Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence (MoD), has handed over indigenously developed equipment and systems to the Indian Army in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The equipment/systems have been jointly developed by the Indian Army, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO), and industry with a vision to modernize the Armed Forces under the “AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.”
Dignitaries
Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State (MoS), MoD; General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff; Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff; Air Marshal BR Krishna, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC); Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Chairman DRDO; Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Engineer-in-Chief and other senior civil and military officials of MoD.
Details of the Equipment & Systems Handed Over to The Indian Army
Future Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS)
i.The F-INSAS is equipped with three primary subsystems. It can also be enhanced further by integrating real-time data connectivity.
- The first subsystem comprises a cutting-edge assault rifle with day and night holographic and reflex sights.
- The second subsystem is a protective system, which includes a specially designed helmet and a bullet-proof jacket.
- The third subsystem is the communication and surveillance system.
ii.The F-INSAS is equipped with an AK-203 assault rifle, a gas-operated, magazine-fed, select-fire assault rifle of Russian origin.
Note: In the early 2000s, DRDO conceptualized the F-INSAS project in response to the Army’s Infantry Soldier Modernisation Programme goals of optimizing soldier performance across the whole spectrum and duration of a military operation.
Anti-Personnel mine ‘Nipun’
A new mine in India called “Nipun” will improve the protection given to troops on the border. It is more powerful and effective than existing anti-personnel mines.
- The Indian Army has been using vintage NMM 14 mines for a long time.
The Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune, along with the Indian industry, have collaborated to develop “Nipun.”
Hand Held Thermal Imager (Uncooled)
This surveillance and detection equipment allows soldiers to monitor enemy movement and activities both during the day and at night, as well as in poor weather circumstances.
Commander Thermal Imaging Sight for T-90 tank
This equipment improves visibility and range for armoured column commanders. It is manufactured by India Optel Limited.
- The constraints and drawbacks posed by T-90 tanks, which featured image intensification systems, have been resolved by the deployment of this thermal imaging system.
Downlink Equipment with Recording Facility
With the assistance of this downlink equipment, the helicopters can continuously monitor the borders and operational areas for threats.
- Reconnaissance data observed during missions is recorded in the system and can be accessed only when the helicopter returns to base.
The equipment, developed indigenously by M/s Exicom Private Limited, is mounted on the advanced light helicopter.
Semi Ruggedised Automatic Exchange System Mk-II
This new system, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the MoD, in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, will address all the shortcomings in the old system.
- So far, the Indian Army had limited exchanges that offered line communications to operationally deployed units. The equipment was also incompatible with the latest internet protocol technology.
Upgraded Radio Relay (Frequency Hopping)
Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka, developed this cutting-edge system with frequency hopping technology and a high capacity.
- The Indian Army will be able to expand its communication network in areas where there are no lines or other means of communication.
- The radio relay system will allow forward troops to communicate across far longer distances and at greater depths than they have been able to in the past.
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Project
A Solar Photovoltaic Plant has been installed at Partapur, Jammu & Kashmir, to improve total energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- It will be used at the Siachen Glacier, one of India’s most difficult terrains and operational areas.
Landing Craft Assault (LCA)
The LCA is much more versatile and has overcome launch, speed, and capacity limitations. It has improved the ability to operate over water barriers in Eastern Ladakh.
- LCA has been developed indigenously by M/s Aquarius Ship Yard Limited, Goa.
Note: Boats operating in Pangong Tso Lake in the Union Territory of Ladakh have limited capabilities.
Mini Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS)
The RPAS eliminates the tactical operating constraints placed on Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- It gives the Indian Army better capabilities for surveillance, detection, and reconnaissance at the infantry battalion and mechanised unit levels.
Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV)
The IPMV improves mobility and protection for a large number of infantry soldiers stationed along the Northern Borders.
- It was developed by M/s Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (Medium)
The Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (Medium) is the second vehicle, along with the Infantry Mobility Protected Vehicle, that will increase mobility of troops in Eastern Ladakh.
- These are specially designed vehicles with increased firepower, protection, and mobility.
- The vehicles are procured from Tata Advanced Systems Ltd.
Unveiling of Scales of Accommodation (SoA) 2022
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also unveiled the Scales of Accommodation (SoA) 2022, which authorizes the construction of facilities for the operational, functional, training, administrative, living, and recreation needs of Defence Services.
- The SoA 2022 is in accordance with government initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Sugamya Bharat, Digital India, Green Buildings, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, Reduction of Carbon Footprint, Promotion of Yoga & Fit India, etc.,
Key Points
- i. The implementation of SoA 2022 will result in significant improvements to facilities, infrastructure, and specifications that are compatible with modern requirements.
- It will greatly enhance working and living conditions for all defence personnel, including civilians.
Other Initiatives Launched
i. Rajnath Singh also unveiled a suite of e-Governance applications designed to increase transparency, improve efficiency, and harness the latent productivity of the Military Engineer Services (MES).
ii.To promote the “Digital India” agenda, he has launched 198 video modules on subjects of latest construction techniques, sustainable technologies, new trends in infrastructure development, etc.
- Under the aegis of the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Research and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, these illustrative videos will be broadcasted on the educational television channel ‘Vande Gujarat.’
Recent Related News:
In July 2022, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved Arms procurement proposals worth Rs. 28,732 crore under Buy Indian Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) and Buy Indian Categories.
About Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister – Rajnath Singh (Constituency- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Minister of State (MoS) – Ajay Bhatt
