Indian Army: News & Discussion

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 03 Jun 2011 04:13

Army chief Gen. V.K. Singh witnessed the training exercises of over 200 battle tanks, infantry combat vehicles and 12,000 troops from the city-based 11 'Vajra' Corps, as they demonstrated various relentless battle manoeuvres through the day and night to meet the strategic objectives assigned to the forces.

Gaur · Post by **Gaur** » 03 Jun 2011 04:18

Did you guys read the comments in the russian link? The Russians were poking fun at how the Russian Forces were showing off. They were using elmets and eyewear which were not standard issue for them. And how they were trying to imitate the "NATO look".

When the ex was going on, I used to look at the pics and wonder why the Russians were wearing eyewear in a Mountain jungle! It seems that the Russians were trying to look TFTA.

ParGha · Post by **ParGha** » 03 Jun 2011 19:01

Sanjay wrote:Given the comments made therein on Indian army marksmanship standards and infantry tactics, I wonder if anyone more knowledgeable can shed some light or provide some insights into the strengths/deficiencies of infantry training in India and comment on the comparions made in the link.

Indian infantry is generally deployed in a way as to achieve localized numerical superiority; an Indian infantry battalion is significantly bigger than battalions of most armies (~900 vs ~600 men). This has important implications on what it emphasizes and de-emphasizes. Very-small unit tactics (ex at fire-team level of 3-5 men) is not very useful for IA line-infantry (this is the stuff that looks good in movies and video games). Instead small-team tactics are more useful (ex at section level of 10-12 men) where the manoeuver-team (7 riflemen) establish a kill-box for the support-team (LMG+Hav) to finish them off (not a human-interest story, but proven effective). Theoretically there is no deficiency in this approach. Practically there are deficiencies in equipment (grenades that don't explode half the time, uncomfortable/unavailable BPJs), leadership (YOs too full of josh, NCOs/JCOs overcompensating with too much hosh), budget constraints (high profile equipment hogs disproportionate amount of national and high command priority). Of course Mech, AA, CI, Para and SF troops are each trained differently for their particular mission profiles.

hnair wrote:150 rounds/year? Even with simulators, that does not make sense.

On one end the CI and RR battalions' riflemen get 1000 rounds each in pre-deployment training alone and hundreds more in regular training, but on the other end there are combat-support crews that barely get any small-arms rangetime over their whole careers. A regular infantry battalion in a peacetime posting is somewhere in between; around 300/y according to an officer who served in early 2000s.

Sanjay · Post by **Sanjay** » 03 Jun 2011 21:48

Thanks for that. What I am still curious about is infantry shooting standards in the IA

ParGha · Post by **ParGha** » 04 Jun 2011 00:09

Sanjay wrote:Thanks for that. What I am still curious about is infantry shooting standards in the IA

The basic infantry courses have the extended target at 300m that you are expected to hit 5/6 times from a static, prone position with INSAS open sights. I guess you can call it a base standard, but it is rather unrealistic. Other courses simulate realism of battle by inducing physical and mental stress, varying targets' distance (typically under 150m), etc.

Y I Patel · Post by **Y I Patel** » 04 Jun 2011 05:05

Awesome to see a discussion on IBGs! If I may toot my own horn, please read my fictional Op Tandav where I have an IBG 606 acting as a spearhead:

http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... &start=280

At that time I had it composed of 14 IAB, a RAPIDS, and an Engr Bde.

Regarding comparison with American Cav and Armoured divisions, I beg to differ. In a dense envrionment that we would face against Pak, we need all the infantry we can get. An armour heavy formation would bog down and be chewed to bits unless its flanks are protected. Please do re-read my Op Tandav - I may be being boastful, but my description from 2005 is still the best exposition I have seen of how such an IAB would be employed.

Gaur · Post by **Gaur** » 04 Jun 2011 09:14

Army moves into Maoist area in Chhattisgarh
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/army- ... arh-110054

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 04 Jun 2011 09:58

The Week latest issue has a cover story on Night Vision Device Scam by BEL , claims BEL delivered substandard equipment to paramilitary forces in a rs 1000 cr deal.

Gaur · Post by **Gaur** » 04 Jun 2011 10:23

^^
I do not know about Paramilitary Forces. But I had the opportunity to meet a JAKLI Capt couple of years back. He was very much satisfied with the quality and quantity of NVGs supplied in forward areas. He said there is adequate supply of both IR and thermal NVGs. I had posted about it then.
http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... li#p866799

I don't know the specifics about the currently used NVGs but the first few batches of NVGs were bought from Israel in early 2000s. Also, the JAKLI Officer had said that constant upgradations are made to NVGs and their performance is very good.

However, one needs to remember that no matter how good the NVGs are, they are still very inefficient as compared to normal daylight vision. This is specially true for IR vision. It is very difficult to detect IEDs and hidden enemy using IR devices. The problem is much more serious in areas with thick foliage. The thermal devices are much more useful but they have shorter detection range. Also, the effectiveness of NVGs detonated rapidly in adverse conditions.
That is why night operations are so difficult. One may say that night is equally problematic for Terrorists. While this is true, it is worth remembering that terrorists, unlike CI forces, generally do not intend to engage. So, for their purpose, darkness is much more suitable to them. They do not need to detect the enemy. Unless they are very unlucky, they can just keep their heads down and get away undetected.
That is why I am always left amazed when most/all pigs are are killed during CI ops in J&K. It is difficult enough to find the pigs in broad daylight in such a terrain. However, at night, it is simply unbelievable.

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 04 Jun 2011 15:23

A question of Indian Army Artillery. How many Artillery divisions does IA have, I heard that there is a 40th (Ambala) and 41st division (Ambala). in some sources i read the two were 30th (Ambala) and 41st (Pune). it would be great if some gurus can weigh in?

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 04 Jun 2011 15:53

Synergy Stalled: Chief of Integrated Staff (CISC) post remains vacant for months

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 04 Jun 2011 15:55

There are enough instance in BR around Parakram time when 41st Arty Div was created about 30th Arty and 40th arty.
it would be great if some gurus can weigh in?

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 04 Jun 2011 16:16

40th and 41st Artillery Divisions. IIRC, 40th Arty Division was raised as 30th Arty Division and renamed to 40th.

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 04 Jun 2011 16:31

rohitvats wrote:40th and 41st Artillery Divisions. IIRC, 40th Arty Division was raised as 30th Arty Division and renamed to 40th.

Thanks... so we have 2 Arti Divison and 9 Arti Brigades. Hopefully we would add additional arti assets and create more brigades. what is our strength in the 105mm field gun and 105mm howitzers. Are all our 130mm guns converted to 155mm?

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 04 Jun 2011 16:33

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110601/j ... 054138.jsp

Manipur gets first major general

OUR CORRESPONDENT
Imphal, May 31: Brig. Konsam Himalaya Singh became the first army officer from Manipur to get the rank of major general in the army.

Brig. Singh was promoted to major general today.

Born at Charangpat village in Thoubal district Maj. Gen. Singh had his early education at schools in Charangpat village.

He joined Sainik School at Goalpara in 1968 and NDA in 1974. He was commissioned to the second battalion Rajput Regiment in 1978.

A graduate of Defence Services Staff College Wellington, and National Defence College, New Delhi, he has held many prestigious appointments in a career spanning over three decades.

Maj. Gen. Singh got his masters in defence studies from Madras University, masters in management studies with distinction from Osmania University and MPhil in strategic studies from Madras University.

He is the senior most serving officer in the army from Manipur.

Maj. Gen. Singh commanded 27 Rajput Regiment during the Kargil war where he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal, a decoration for leading successful operations during war.

He has been a battalion commander in the National Defence Academy.

Maj. Gen. Singh is a skydiver and mountaineer, having participated in the Kanchenjunga expedition in 1987. He was awarded the COAS commendation card thrice and Army Commander’s commendation card once in addition to Yudh Seva Medal.

His father, K. Ibopishak Singh, lives with his ex-marine engineer brother in Imphal.

At present, the officer is serving in the military secretary’s branch at the army headquarters in New Delhi.

sum · Post by **sum** » 04 Jun 2011 17:37

Are all our 130mm guns converted to 155mm?

Apparently, the up-gunning to 155 mm was stopped after the Soltam upgraded 130 to 155mm guns didn't meet expectations of the IA..

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 04 Jun 2011 20:22

Two jawans killed as army tank sinks in pond

AHMEDNAGAR (Maharashtra): Two jawans of Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC) were killed when an army tank sank in an artificial pond here, a senior police official said today.

The jawans were undergoing training yesterday when suddenly the tank sank in the pond along with them, leading to their death, senior police officer S B Shaikh said.

The deceased were identified as Bhupinder Singh (24) and V P Naidu (26), he added.

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 04 Jun 2011 20:44

VinodTK wrote:
AHMEDNAGAR (Maharashtra): Two jawans of Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC) were killed when an army tank sank in an artificial pond here, a senior police official said today.
The deceased were identified as Bhupinder Singh (24) and V P Naidu (26), he added.

RIP Jawans... probably some valve was not closed properly before fording. was there not an officer/NCO in the tank? or was he able to escape as he might have been half out of the tank in the commanders hatch.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 04 Jun 2011 21:55

sum wrote:
Are all our 130mm guns converted to 155mm?
Apparently, the up-gunning to 155 mm was stopped after the Soltam upgraded 130 to 155mm guns didn't meet expectations of the IA..

There were problems initially but iirc, they were rectified. The number of regiments planned for upgunning, again, iirc, was 10.

Added later: Cheenum, each Corps has an independent arty brigade under it. Plus, there are some directly under AHQ.

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 05 Jun 2011 05:31

rohitvats wrote:There were problems initially but iirc, they were rectified. The number of regiments planned for upgunning, again, iirc, was 10.
Added later: Cheenum, each Corps has an independent arty brigade under it. Plus, there are some directly under AHQ.

Thanks Rohit, IA currently should have 2 arty Divisions (40 & 41) and 12 Ind Arty Brigades (one each for the 12 Corps, the 13th corps has its Arty Division). Don't Armoured and Mechanized divisions also have some arty assets, would that come under divisional TOE or Corps TOE.
For all the chest beating, we are NOT Arty nude, only scantily clad on the 155mm arty front.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Jun 2011 07:05

cheenum wrote:For all the chest beating, we are NOT Arty nude, only scantily clad on the 155mm arty front.

But Saar, isn't that like wearing pants without chaddi? No one likes to go commando!

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 05 Jun 2011 07:10

Rakesh wrote:
cheenum wrote:For all the chest beating, we are NOT Arty nude, only scantily clad on the 155mm arty front.
But Saar, isn't that like wearing pants without chaddi? No one likes to go commando!

we might end up doing a superman having a chaddi (155mm Arty) over a tight thin pant (105mm ityaadi). Chaddi being a late entrant, afterthought.... cape will be the rocket artillery which we seem to be adding constantly.

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 05 Jun 2011 07:46

Col faced CoI after Ilyas Kashmiri attack

Kashmiri led over two dozen terrorists to raid the Ashok Listening Post, precariously along the Line of Control in Nowshera sector. The post was surrounded on all three sides by Pakistani army posts. In the zig-zag 740-km LoC, such bizarre locations were probably taken to be routine.

The attack on February 27, 2000, took place under the cover of heavy exchange of fire that was a routine those days, since the ceasefire along LoC was not yet in place. The raid ended in the death of seven Indian soldiers, and Kashmiri taking back the head of 24-year-old Sepoy Bhausaheb Maruti Talekar of the 17 Maratha Light Infantry (MLI). Talekar was among those on duty at the Ashok Post.

Kashmiri is believed to have been honoured by General Pervez Musharraf, then military dictator, himself for the operation.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 05 Jun 2011 11:00

cheenum wrote:
rohitvats wrote:There were problems initially but iirc, they were rectified. The number of regiments planned for upgunning, again, iirc, was 10.
Added later: Cheenum, each Corps has an independent arty brigade under it. Plus, there are some directly under AHQ.
Thanks Rohit, IA currently should have 2 arty Divisions (40 & 41) and 12 Ind Arty Brigades (one each for the 12 Corps, the 13th corps has its Arty Division). Don't Armoured and Mechanized divisions also have some arty assets, would that come under divisional TOE or Corps TOE.
For all the chest beating, we are NOT Arty nude, only scantily clad on the 155mm arty front.

1. Each Corps has an independent arty brigade under it..even if two of them Arty Divisions. IIRC, 40th is with II Corps and 41st with XXI Corps. Still, IIRC, they have their (I) Arty Bdes.

2. Each Division - infantry/armored/RAPID - has an integral arty bde with 3*105mm Regiments+1*130/155mm Regiment+1*Light Regiment (with mortars). RAPIDS were to have a MLRS battery instead of Light Regiment but I'm not sure that is the case. All the pics of BM-21 that I've seen in IA service have formation signs of their respective Command.So, IMO, these were/are being held as centralized assets.

3. Each (I) Armored/Mechanized Bde has 1*Medium Regiment. (I) Infantry Bde is likely to have 1*Field Regiment.

4. In IA, Field Regiments have 105mm guns IFG/LFG and Medium Regiments have 122/130/155mm guns.

5. As per article in latest issue of FORCE magazine, IA is contemplating upgunning further 300 M-46 guns to 155/45 caiber. Earlier upgunning was for 10 regiments/180 guns.

6. Same article says that requirement for modern arty is as follows:
-79 Regiment of towed arty - 400(imported)+1,180 (domestic manufacture) ->1,580
-40 Regiments of mounted arty - 200 (imported)+614 (domestic) - >814
-05 Regiments of SP (tracked) - >100
-09 Regiments of SP (Wheeled) - > 180
-145 LWH-M777
----------------------
Total: 141Regiment/2,819 units.

The article is by ex-Lt.Gen. fro Arty so, I guess, he knows his numbers. Yes, the number of regiments is less than number of units of guns but that I guess, will for some sort of reserve plus units required for training/

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 05 Jun 2011 15:49

Thanks Rohit.... this is a very detailed description of the Arty scene in IA and IT DOES NOT LOOK BLEAK. It would have been GREAT sans Bofors scandal if we had been able to modernize our arty as planned. Even if we had worked out the DEnel gig and inducted a good number of Bhim it would have helped. Damn Renuka Chaudary?!?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Jun 2011 16:48

more than unit nos of guns, one should look at how many are truck or tracked mounted for rapid mobility, what is the caliber (52cal or lesser) and whether they are able to fire the best new shells. on all three criteria we fare poorly. even 105mm is being talked about with 40km range these days.
we also need honda/toyota factories churning out top quality shells of all calibers, from basic rajma-chawal types in huge nos to TFTA "vulcano/assegai" (in the quantities we need for tftaness).

I am assuming all our kit, though old, is now well integrated into the IACCS so targeting is not an issue young or old. neither is finding well trained crew or simulators. the radar thing is under control with BEL WLR into 2nd tranche of orders.

we need the next-gen guns and shell factories, to match with our next-gen IBG ambitions.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 05 Jun 2011 18:25

The heavy arty state and mobile arty is pathetic

the saving grace is that command and FCS have improved to compensate to some extent.

But we urgently need 155 mm guns and in numbers.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Jun 2011 18:31

and the local rat has got itself just the penile botox shot it needed - around 100 free M109A5 surplus guns from its patron.
the chinese would be working strongly on SP guns like PLZ45 among other things, and they seem to have a real fetish for 300mm rockets.

all in all, we are not in a comfortable situation.

ParGha · Post by **ParGha** » 05 Jun 2011 18:36

rohitvats wrote:All the pics of BM-21 that I've seen in IA service have formation signs of their respective Command.So, IMO, these were/are being held as centralized assets.

rohit, the Army/Command insignia or the Corps insignia? Rocket assets are usually Corps assets in most modern militaries...

ParGha · Post by **ParGha** » 05 Jun 2011 21:17

Singha wrote:and the local rat has got itself just the penile botox shot it needed - around 100 free M109A5 surplus guns from its patron. the chinese would be working strongly on SP guns like PLZ45 among other things, and they seem to have a real fetish for 300mm rockets. all in all, we are not in a comfortable situation.

Yes, the Pakistanis are getting all the SPA -- the question is, what can they do with it?

The nuclear paralysis works both ways. If India cannot conventionally invade Pakistan to punish them for sub-conventional provocations, then Pakistan cannot invade India in any foolish conventional support for sub-conventional misadventures either.

The max that they can do in immediate future is engage in occassional cross-border artillery duels, and for that India doesn't need SPAs to respond befittingly (towed and rocket artilley can do the job).

India IS in a somewhat comfortable situation for the first time in a long time. People need to realize that in a nuclear environment India doesn't need to constantly match+beat them gun-for-gun, man-for man.

That is what disappoints me about the T-90 purchase; just because the Paks got some T-80s did not mean that India had to immediately play catch-up. I have my reservations about the Arjun program, but I see that -and other native programs- as hard-earned seed grain from the nuclear program.

Anyways, back to the topic, I think India can make do with induction of more Pinakas and some imported light howitzers (for the probable LOC skirmishes) in the short-term, but also that India can safely concentrate on natively developing some of the other artillery systems it wants over the long term.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 05 Jun 2011 22:04

India IS in a somewhat comfortable situation for the first time in a long time. People have to realize that in a nuclear environment India doesn't need to constantly match+beat them gun-for-gun,

Pargha - minor disargeement

its not so much matching gun for gun as a question of pounding the living daylights out of them.

with todays fortifications and WLR = you need to have a heavy projectile, decent range and decent mobility even if you are not moving forward.

thats where the need for truck mounted 155 mm or wheeled 155 mm SPs along with towed 155 mm sps comes in.

Even in gW 1 the US feared and expected most of its casualties from arty guns. So we really desperately need the 155s in large nos - orig 1500 planned is a start

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 05 Jun 2011 22:07

ParGha wrote:
rohitvats wrote:All the pics of BM-21 that I've seen in IA service have formation signs of their respective Command.So, IMO, these were/are being held as centralized assets.
rohit, the Army/Command insignia or the Corps insignia? Rocket assets are usually Corps assets in most modern militaries...

The few snaps that I've seen have had AHQ and Western Command formation sign. Though, from what ever I've heard, Smerch are being held at Corps level.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 05 Jun 2011 22:11

^^^On the topic of caliber, the planned standardized caliber is 155/52mm.

Another point - the article I quoted on the numbers, Archer is considered as "mounted" arty system. Denel and PzH wheeled version is the IA's definition of wheeled SP Arty. So, that explains the confusion why Archer did not compete in wheeled SP Arty system.

Bala Vignesh · Post by **Bala Vignesh** » 05 Jun 2011 22:19

Rohit miyan,
Based on the info i got from my panvala, all capital assets bear the insignia of the corps or division they are attached to and not the actual unit's.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 05 Jun 2011 22:49

Bala Vignesh wrote:Rohit miyan, Based on the info i got from my panvala, all capital assets bear the insignia of the corps or division they are attached to and not the actual unit's.

BV, no arty regiment (or any other regiment) has a formation sign of its own. It will always carry the formation sign of its controlling HQ. By looking at the formation sign, you can make out the controlling HQ. Something like my earlier comment on Pinaka Regiment.

The debate is this - which is the controlling HQ for MLRS systems like BM-21 in IA? The snaps that I've seen show these systems to be part of arty brigade directly under Command HQ or AHQ. See the pic of Smerch on Republic Day parade here:

http://www.deagel.com/library1/medium/m ... 600001.jpg. The formation sign is that of 40th Arty Division - which AFAIK, is part of II Corps.

Now, see the pic here of Agni missile: http://www.utrikesperspektiv.se/content ... _2004.jpeg. The formation sign is that AHQ. So, the missile is held by a formation directly under AHQ.

Another point - do not use the word "attached" loosely. It has a specific meaning in military parlance.

Bala Vignesh · Post by **Bala Vignesh** » 06 Jun 2011 13:14

Rohit Sir,
I was under the assumption that while each regiment has its own insignia, much like that of the infantry regiments but they are not painted to avoid confusion in battlefield.
Anyways based on the info i got, the tube and rocket artillery units come under the command of the respective divisions they are assigned to and only the indep arty brigades are under the direct command of the corps commander. But the units may be re-assigned to any other unit within the corps area of responsibility as and when required.
And based on the pic i think its pretty clear that the tactical units like Pinaka or Smerch come under Corps/Divisional HQ, where as strategic units like those of Prithvi or Agni come under AHQ.

Kindly correct me if i am mistaken in my understanding.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 06 Jun 2011 14:57

Bala Vignesh wrote:
Rohit Sir,

I was under the assumption that while each regiment has its own insignia, much like that of the infantry regiments but they are not painted to avoid confusion in battlefield. Anyways based on the info i got, the tube and rocket artillery units come under the command of the respective divisions they are assigned to and only the indep arty brigades are under the direct command of the corps commander. But the units may be re-assigned to any other unit within the corps area of responsibility as and when required.
And based on the pic i think its pretty clear that the tactical units like Pinaka or Smerch come under Corps/Divisional HQ, where as strategic units like those of Prithvi or Agni come under AHQ.

Kindly correct me if i am mistaken in my understanding.

BV, there is a difference between insignia of a regiment or an arm and formation sign of (I) bde/Division/Corps/Command/AHQ.

This is the insignia of Regiment of Artillery: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... illery.gif. It is common to all units with Guns/MLRS/brahmos/Prithvi. It will not be displayed on any vehicle.

The small drawing you see towards right of number 356 in this pic (http://www.deagel.com/library1/medium/m ... 600001.jpg) on the vehicle is the formation sign of the formation under which the rocket regiment with these Smerch MLRS falls. In this case, it is the 40th Arty Division.

As for holding formation and tactical versus strategic, it depends: In western armies, MLRS are with Divisions while in our case, I know of no division which holds these systems. Because we have so few of them (relative to our size and requirement) that these are held as centralized assets and alloted to formations on a need basis.

Now, AHQ also holds independent arty brigades which are alloted as per requirement. The pics that I've seen date from mid-80s and chances are, these (BM-21) were with independent arty brigades with AHQ. As the weapon systems proliferate, they'll reach formations like Division arty bdes. For example, the arty divisions are supposed to have Prithvi and Brahmos equipped brigades along with rocket artillery and tube artillery. Now, would that make Prithvi/Brahmos strategic or tactical?

That aside, expect something like Agni to always under AHQ directly and SFC.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 06 Jun 2011 15:14

rohit, any ideas what the composition of the marine formations would look like ? any chances of us fielding mixed brigades ?

Shrinivasan · Post by **Shrinivasan** » 06 Jun 2011 15:17

rohitvats wrote:For example, the arty divisions are supposed to have Prithvi and Brahmos equipped brigades along with rocket artillery and tube artillery. Now, would that make Prithvi/Brahmos strategic or tactical?

That aside, expect something like Agni to always under AHQ directly and SFC.

I wanted to bring this up to BV and the forum, only Agni is with SFC or IA-HQ. Prithvi and Barhmos have now been allotted to the Corps / Division TOEs. Ex: 333rd Missile Group would come under II Corps. etc.

Again there is enough confusion on the missile groups / Regiments raised. There was even a rumor about Missile Brigades (no official word on these, so let us leave it, unless there is public domain info on these)

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 06 Jun 2011 16:02

Rahul M wrote:rohit, any ideas what the composition of the marine formations would look like ? any chances of us fielding mixed brigades ?

The only so called 'Marine Brigade' that we have has 3*Infantry Battalions. Infact, one of the articles even gives the names of the Regiments from where these are sourced. As for mixed formations, my guess is that these infantry battalions have at least a platoon of BMP-II. The reason I say this is because the tactical number on these BMP-II vehicles is same as that would be alloted to an infantry battalion in a brigade.

See the pic of BMP-II from Team BHP here (location is Trivandrum): http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachmen ... 8-004-.jpg

Other pics are here: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/commercia ... ead-2.html

and here:http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/commercia ... hread.html

If you see the above pic, the troops sitting in Stallion are most probably from Madras Regiment (which one of the report clearly says are part of the brigade) and their vehicle also has same tactical number as BMP-II (268). So, my guess is, these BMP-II are integral to these infantry regiments. May be, upto a company level.