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officers of the Indian Army and IAF.
For the first time, the K-9 Vajras, Indian Army’s self-propelled howitzers, are displaying their firepower in the Sindhu Sudarshan exercise. Apart from K-9 Vajras, the Advanced Light Helicopters ‘Rudra’ and Pinaka MBRLs will also be demonstrated.
The exercise aims at rapid mobilisation of the Strike Corps and making speedy multiple offensives deep into enemy territory before the enemy has a chance to mobilise its own resources for a counter-attack or for offering a heavy resistance.
“All can be seen, all can be destroyed”, is the Army’s slogan for the exercise.
The tactics being rehearsed in this exercise will allow the Army formations to break through multiple obstacles in a restricted time frame.
The focus of the exercise will be on new and efficient ways of fighting a war in a synergised battlefield. The exercise is likely to see mechanised manoeuvres in an entire spectrum of a new generation of equipment, including major weapon platforms.
As far as the Army is concerned, the exercise will involve the mobilisation of its armoured and mechanized formations, artillery division, air defence elements along with other supporting arms and services, the sources said. The real-time streaming of data, including live video feed from the battlefield to the highest formation headquarters, will also be tested
Over 40,000 troop, tanks, attack helicopters to take part in exercise near Pakistan
By Shaurya Karanbir Gurung, ET Bureau | Nov 12, 2019, 09.37 PM IST
The finale of this exercise will be at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer between November 29 and December 4. It will be attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officers of the Indian Army and IAF.
War game exercise called ‘Sindu Sudarshan-VII begins close to India’s western border at Rajasthan.
The Indian Army is carrying out a major exercise comprising more than 40,000 troops, besides several tanks, artillery guns and attack helicopters near Pakistan border in Barmer district of Rajasthan. The large-scale exercise, named ‘Sindhu Sudarshan’ will continue till December 5.
This is an annual exercise in which the Indian Army tests the ‘battle readiness’ of the Strike Corps. The Army’s field force is grouped into Corps. Some of these are defensively oriented and have, over the years, acquired an unofficial name – ‘Holding’. The others are called, ‘Strike’ Corps. The principal offensive formations of the Indian army are the three Strike Corps – 1 Corps, 2 Corps and 21 Corps.
The Bhopal-based strike 21 Corps, christened as the ‘Sudarshan Chakra Corps’ was formed in July 1990. In this year’s exercise named Sindu Sudarshan-VII, undertaken by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Southern Command, the Army attempts to validate the operational effectiveness and warfare capability of the Indian Army’s 21 Corps, one of service’s three so-called strike corps, in an integrated air, land battle scenario.
“The exercise underscores Indian Army’s resolve to implement the integrated launch of Strike Corps in desert terrain in consonance with its pro-active strategy using Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the Western Front,” said an Army officer.
Manish Prasad on Twitter
General officer commanding of 21st Core, Lieutenant Yogendra Dimri, will review the exercise on November 15. The finale of this exercise will be at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer between November 29 and December 4. It will be attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officers of the Indian Army and IAF.
For the first time, the K-9 Vajras, Indian Army’s self-propelled howitzers, are displaying their firepower in the Sindhu Sudarshan exercise. Apart from K-9 Vajras, the Advanced Light Helicopters ‘Rudra’ and Pinaka MBRLs will also be demonstrated.
The exercise aims at rapid mobilisation of the Strike Corps and making speedy multiple offensives deep into enemy territory before the enemy has a chance to mobilise its own resources for a counter-attack or for offering a heavy resistance.
“All can be seen, all can be destroyed”, is the Army’s slogan for the exercise.
The tactics being rehearsed in this exercise will allow the Army formations to break through multiple obstacles in a restricted time frame.
The focus of the exercise will be on new and efficient ways of fighting a war in a synergised battlefield. The exercise is likely to see mechanised manoeuvres in an entire spectrum of a new generation of equipment, including major weapon platforms.
As far as the Army is concerned, the exercise will involve the mobilisation of its armoured and mechanized formations, artillery division, air defence elements along with other supporting arms and services, the sources said. The real-time streaming of data, including live video feed from the battlefield to the highest formation headquarters, will also be tested
Over 40,000 troop, tanks, attack helicopters to take part in exercise near Pakistan
Indian Army Wants 500 Anti-Terror Robotic Vehicles In Kashmir
By Shiv Aroor
Nov 18 2019, 1:54 pm
In perhaps the most tense security atmosphere in the newly divided Jammu & Kashmir — and perceiving an up in Pakistan-fueled terror — the Indian Army has made an intriguing announcement. It has announced interest in procuring over 500 remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) specifically to track, engage and combat terrorists in built-up areas. While the Army has had tentative interest over the years in such a capability, its interest in such a large number establishes at the very least that trials with sample vehicles have proven their value. And now the Army wants to move quickly.
Designated the ‘Robotic Surveillance Platform’, the Indian Army has called for a procurement under the Indian Defence Procurement Procedure’s ‘Make’ category, which mandates indigenous design, development and manufacture. To be deployed with the Rashtriya Rifles counter-insurgency force deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, the Army defines the capability as follows :
The four-point mission profile envisages robots tracking terrorists and then being used for the high-risk initial breach in built up areas, an action that has seen consistent casualties in encounters both in the Kashmir Valley and beyond. Livefist can confirm that Army Rashtriya Rifles units have used samples of the armed version of DRDO’s Daksh ROV to test the capability :
The Indian Army already operates the baseline explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) version of the Daksh ROV, inducting a first batch in 2012, and currently operates 20 specimens. A mini version of the Daksh is also in service with India’s National Security Guard (NSG). It also operates British origin ROVs for bomb disposal. The new requirement for armed ROVs strongly indicates the Army has been satisfied enough with the capability demonstrated by prototypes, and definitely by the increase in number of built-up area encounters it expects to see in a freshly turbulent Jammu & Kashmir.
Paperwork on the Army’s new requirement for 500 counter-insurgency ROVs provides details that indicate modifications of existing systems in development. The Army wants ROVs deployable at night, and operable from a range of up to 200 meters. The requirement also mandates grenade launch, though the Army will almost definitely want a machinegun/assault rifle mount. A stair-climbing and obstacle crossing capability will be required, especially since encounters have frequently involved terrorists hiding in attics of houses. Interestingly, it also wants a system that is man-portable, presumably in knocked down assembly kits at the infantry company level. Either way, a solution will have to be an amalgamation of some of the DRDO’s current technology demonstrators :
The DRDO, which is fine-tuning the armed Daksh ROV, unveiled a new platform at the Aero India 2019 show this year, designated the Mobile Autonomous Surveillance System (MASS) that appears to be in line with what the Army is looking for :
The DRDO, in fact, has been steeped in development of a whole host of ROVs, detailed in this video accessed by Livefist in 2017. Items in test include stair-climbing mini ROVs to armoured personnel carrier-sized unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) like the Muntra based on the BMP-II. Responding to an Army requirement, the DRDO is also testing a tracked ROV ‘Himbot’ for snowbound areas and avalanche rescue missions
https://www.livefistdefence.com/201...-anti-terror-robotic-vehicles-in-kashmir.html
By Shiv Aroor
Nov 18 2019, 1:54 pm
In perhaps the most tense security atmosphere in the newly divided Jammu & Kashmir — and perceiving an up in Pakistan-fueled terror — the Indian Army has made an intriguing announcement. It has announced interest in procuring over 500 remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) specifically to track, engage and combat terrorists in built-up areas. While the Army has had tentative interest over the years in such a capability, its interest in such a large number establishes at the very least that trials with sample vehicles have proven their value. And now the Army wants to move quickly.
Designated the ‘Robotic Surveillance Platform’, the Indian Army has called for a procurement under the Indian Defence Procurement Procedure’s ‘Make’ category, which mandates indigenous design, development and manufacture. To be deployed with the Rashtriya Rifles counter-insurgency force deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, the Army defines the capability as follows :
The four-point mission profile envisages robots tracking terrorists and then being used for the high-risk initial breach in built up areas, an action that has seen consistent casualties in encounters both in the Kashmir Valley and beyond. Livefist can confirm that Army Rashtriya Rifles units have used samples of the armed version of DRDO’s Daksh ROV to test the capability :
The Indian Army already operates the baseline explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) version of the Daksh ROV, inducting a first batch in 2012, and currently operates 20 specimens. A mini version of the Daksh is also in service with India’s National Security Guard (NSG). It also operates British origin ROVs for bomb disposal. The new requirement for armed ROVs strongly indicates the Army has been satisfied enough with the capability demonstrated by prototypes, and definitely by the increase in number of built-up area encounters it expects to see in a freshly turbulent Jammu & Kashmir.
Paperwork on the Army’s new requirement for 500 counter-insurgency ROVs provides details that indicate modifications of existing systems in development. The Army wants ROVs deployable at night, and operable from a range of up to 200 meters. The requirement also mandates grenade launch, though the Army will almost definitely want a machinegun/assault rifle mount. A stair-climbing and obstacle crossing capability will be required, especially since encounters have frequently involved terrorists hiding in attics of houses. Interestingly, it also wants a system that is man-portable, presumably in knocked down assembly kits at the infantry company level. Either way, a solution will have to be an amalgamation of some of the DRDO’s current technology demonstrators :
The DRDO, which is fine-tuning the armed Daksh ROV, unveiled a new platform at the Aero India 2019 show this year, designated the Mobile Autonomous Surveillance System (MASS) that appears to be in line with what the Army is looking for :
The DRDO, in fact, has been steeped in development of a whole host of ROVs, detailed in this video accessed by Livefist in 2017. Items in test include stair-climbing mini ROVs to armoured personnel carrier-sized unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) like the Muntra based on the BMP-II. Responding to an Army requirement, the DRDO is also testing a tracked ROV ‘Himbot’ for snowbound areas and avalanche rescue missions
https://www.livefistdefence.com/201...-anti-terror-robotic-vehicles-in-kashmir.html
More photos :
BMP-2 fires a Konkurs ATGM
K-9 Vajra :
Neeraj Rajput on Twitter
Manish Prasad on Twitter
Indian Army’s new Integrated Battle Groups to be introduced in early 2020
The Army has tested the new concept of IBGs on both the western and eastern fronts, and is awaiting a report from the Eastern Command to fine-tune it further.
By Amrita Nayak Dutta, 26 November, 2019 9:32 am IST
Representational image of the Indian Army | Photo: PTI
New Delhi: The Indian Army’s Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), meant to ensure faster punitive and defensive operations, will come into being by early next year after necessary government approvals, top defence sources have said.
The Army is awaiting a report on the recent IBG-styled exercise carried out by the Mountain Strike Corps in Arunachal Pradesh, a development which had upset China according to reports.
The concept of IBGs has also been test-bedded at the 9 Corps at the western border with Pakistan, and the Army is fine-tuning them based on ground feedback.
Gaps found in recent experiment
While the Eastern Command is yet to file a report on the IBG experiment in the eastern theatre, sources said the experiment on the western front has brought to light critical gaps in the operations of the IBGs.
“For example, the resources given to IBG for signals were found to be insufficient, particularly because of the mountainous terrains,” a second Army source said.
The signals corps of the Indian Army is responsible for all military communications.
“Then with the animal transport (battalions), the need was felt for better tracks and more load-carrying capacity of mules,” the source added.
Overall, the test emphasised the need for leaner, smaller, more agile and more manoeuvrable forces, the first Army sources quoted above said.
What are IBGs ?
IBGs are self-contained, agile, brigade-sized fighting units, which were proposed in one of four studies initiated by Army chief General Bipin Rawat on the overall restructuring of the force.
They are to replace the current Cold Start Doctrine, which called for defensive corps to carry out shallow cross-border thrusts within 72 hours for limited objectives such as the capture of territory. Gen. Rawat acknowledged the existence of the doctrine for the first time in January 2017.
The IBGs are to perform both offensive roles, involving cross-border operations, and defensive roles to withstand an enemy attack.
Each IBG will be headed by a major general. The integrated units for the border will be all-encompassing, with artillery, armoured, combat engineers and signal units.
Resources for the IBGs would depend on ‘Threat, Terrain and Task’, and should be able to mobilise in 12 to 48 hours based on where they are located.
The composition of every IBG would differ on the basis of the terrain where it is located — an IBG operating in a desert needs to be constituted differently from one operating in the mountains.
Indian Army’s new Integrated Battle Groups to be introduced in early 2020
The Army has tested the new concept of IBGs on both the western and eastern fronts, and is awaiting a report from the Eastern Command to fine-tune it further.
By Amrita Nayak Dutta, 26 November, 2019 9:32 am IST
Representational image of the Indian Army | Photo: PTI
New Delhi: The Indian Army’s Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), meant to ensure faster punitive and defensive operations, will come into being by early next year after necessary government approvals, top defence sources have said.
The Army is awaiting a report on the recent IBG-styled exercise carried out by the Mountain Strike Corps in Arunachal Pradesh, a development which had upset China according to reports.
The concept of IBGs has also been test-bedded at the 9 Corps at the western border with Pakistan, and the Army is fine-tuning them based on ground feedback.
Gaps found in recent experiment
While the Eastern Command is yet to file a report on the IBG experiment in the eastern theatre, sources said the experiment on the western front has brought to light critical gaps in the operations of the IBGs.
“For example, the resources given to IBG for signals were found to be insufficient, particularly because of the mountainous terrains,” a second Army source said.
The signals corps of the Indian Army is responsible for all military communications.
“Then with the animal transport (battalions), the need was felt for better tracks and more load-carrying capacity of mules,” the source added.
Overall, the test emphasised the need for leaner, smaller, more agile and more manoeuvrable forces, the first Army sources quoted above said.
What are IBGs ?
IBGs are self-contained, agile, brigade-sized fighting units, which were proposed in one of four studies initiated by Army chief General Bipin Rawat on the overall restructuring of the force.
They are to replace the current Cold Start Doctrine, which called for defensive corps to carry out shallow cross-border thrusts within 72 hours for limited objectives such as the capture of territory. Gen. Rawat acknowledged the existence of the doctrine for the first time in January 2017.
The IBGs are to perform both offensive roles, involving cross-border operations, and defensive roles to withstand an enemy attack.
Each IBG will be headed by a major general. The integrated units for the border will be all-encompassing, with artillery, armoured, combat engineers and signal units.
Resources for the IBGs would depend on ‘Threat, Terrain and Task’, and should be able to mobilise in 12 to 48 hours based on where they are located.
The composition of every IBG would differ on the basis of the terrain where it is located — an IBG operating in a desert needs to be constituted differently from one operating in the mountains.
Indian Army’s new Integrated Battle Groups to be introduced in early 2020
Vinod DX9 (@VinodDX9) Tweeted:
#Breaking
India to get fifth gen ATGM soon!
BDL has intended to collaborate with foreign OEMs for indigenous manufacturing of fifth gen ATGMs .
In DefExpo 2018 L&T-MBDA JV showcased ATGM 5 , a fifth gen ATGM based on MMP ,which would have a range of 10 km . Vinod DX9 on Twitter ( )
#Breaking
India to get fifth gen ATGM soon!
BDL has intended to collaborate with foreign OEMs for indigenous manufacturing of fifth gen ATGMs .
In DefExpo 2018 L&T-MBDA JV showcased ATGM 5 , a fifth gen ATGM based on MMP ,which would have a range of 10 km . Vinod DX9 on Twitter ( )
Is this confirmed ? Here is the product brochure of the ATGM5 proposed by L&T MBDA missile systems :
The Chatter is DRDO is developing something on these lines & that BEL couldn't even manufacture the MILAN 2nd gen in a proper manner leave aside R&D on 5th gen ATGMs.