Indian Army News & Discussion - 23 March 2021

[Shameek]

Injured soldier evacuated from Israel by Indian Army Medical Team

NEW DELHI: A team of Indian Army led by a doctor conducted a well-coordinated medical evacuation of an injured Indian Army personnel from United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Golan Heights by C130 Air Ambulance. The Critical Care Air Evacuation Medical Team was led by Lt Col Anuj Singh along with two trained paramedics, from Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.
The mission involved coordination with the Indian Air Force, MEA, and other agencies. The rescue mission not only ensured that the injured soldier was evacuated to India amidst an extremely uncertain situation but also provided state-of-the-art critical care support en route, the Indian Army said.

Link

[VinodTK]

Cross Posting

India to maintain LAC troop deployment as trust deficit with China remains

NEW DELHI: With the huge trust deficit with China continuing along the Line of Actual Control, India is going full steam ahead with preparations to maintain its forward deployment of troops for the fifth successive winter in the forbidding terrain of eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh-Sikkim.

There may be indications of "progress and narrowing of differences" in political-diplomatic talks, but top sources in the defence establishment told TOI that "the trust deficit on the ground with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) remains very high".

The way China continues to strengthen its forward military positions as well as build 'permanent defences' and infrastructure all along the 3,488-km LAC, it is quite clear the PLA will not be returning to its peacetime locations in the near future, the sources added.As the Army transitions from 'the summer to winter posture', with massive 'winter stocking' underway for the additional troops forward deployed along the frontier, General Upendra Dwivedi and the commanders-in-chief of the force's seven commands will also review the operational situation at a meeting to be held in Gangtok (Sikkim) on Oct 9-10.

Talk of a possible breakthrough in the military confrontation in eastern Ladakh has been fuelled by a flurry of bilateral political-diplomatic talks over the last couple of months. These included the 30th and 31st meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) on July 31 and Aug 29, which were followed by a meeting between national security advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on the side-lines of a BRICS meet at St Petersburg on Sept 12.
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[Rakesh]

Akashteer: Revolutionizing India’s Air Defence
https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2024/ ... tem-india/
02 Oct 2024

https://x.com/NewsIADN/status/1841412500773867800 ---> Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has completed the delivery of 100 Control Centers for the Air Defence Control & Reporting System (Akashteer) to the Indian Army.

[Rakesh]

We have all the hardware (platform + missile) in India. Please do not import the Pantsir.

As Army looks for tracked air defence system, Russian Pantsir comes knocking
https://theprint.in/defence/as-army-loo ... g/2350810/
11 November 2024

[uddu]

Meet Indian Army's First Private Gunmaker | ASMI Submachine Guns |

[drnayar]

We have all the hardware (platform + missile) in India. Please do not import the Pantsir.

As Army looks for tracked air defence system, Russian Pantsir comes knocking
https://theprint.in/defence/as-army-loo ... g/2350810/
11 November 2024

Indian pvt sector can do a *much* better job and build a system of systems for multiple uses

[Manish_P]

They can but why will they... if all they can hope for are orders of 12 units or 14 units and those also after 5 years or 10 years

They have much better chance with exports

[VinodTK]

LIVE: 147th Autumn Term 2024 NDA Passing Out Parade at Khadakwasla, Pune

[A Sharma]

India Army's drone arsenal expands: Nagastra-1 brings enhanced lethality and precision to battlefield

[Rakesh]

Eye on reforms, Army to focus on tech, restructuring, joint ops
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india ... joint-ops/\
09 Jan 2025

Citing opportunities in new domains like cybersecurity, space and artificial intelligence, the Army also plans to harness indigenous solutions in AI, machine learning, hypersonic technology and robotics.

[SBajwa]

[A Sharma]

All you need to know about Sambhav smartphones, used by Indian Army for secure communication

[RCase]

...

They should make a version that looks like a pig and let them run amok in Terroristan. Would love to see the Mullahs debating whether it is haram/ halal to interact with these robots!

[nits]

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They should make a version that looks like a pig and let them run amok in Terroristan. Would love to see the Mullahs debating whether it is haram/ halal to interact with these robots!

What is real use of this gurus?

[RCase]

They should make a version that looks like a pig and let them run amok in Terroristan. Would love to see the Mullahs debating whether it is haram/ halal to interact with these robots!

What is real use of this gurus?

Probably reconnaissance, wading through minefields, ferreting out hidden terrorists (un-uniformed and uniformed).

[Manish_P]

...

They should make a version that looks like a pig and let them run amok in Terroristan. Would love to see the Mullahs debating whether it is haram/ halal to interact with these robots!

It will be culled and on it's way to China before it's battery even needs recharging

[williams]

They should make a version that looks like a pig and let them run amok in Terroristan. Would love to see the Mullahs debating whether it is haram/ halal to interact with these robots!

What is real use of this gurus?

25 of these MULEs were basically imported as an emergency purchase. I wonder if they really have a use in our operational environment or it got in because it is not in the negative import list.. Who knows

[A Sharma]

How highly advanced battlefield surveillance system 'SANJAY' will enhance India's warfare capabilities

[Manish_P]

An ex military chiefs comment on twitter was that it's a bit unwieldy

[Manish_P]

Happens now and then. This was a particularly bad one.. in terms of casualties

Eight workers killed in blast at ordnance factory in Maharashtra

A massive explosion on Friday morning at the ordnance factory in Jawahar Nagar, in Maharashtra’s Bhandara district, killed eight factory workers and left five injured, officials said.

The blast, which took place at around 10.45 am, was felt in nearby villages and heard up to five km away.

The cause of the explosion was not yet determined, officials said. A special investigation team will probe the incident. According to initial reports, the blast occurred at the RDX manufacturing section of the factory.

[Rakesh]

Army gearing up to induct more heavy-duty drones
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 847274.cms
02 Feb 2025

[Rakesh]

Army Eastern Command HQ shrugs off ‘colonial’ legacy by renaming Fort William to Vijay Durg
https://theprint.in/defence/army-easter ... g/2481027/
05 Feb 2025

The new name comes from a fort in Maharashtra that was a stronghold of the Maratha Navy. It is part of a move towards 'Indianisation of the forces'.

[AkshaySG]

Army Eastern Command HQ shrugs off ‘colonial’ legacy by renaming Fort William to Vijay Durg
https://theprint.in/defence/army-easter ... g/2481027/
05 Feb 2025

The new name comes from a fort in Maharashtra that was a stronghold of the Maratha Navy. It is part of a move towards 'Indianisation of the forces'.

All for indianisation of names and emblems but I do hope they look beyond just the Maratha forces for inspiration.

The Cholas,Rajputs,Guptas, Singhs all have history littered with glorious victories and emblems.

Not saying others are completely ignored but quite a few recent cases including the Naval flag change has been Maratha inspired.

[ashthor]

They should have looked at eastern king and kingdoms.

[Rakesh]

UK bags deal to supply MANPADS to Indian Army, launches new India focused defence programme
https://theprint.in/defence/uk-bags-dea ... e/2488081/
10 Feb 2025

Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited also inked contract to deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs, with initial supply of High Velocity Missiles and launchers to be delivered this year.

[VinodTK]

Indian Army must adopt subterranean warfare to counter China. Learn from military history

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What needs to be done?

The Indian Army does not have any formal doctrine or experience of subterranean warfare. Interestingly, the US Army has a doctrine. However, there is a wealth of empirical wisdom in and even actual systems at old battlefields. Friendly countries like Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan have a rich experience in tunnel warfare. The tunnels in Gaza have been well documented and also the experience of defence against PGMS/drones in Ukraine. India’s Border Road Organisation (BRO) also has extensive experience of construction of tunnels. Mountainous and high-altitude terrain is tailor-made for subterranean warfare as it enables both vertical and lateral entry.

The Army should promptly conduct a comprehensive study to exploit subterranean warfare. The study team should produce a manual for designing and construction of subterranean defences and also one for “How to fight”. Extensive training will be required in battle schools with realistic models. The Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers and the BRO should be made responsible for the actual construction. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) posts should also be based on subterranean defences. These can be exploited by forward elements of the Army during the war.

The cost of the Gaza tunnels is estimated to be up to $1 billion or approximately Rs 8,700 crore. In my view, in this budget all our defences and operational and logistics installations in Eastern Ladakh can become subterranean. A similar project for the Northeast will cost twice as much. The cost of PGMs is very high and the cost of creating an anti aircraft/missile/drone shield is even higher. Considering that India paid $ 5.5 billion for five regiments (40 launchers) of S 400 anti aircraft/missile/drone system, creation of subterranean defences for the northern borders would be a very cost-effective project. In due course, the project can be replicated for the Line of Control defences and for permanent defences in the plains too.

Since the history of warfare, the subterranean domain has been exploited to neutralise asymmetry in resources and technology. The Indian Army will ignore it at its own peril.

Lt Gen H S Panag PVSM, AVSM (R) served in the Indian Army for 40 years. He was GOC in C Northern Command and Central Command. Post retirement, he was Member of the Armed Forces Tribunal. Views are personal.

[srai]

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1883781191633129769

This ACH offers better than Patka protection at a weight of only 4.5 kgs. Can take multiple 7.62 HSC hits. Most likely fro SMPP.

The trooper is equipped with a PM MD 90 with a Zeiss red dot sight on it.

Deployed on the LoC.

Greaaaat stuff.

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1883780599787479301

Equipped with some of the latest stuff.

Level III + ACH that can withstand direct 7.62 39hard steel core round hits.

New ergonomic plate carriers.

Tonbo EK Thermal sight mounted on an AK.

Negev NG7.

These troops are kitted out for the hunt.

[bala]

This is a discussion with Lt Gen Vinod Nambiar, DG of Army Aviation by CLAWS (center for land warfare studies). Army aviation is blazing a stellar role with indigenous Helos purchased from HAL and the new drone tech requires a rethink on land warfare tactics. Tremendous progress has been made by Army aviation especially the Helo group inducting large quantities of HAL made helos.

youtube.com/watch?v=ai4DYgO9ajg

[A Sharma]

Indian Army’s Air Defence looking up with smart ammo, lasers, MW weapons

[Rakesh]

With drone threat, air defence guns back in fashion; fragmentation ammunition key
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 247889.ece
21 Feb 2025

Contract for indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system expected in 4-5 months, says Lt. Gen. Sumer Ivan D’Cunha

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1892954922280231215 ---> DG AAD of the Indian Army confirmed that the proposal for QRSAM procurement has been moved. A contract for these missiles could be finalized by mid-Q2 after due approval from ministry.

https://x.com/Firezstarter1/status/1892971210201235566 ---> Each IA regiment will be a large set up. 3 batteries. Each battery has 4 combat groups plus 1 surveillance radar, combat post. Each combat group has a 6 round missile launch vehicle and multi-function FCR plus EOTS/LRF. Total: 3 BSR, 12 MFCR, 72 ready rounds (likely 72 reloads).

https://x.com/Firezstarter1/status/1892967699644321807 ---> These will be significant numbers. Hopefully one more import loophole plugged for now.

[Rakesh]

Army’s stock of anti-tank guided missiles & launchers is outdated & fast running out
https://theprint.in/defence/armys-stock ... t/2536130/
06 March 2025

Despite repeated efforts to procure advanced ATGMs, the Army still faces shortages, impacting operational readiness of infantry and mechanised infantry battalions.

[Rakesh]

^^^

https://x.com/wartrophy_414/status/1897619730258595976 ---> Ever wonder why people think lobbyist in India actually exists?

* NAG (3rd gen)
* HELINA (3rd gen)
* MPATGM (3rd gen)
* SANT (4th gen)
* NAG Mk2 (3rd gen)

Not even prototype for 3rd gen has been fielded huh? Meaning everything will be done to justify Stryker & javelin procurement.

[wig]

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/india/ne ... dfdf3&ei=9
New Army division to defend Eastern Ladakh
extracts

Indian Army is in the process of raising a division-level formation to be permanently positioned in the sensitive Eastern Ladakh area, sources told this newspaper. This will be in addition to the 3 Division, which is responsible for the entire Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Terming it a major re-ORBAT move, sources said the new formation will be called 72 Division. ORBAT means ‘order of battle’ and Re-ORBAT is reorganising and redeployment of existing troops.

72 Division

“The headquarters are being raised; one Brigade headquarter is already deployed in Eastern Ladakh and has begun functioning,” sources said. The larger elements of the formation are being trained in the western parts of the country “to synchronise the personnel, equipment and organisation as per specific tasking,” sources added.

The 72 Division will be permanently placed under the Leh-based 14 Fire & Fury Corps, which was raised in September 1999 after the Kargil war. The Corps handles some of the most sensitive frontiers and battlefields in the world.

deinduction of Force "U" of Rashtriya Rifles

The area that will be under the control of the 72 Division is currently being taken care of by the counter insurgency wing called ‘Uniform Force’. Its elements, in lesser numbers, were moved as an ad-hoc arrangement to fill the gap. The Uniform Force will soon move back to its old location in Reasi, Jammu Division.

The Army’s decision to raise a permanent division in East Ladakh is important as the situation along the 832-km LAC remains sensitive,

[srai]

The whole ATGM saga!

In the meanwhile, using emergency procurement path some numbers of Spike, etc have been bought. Don’t know how they plan to fight wars with few hundred imported non-standardized weapons. They will run out of ammo Day 1, but then to replenish various units will need to procure their own expensive favorites from all over the world in an urgent manner at whatever price dictated.

[SSridhar]

Armed forces conduct massive integrated exercise in Arunachal - ToI

India-China diplomatic talks may now be taking a slightly “positive” trajectory but the armed forces continue to hone their high-altitude combat skills through intensive exercises, while the Army is raising a new infantry division of around 15,000 soldiers as part of its continuing rejig of forces and firepower for the northern borders.

‘Prachand Prahar (fierce attack)’ is the telling name of the latest integrated tri-Service multi-domain warfare exercise conducted ‘deep’ in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector of the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) over the last three days.

“The exercise involved Army, IAF and the other combat elements in a synergised combat drill designed to simulate future warfare. It reinforces India’s resolve to deter and, if necessary, decisively respond to any emerging security challenge along its strategic frontiers,” a senior officer said.

Towards the western sector of the LAC, which stretches from eastern Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, the headquarters of the new 72 Infantry Division is coming up at Pathankot under the Udhampur-based Northern Command. “There will be no fresh accretion of troops for the 72 Division. It’s part of the Army’s restructuring and reorganization plan that has been underway for some years,” a source told TOI.

The new division is likely to eventually replace the “Uniform Force” of the Army’s specialized counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR) that was rushed to eastern Ladakh after the multiple incursions by Chinese troops there in April 2020.

In addition to the Panagarh-based 17 Mountain Strike Corps for the eastern sector, the Mathura-based 1 Strike Corps (each corps has 70,000-80,000 soldiers) was earlier also “rebalanced” to the LAC from its previous role on the western front with Pakistan, as was reported by TOI.

There are as yet no signs of de-escalation and de-induction of troops along the LAC after disengagement at the two remaining face-off sites at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh last Oct, which has led to restoration of patrolling by the rival soldiers and grazing by herders as well as reduced the risk of any inadvertent escalation.

China has continued to strengthen its military positions and infrastructure build-up all along the LAC, with PLA troops continuing to be forward deployed with heavy weapon systems in large numbers.

India, too, has maintained “mirror deployments”. In Arunachal, areas like Yangtse -- where the rival troops had clashed in Dec 2022 -- Asaphila and Subansiri river valley remain major flashpoints.

During Prachand Prahar, long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, armed helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and space-based assets were employed to achieve total situational awareness and rapid target engagement.

“Once simulated targets were identified, they were swiftly neutralised through coordinated strikes using fighter aircraft, long-range Pinaka rocket systems, medium artillery guns, swarm drones, kamikaze drones, and armed helicopters — all executed in an electronically contested environment that simulated modern battlefield conditions,” another officer said.

This integrated tri-service exercise builds on the momentum of the `Poorvi Prahar’ exercise last Nov, which focused primarily on the integrated application of aviation assets. “Prachand Prahaar has now taken that concept further by validating a fully integrated approach to surveillance, command and control, and precision firepower across the three Services,” he said.

[mody]

https://theprint.in/defence/mod-signs-r ... s/2568601/

Order for Nag Missiles and Namica platform placed with AVNL. Finally, the order gets placed. Total order value is about 1,800 Crores. Not clarity on the number of systems and number of missiles ordered though.

[Hriday]

2.31 minutes video of his angry talk in the Republic TV in the link below.
https://x.com/ByRakeshSimha/status/1915 ... VsURQ&s=19

Major General JD Bakshi explains how terrorists, who were on the run in Kashmir, got breathing space:

1. No recruitment in the Indian Army for three years.
2. Shortage of 180,000 soldiers.
3. Double workload for soldiers deployed in Kashmir.
4. National security was compromised to save money.

[VinodTK]

Families of Agniveers from Haryana to get ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore in case of casualty

Great move, wish other stated do the same.

[chetak]

This is sheer nonsense.

Just see the trouble that Baba Kalyani of Bharat Forge, Pune had to take, just to get the Indian Army to notice his artillery gun



WATCH VIDEO

[Manish_P]

This is sheer nonsense.

Just see the trouble that Baba Kalyani of Bharat Forge, Pune had to take, just to get the Indian Army to notice his artillery gun

Any update of his meeting with the PM and senior cabinet ministers