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Military 2021 – Yearbook
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Volume 20 No. 6
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SP’S MILITARY YEARBOOK 2021-2022 CONTENTS HEREWITH
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INDIAN ARMY DAY SPECIAL
2024
ROUNDUP
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THE ONLY MAGAZINE IN ASIA-PACIFIC DEDICATED TO LAND FORCES
FOR DETAILS, GO TO PAGE 17
INDIA CELEBRATES REPUBLIC DAY 2024
>> I N T E R V I E W C H I E F O F T H E A R MY STA F F
MESSAGE I convey my appreciation to ‘SP Guide Publications’ for bringing out a special issue on the occasion of the Army Day - 2024. The edition puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years. The need to remain congruent to the contemporary environment, keeping pace with evolving technologies and countering dynamic threats, remains an enduring one. The Indian Army is alive to these imperatives and has undertaken focused Transformation, towards transitioning into a modern, agile, adaptive and technology enabled, future ready force. I am sure, the readers will get a good understanding of the initiatives underway in the Indian Army, through the leaves of this edition. I wish the team of ‘SP Guide Publications’, the very best in future endeavours. ‘Jai Hind’
IN THIS ISSUE
PAGE 5 Year of Technology Absorption Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande sets out goal for the Indian Army in 2024 Manish Kumar Jha PAGE 6 Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower Under General Manoj Pande’s Vision for a Tech-Driven Army, the Indian Army is driving ahead for Next-Gen Combat Capabilities Manish Kumar Jha PAGE 8 Fighting Terror: Armies in New Urban Warfare Navigating the realities of Urban Warfare and lessons drawn from the ongoing global fight against terror Major General Atanu K. Pattanaik (Retd) PAGE 10 Defending DRDO: Restructure the Responsibilities Strategic transformation of DRDO is needed to chart a course for excellence in defence technology and a more agile and responsive future Manish Kumar Jha
(Manoj Pande) General Chief of the Army Staff
Striking the Right Balance In an interview with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Land Forces, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande charts the ongoing evolution of Indian Army with a balanced approach that combines platform-centric capabilities with technology-centric enhancements PHOTOGRAPH: adgpi / X
PAGE 12 Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75 India takes a big stride into the future as Women Warriors lead the charge in India’s 75th Republic Day Celebration Major General Atanu K. Pattanaik (Retd) PAGE 18 Stryker Production under ‘Make in India’? India explores joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles with the US as part of their Strategic Alliance Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) PLUS News in Brief / Appointments
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General Manoj Pande in Siachen, visiting troops stationed at the highest battleground in the world
SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): Under the process of ‘Modernisation & Technology Infusion’, is Indian Army transitioning from Platform centric to technology centric force? Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): Indian Army has embarked on several initiatives towards ‘Modernisation & Technology Infusion’. Major efforts are being made towards Upgrades, New Acquisitions & infusion of Niche technology. Our approach in this endeavour, firmly stands on the edifice of Atmanirbharta. The right balance between ‘Conventional’ and ‘New’ capabilities is being ensured in all the initiatives. We have adopted a balanced approach that combines platform-centric capabilities with technology centric enhancements. While traditional platforms like tanks, guns, missile systems remain crucial for deterrence and defence, integrating technology-centric capabilities can enhance
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E D I T O R I A L
>> I N T E R V I E W / CH I E F O F T H E A R MY STA F F
India celebrated the Indian Army Day on January 15, 2024 with the usual pomp and show with the main parade held in Lucknow for the first time. On this occasion, SP’s Land Forces Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal met Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and discussed the ongoing transition of the Indian Army under the ‘Modernisation & Technology Infusion’ process. The COAS emphasised it as a balanced approach
between platform-centric capabilities and technology-centric enhancements and that the army is actively adopting niche and advanced technologies, collaborating with academia, startups, and industry to transform into a more agile and self-reliant force. Regarding counter-drone capabilities, General Pande said that the Indian Army is addressing the threat through industry collaboration, DRDO efforts, and in-house initiatives. Talking about the Compendium of Problem Definition Statements (CPDS) 2023, the Army Chief said that the Army has received 462 project proposals from industry and academia, with 22 projects already initiated, contributing to advancing operational capabilities and indigenous R&D. Regarding evolving geopolitical situations, the COAS acknowl-
edged the dynamic nature of doctrinal precepts, drawing lessons from conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. The focus remains on capability development across the spectrum of conflict, emphasising self-reliance and adapting operational philosophy to changing technologies. The interview with General Pande concludes with insights into the Indian Army’s commitment to achieving better jointness and tri-service integration. Initiatives such as theaterisation, Integrated Capability Development System (ICADS), Joint Logistics Nodes, and Joint Training Institutions are highlighted as steps towards enhanced interoperability and joint operations. Similar thoughts were echoed by the Army Chief in his annual press conference prior to the Army Day celebrations and asserted that
the Indian Army will observe the year 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ - a theme that underscores the Army’s focus and efforts to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change. Army Chief General Manoj Pande’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge and disruptive technologies to enhance battlefield effectiveness is highlighted in the article on Modernisation of Indian Army by Manish Kumar Jha that covers the Indian Army’s quest for greater fire power guided by General Manoj Pande’s vision of tech-driven army with next-gen combat capabilities. The 75th Republic Day (RD) parade on January 26, 2024, showcased a historic display of India’s raw combat power, featuring all-women contingents from the armed services, paramilitary forces, ISRO, and DRDO. In his
RD Parade report, Major General Atanu Pattanaik (Retd) highlights that for the first time, the Republic Day Parade had an all-women tri-services contingent, marking a significant moment for ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) in India. The decision to focus on female empowerment during the 75th year of independence addresses gender equality challenges in the armed forces, with efforts to increase women’s representation and grant permanent commissions. All this and a lot more. Happy Reading!
JAYANT BARANWAL Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
PHOTOGRAPHS: adgpi / X
effectiveness and provide a competitive edge in the evolving threat landscape. Indian Army has been actively working to adopt niche and advanced technologies to enhance operational capabilities and modernise the forces. Adoption of niche technology is part of our broader effort to transform the Indian Army into a more agile, technologically advanced, and selfreliant force. We have co-opted Academia, Startups, MSMEs, R&D organisations in addition to the defence industry in accelerating technology development and absorption which has manifested in significant advances in the fields of Al, Quantum, Unmanned System, Robotics to name a few. We are investing heavily in technologies, especially in areas like Al, cyber warfare and space assets. Simultaneously, our rapid modernisation has a significant focus on domains like FRCVs, Missile Systems, Aviation assets, Precision munitions etc.
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SP’s: How is Indian Army enhancing counter drone capability for protection of vital assets from hybrid threat during peacetime? COAS: Indian army has identified the threat from drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and a credible response capability is being built through synergised efforts of Indian industry, DRDO and in-house Indian army initiatives. A number of systems have been contracted to counter the threat from drones or RPA. Some of the systems have already been operationalised. Guidelines for countering drones, or RPA threat have been promulgated. India Army has also identified vital military installations meriting protection from UAS. We have also undertaken several training activities at the ground level so that hostile drones can be detected, identified and neu-
“We draw lessons from ongoing conflicts, emphasising the continued relevance of hard power. Self-reliance is a major lesson, and as we infuse technology, issues of operational philosophy, tactics, and force restructuring are being addressed.” 2
SP’s LAND FORCES 6/2023
As a result, 22 Projects have already been initiated through various available routes of R&D/D&D ie. IDEX, TDF, ATB and MAKE. Eight solutions are under No Cost No Commitment demonstration and the development route of the balance is going to be finalised shortly. Apart from reinforcing our operational capabilities, these projects will play a significant role in propelling the indigenous R&D and production ecosystem on a higher growth trajectory.
Supporting Atmanirbharta: (Top) General Manoj Pande flew in a Light Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL; (Above) COAS visiting the Quantum-Based Campus Wide Wi-fi Network and Virtual Maintainance Training Lab at MCEME.
tralised well before they can achieve their intended objectives. In coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, vital military installations and facilities have been declared as no-fly zones on the Digisky portal with adequate buffers around them, preventing any commercial or civil drones from flying in the restricted areas. Study of ongoing conflicts has also provided us inputs towards drone and counter-drone application and this is also being factored in our procurement as well as employment parameters. SP’s: Indian Army had prepared a Compendium of Problem Statements to make defence industry understand the requirements of the Indian Army. How is the progress made so far?
COAS: Compendium of Problem Definitions Statements (CPDS) 2023 consists of 110 Problem Definition Statements. It defines emerging requirements of the Indian Army that require technology-based solutions from the defence manufacturing and R&D ecosystem in 20 Niche Technology domains. This compendium was released by the Defence Minister on February 15, 2023. The CPDS 2023 received an overwhelming response from the environment and as on date 462 Project Proposals have been received from the Industry and the Academia, to include 257 from Industry, and 205 from the Academia. These proposals have been examined with the assistance of Subject Matter Experts from Department of Science and Technology to select the best possible technical solution.
SP’s: Logistics and maintenance expenses of a large standing Army is always debated. How is Indian Army leveraging the development of civil infrastructure and efficient management techniques in this field? COAS: Recent conflicts have brought to fore the importance of maintaining a self-reliant, lean and efficient armed force. Advancements in all sectors being made by the nation provide us greater access to services and commodities even in the far-flung regions and therefore the age-old concept of Armed Forces being completely self-contained and the requirement of inherently developing all capabilities, in today’s scenario becomes both unviable & uneconomical. It is therefore imperative that efforts towards logistic sustenance of forces be optimised by suitably exploiting civil military fusion. Our efforts in designing the logistic set up today are aimed at achieving this. Indian Army has suitably interfaced with PM Gati Shakti to take into consideration our requirements & optimally utilise the civil infrastructure thus enhancing the overall logistic capability. We have made changes in our policies to tap into civil infrastructure for transportation of vehicles having wide usage in the country. Policy changes have also been made to exploit the maintenance & repair facilities available in the civil, especially by the static units. Joint Logistic Nodes have been established to deliver shared logistics commodities and services to the units and personnel of all three services at common military stations. This has enhanced the logistic functions and helped in understanding each other’s procedures & processes. We have taken numerous outsourcing initiatives intending to enhance efficiency in logistics. Presently, approximately 1,200 projects for `1,228 crore are under progress. This is also helping us to realign the combatant manpower to core tasks while outsourcing non-core tasks. Continued on page 4...
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INFANTRY WEAPON SIGHTS & SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENTS
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>> I N T E R V I E W / CH I E F O F T H E A R MY STA F F COAS Interview...Continued from page 2
PHOTOGRAPH: adgpi / X
Logistic entities like 3rd line MT Battalions and Pioneer Companies are being considered for conversion to Territorial Army units/subunits thus retaining the operational capabilities while accruing savings. In addition, a comprehensive exercise to streamline inventory management by reducing the dead inventory and capitalising on availability of items ex-trade on Government-e-Market (GeM) is being undertaken to reduce the centralisation of procurement and provisioning. SP’s: In light of Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, changing geopolitical situations and emerging technologies, is the Indian Army considering revising its warfighting doctrines while modernising its military hardware? COAS: Doctrinal precepts are dynamic and evolve with the changing character of war, technological development and threat paradigm. We are certainly monitoring the events unfolding in the Russia-Ukraine, as well as Hamas-Israel conflict, as it will churn out important Geopolitical, technological, economic and military lessons. Not only India, but all countries of the world would be analysing these. The continued relevance of hard power as the ultimate instrument to preserve national interests, when red lines are breached, and all other instruments of the state appear ineffective, has been adequately reinforced. Land has yet again featured as the decisive domain of warfare. It is clear that conventional wars are still a reality and India must remain adequately prepared. Capability development for a full spectrum of conflict must remain an ongoing endeavour. Self-reliance or Atmanirbharta is a major lesson that we have drawn from the conflict. We cannot let our national security be dependent upon global disruptions.
Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, visiting the country’s borders to uplift troop morale
Hence, the approach towards self-reliance is an extremely pragmatic and relevant one. Indian Army is closely following the ongoing conflicts, undertaking various studies to derive lessons on relevant aspects and these are being assimilated into our training. These include aspects related to the tactics and technology being employed, leadership qualities on display, the effect of
“Integrating technologycentric capabilities enhances effectiveness and provides a competitive edge in the evolving threat landscape.”
morale on fighting and force structuring and combined operations. Concomitant to these developments and the infusion of technology into our warfighting systems, issues of operational philosophy, concepts of employment, tactics and commensurate force restructuring, are being addressed. SP’s: How do you intend to push the pace to achieve better jointness and tri-service integration? COAS: Tri-Services integration offers significant opportunities, and we are making substantial strides in fostering cross-linkages to pool our capacities and capabilities. Indian Army is committed to advancing jointness and integration initiatives. We fully support the progress made so far and recognise the importance of consolidating the capabilities of three Services. Ongoing efforts have resulted in a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and areas for further focus.
Theaterisation is one of the many jointness and integration initiatives that have gained momentum. Its primary objective is to enhance interoperability, synergistic operational planning and execution, reduce asymmetry through combined effects, optimise efforts, and exercise financial prudence. The establishment of an Integrated Capability Development System (ICADS) has been realised. This will not only result in more cost-effective outcomes but will also ensure the commonality of equipment and increase interoperability. Furthermore, three Joint Logistics Nodes are fully operational, with plans for four more locations to be merged. Five Joint Training Institutions have been established to align our institutional training capacities for maintaining technical competencies. Throughout these changes, we strive to absorb and preserve best practices without compromising their efficacy. While we prioritise significant projects, we equally value the cumulative impact of smaller initiatives. Among the ongoing endeavours are Cross Postings, Joint Exercises, Common Operational & Intelligence Picture, Common Service Alertness Levels, Joint Doctrine Development, Common Confidential Reports for Majors General and above, Common Aviation Safety Standards, Common Aviation Basing and Engineering Support, establishment of the Defence Communication Network under HQ IDS, Joint Procurement and Joint Repair & Maintenance. For us, jointness and integration is an inescapable ‘way of life’ and we are well on our way to accomplish it. Concomitantly, we are reaching out and synergising with other Government agencies and departments towards augmenting our collective metric as instruments of the nation’s Comprehensive National Power. These inter alia include various Ministries of Government of India, State Governments, other uniformed services, etc. SP
India Optel Limited: Advancing Opto-Electronics for National Security
I
NDIA OPTEL LIMITED (IOL) is a leading force in the realm of optoelectronics and vision devices, serving as a beacon of technological advancement and commitment to national security. IOL has carved a niche for itself as a trusted partner in enhancing sighting capabilities of India’s defence and para-military forces.
Gunner’s Sight “BPK-2-42” for BMP-II
Commander’s Day cum Thermal Imager for T-72 Tank
Innovation and R&D
New Products Development:
Automatic Target Tracker & Digital Ballistic Computer l Gunner’s Main Sight for MBT Arjun tank Mk-1A. l Inertial Navigation Systems for the Aircrafts and Artillery Guns With a firm commitment to assured quality, IOL has developed and secured Indian Army’s Order for Fusion technology based Driver Night Sights for BMP-II which is first time ever developed in India. IOL has also developed Day Telescopic Sight for Assault Rifle and secured order for Qty. 13482 Nos. from Indian Army against competitive tender, making its presence in the defence market as a solution provider. Furthermore, IOL has signed 13 MoUs for Cooperation in designing, development, manufacture, up gradation etc. of new products / technologies with different industry leaders like M/s OIP Sensor System, Belgium, M/s Photonics Digital
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Visions, Netherland, M/s Safran Electronics & Defence, France and Safran Electronics & Defence Services India Pvt., M/s BEML Limited, M/s Optimized Electrotech Private Limited, Ahmedabad M/s L&T, M/s Star Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. and some new DPSUs.
Commander’s Sight “TKN-3” for T-72 Tank
Gunner’s Laser Range Finder & Sight “TPD-K1” for T-72 Tank
IOL is a domain expert in manufacturing Opto-Mechanical & Electronic Systems for Battle Tanks, Infantry Weapons and Artillery Systems
IOL commitment to innovation is unyielding. Collaborations with DRDO, IITs, and industry partners drive continuous advancements in technology. IOL is closely collaborating with academia and local industry to spearhead its journey towards the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat. In line with the Make-II scheme of Government of India, IOL has placed 101 Project sanction orders on Indian Manufactures. IOL has proactively sponsored five innovative technology development projects under the aegis of IDEX (Innovation of Defence Excellence) scheme of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Total 68 IPRs have been filed by IOL so far. IOL has also conducted awareness sessions regarding COLT Platform for its employees. Committed to be the ‘Soldier’s Eye’; India Optel Limited has embarked on the path of continuous product development and up gradation of existing technology by establishing synergy with all stakeholders in the process. SP
>> COA S / P R ESS CO N F E R E N C E
Year of Technology Absorption Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande sets out goal for the Indian Army in 2024 PHOTOGRAPH: Neetu Dhulia / SP Guide Pubns
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MANISH KUMAR JHA
OR THE INDIAN ARMY, 2024 will be marked as the year of Technology Absorption, keeping the pace of modernisation at the core of its strategic & capability roadmap. “The character of warfare continues to change. To prepare ourselves for the future, we set into motion a holistic transformation process last year. We have made good progress and many milestones have been achieved. Our capability development endeavours stand on the edifice of Atmanirbharta, to which we are firmly committed. The transition towards becoming a modern, agile, adaptive, and technology-enabled future-ready force shall continue as part of the Transformation Roadmap,” said the Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande during the annual press conference ahead of Army Day. The Chief of Army Staff further asserted that the Indian Army will observe the year 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ -- a theme that underscores the Army’s focus and efforts to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change. Army Chief spelt out modernisation plans which are broadly based on developing critical combat capabilities. The Indian army has emphasised its futuristic perspective in the Defence Capability Development Strategy.
ing technologies and systems based on the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Quantum Computing, Directed Energy Systems and Geo-Spatial technology domains.
Military Intelligence
Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande addressing the annual Press Conference
Building on the concept of a ‘Smart Army’, the Army Chief has been emphasising some of the key focus areas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), focusing on surveillance, image interpretation, vehicle tracking systems, and facial recognition within the AI domain. Lately, the Indian Army has been focusing on incorporating the various elements of autonomous and futuristic technologies in the field of Robotics and unmanned
systems with a particular emphasis on man-unmanned team solutions, unarmed combat solutions, and robotic mules. The army has already acquired several ranges of remotely piloted aircraft systems for robotic process automation (RPA) and counter-RPA solutions. Earlier the Chief has also outlined his thrust on cyber warfare, space-based operations, information warfare, and the crucial “battle of narratives.” Additionally, the focus has also been to address emerg-
While recognising the recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the resurgence of terrorist activities in the RajouriPoonch sector, the Army Chief outlined several measures to strengthen the Army’s human intelligence network. The Army Chief outlined that the improvement and strengthening of the forces’ ability to get technical intelligence in terms of communications and better synergy with other agencies. The use of technology is vital in improving the intelligence network. “Another important aspect is to improve the Army’s use of technology to better deal with the situation,” he said. The Army has also been focusing on Electronic Warfare (EW) in supplementing intelligence. This will go a long way in isolating scattered pockets of insurgents and depriving them of direction and coordination from their controllers and supporters. The Chief also emphasised the greater coordination with the local and central police forces. “Technical lessons are also being drawn from each operation to Continued on page 14...
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>> M O D E R N I SAT I O N / W E A P O N SYST E MS
Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower and Policy Recommendations for Gaps
Charting the Future under General Manoj Pande’s Vision for a Tech-Driven Army, the Indian Army is driving ahead for Next-Gen Combat Capabilities
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PHOTOGRAPHS: adgpi / X
MANISH KUMAR JHA ECENTLY, ARMY CHIEF GENERAL Manoj Pande highlighted the Army’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge and disruptive technologies to enhance battlefield effectiveness. Coming from the Corps of Engineers, and having commanded the entire spectrum spanning from western theatre, and Infantry brigade along LoC to a mountain division in the Ladakh sector and Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, he is the force of change, putting technology at the heart of battlefield. General Pande often remarks on radical shifts in warfare and plans for integrating new-age techs like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), space and smart autonomous systems speak volumes about his intentions. With the recent adoption and establishment of the cutting-edge 5G testbed and a dedicated Centre for Artificial Intelligence at the Military College of Technology, Mhow reflects the seriousness of adopting emerging technologies. In the range of autonomous and futuristic technologies, the Indian Army is focusing on the field of Robotics, with a particular emphasis on man-unmanned team solutions, unarmed combat solutions, and robotic mules. The Army has already procured the piloted aircraft systems for robotic process automation (RPA) and counter-RPA solutions which are loaded with nano and micro drones. The quest for military-grade UAVs and anti-drone systems has materialised but it needs highaltitude capabilities— at 4,000 to 6,000 --and greater range. However, while Indian Army (IA) strengthens its futuristic roadmap, what is still lacking is a speedier mechanism for the core platforms like the Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) and Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) by 2030.
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The FRCV & FICV: Do it Now
The Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) is a phased procurement of a formidable fleet of 1,770 FRCVs, which is intermittently delayed due to various reasons. At the same time, the FRCV must not look at the MBT Arjun MK II 68-tonne tank as an impediment but a radical improvement. Military technology is all about high-grade upgrades and adaptability. Another mega project of the Indian Army is the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV). The development is now termed as the technology demonstrator for the futuristic ICV (FICV)-- ‘Abhay’-which will eventually replace the Indian Army’s BMP-2s. A recent development breathed fire into the stalled FICV programme when Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane announced that India is interested in a US offer for joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles. “An initial offer on the (Stryker) Infantry Combat Vehicle has come from the US. We have expressed our interest in discussing it further to take
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In the range of autonomous and futuristic technologies, the Indian Army is focusing on the field of Robotics, with a particular emphasis on man-unmanned team solutions, unarmed combat solutions, and robotic mules sance Vehicles; 13 Fire Support Vehicles; three NBC Reconnaissance Vehicles; and 12 105mm Mobile Gun Systems. Additionally, the collaboration adds another dimension to Indo-US advanced cooperation in strategic areas with the proposition that it will help Indian militaryindustrial clusters, Aramane conveys the author.
Capability Roadmap for the Indian Army
(Top and Above) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and General Manoj Pande appreciating the efforts of Indian Army in developing niche technologies in collaboration with the industry, and progressing towards the aim of ‘Modernisation Through Indigenisation’
the co-production part ahead,” Aramane explained. In an interaction with the author, the Defence Secretary also highlighted the collaborative nature where India will leverage the best-of-class technology adding capabilities which will be much superior and combat-proven for the Indian Army. The collaboration hints at some of the key components which are not available for the required firepower and mobility. Ultimately,
it must validate its tag—futuristic. The Stryker armoured vehicles are manufactured by the US firm General Dynamics Land Systems and have been widely used in conflict zones from Afghanistan to Iraq. A Stryker Brigade boasts 130 x 18-tonne Stryker ICVs; nine Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Vehicles; 27 Medical Evacuation Vehicles; 12 Engineer Squad Vehicles; 32 Commander’s Vehicles; 36 120mm Mounted Mortar Carriers; 56 Reconnais-
“An initial offer on the (Stryker) Infantry Combat Vehicle has come from the US. We have expressed our interest in discussing it further to take the co-production part ahead” —Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary
The idea that the Army must focus on various elements of the capabilities plan has resulted in building new structures and strengthening the institutional capabilities within. Firstly, the formation of the Defence Planning Committee (DPC) under the Chairmanship of the National Security Advisor will spearhead the role of integrating strategic planning with a clear mandate towards capability development, defence diplomacy and defence indigenisation. This adds to the core of the twin objectives of ‘Jointness’ and ‘Resource Optimisation’ of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) under the Chief of the Defence Staff. Next is the Raising of Niche Capability Structures which are tasked to address critical capability gaps in the domains of Space, Cyber and Special Forces capabilities. Niche Capability Structures map the crucial element of shifting warfighting and critical roles which the Defence Space Agency, Defence Cyber Agency & Armed Forces Special Operations Division play in the overarching ambit of national security. However, as seen within the services, the establishment of a functional R&D centre within the institution adds tremendous value in terms of building some in-house capabilities for designing and developing equipment and sub-systems. The very concept of the Army Design Bureau (ADB) aims to explore technology with extensive outreach to industry, and academia, collaborating with technology providers, manufacturers, and users. Recently, the ADB has selected 34 in-house innovations, incorpoContinued on page 15...
>> O P E R AT I O N S / U R BA N WA R FA R E
Fighting Terror: Armies in New Urban Warfare
Navigating the realities of Urban Warfare and lessons drawn from the ongoing global fight against terror MAJOR GENERAL ATANU K. PATTANAIK (RETD)
PHOTOGRAPHS: nationalguard.mil, Wafa in contract with a local company (APAimages)
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Y THE TIME THE dramatic events of 9/11 triggered the US led Global War on Terror (GWOT), India had been fighting its own war on terror for over a decade. Only difference was that the west and especially the US had refused to recognise the gravity of Pakistan’s use of terror as an instrument of state policy because of their own narrow geopolitical interests. Having failed to take Kashmir first in 1948 and 1965 and after a humiliating defeating the 1971 war which saw the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops, then Pakistan Prime Minister Bhutto laid down the doctrine of continuing the conflict by “inflicting a thousand cuts” on India. His Army Chief General Zia-ul-Haq deposed Bhutto in a military coup, had him executed and later gave shape to the thousand cuts policy.
Fighting the Global War on Terror
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A nascent Khalistan movement was fanned by the ISI, which trained and armed young Sikhs to wage a violent secessionist insurgency that lasted for over a decade starting mid-80s. Operation Blue Star was launched in 1984 by the Indian Army to flush out terrorists from the sacred Golden Temple, giving it first-hand experience of the immense challenges of fighting terror in urban builtup areas. The secessionists then assassinated Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a revenge and entrenched themselves in the towns and villages of Punjab. The ensuing intense firefights took a heavy toll. 1,714 security personnel, 1,700 soldiers, 7,946 militants, and 11,690 non-combatants were killed throughout the conflict. After the conclusion of the Soviet– Afghan War in 1989, when the fighters of the Sunni Mujahideen and other Islamic militants duly aided by the US successfully removed the Soviet forces from Afghanistan, a more sinister phase began. Pakistan sought to utilise these “free and jobless”militants in the Kashmir and elsewhere, in accordance with the “thousand cuts” doctrine so as to “bleed India”. From late 1980s, there has been the serial bomb blast in Mumbai in 1993, attack on India’s Parliament in December 2001, attack on Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad in September 2002, and the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008. All the while the Kashmir Valley was kept on the boil. Since then the Indian Army has been fighting a relentless war, its tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) evolving over the years.
Every urban battle is unique and shaped by the cityscape, human terrain, and forces. Even so, comparing the war in Gaza with other urban battlefields and combatants is a useful first step 8
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(Top and Above) The intense nature of Urban Warfare requires more troops, causes more damage and creates higher casualty counts than an operation in any other terrain
Having failed to achieve its goals through three conventional military campaigns and then through a violent secessionist insurgency in Punjab, Pakistan switched to terror as its instrument. It is important here to very briefly touch on the subject of distinguishing terrorism from both conventional and insurgency/guerrilla warfare. Although conventional military forces invariably engage in psychological warfare against the enemy, their principal means of victory is strength of arms. Similarly, guerrilla forces, which often rely on acts of terror and other forms of propaganda, aim at military victory and occasionally succeed (e.g., the Viet Cong in Vietnam and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia). Terrorism on the other hand is the calculated use of violence to generate fear, and thereby to achieve political goals, when direct military victory is not possible. That sums of the type of war being waged by Pakistan for the past three decades and by Hamas and the Hezbollah as well as Iran’s proxies like the Houthis in Yemen, who have opened a new front in the Red Sea. In this backdrop, the launching of GWOT, from Indian point of view was just another chapter of a conflict it was already fiercely combating. But a distinctly new dimension to war on terror emerged when the US, backed Iraqi Army, battled the ISIS militants in Mosul over nine months in 2016-17. In the second largest city of Iraq after Baghdad, the gruelling urban battle
resulted in thousands of ISIS terrorist killed alongside some 8,200 Iraqi troops and over 10,000 civilians apart from thousands of buildings damaged or destroyed. Urban offensives accounted for eight times more conflict-related civilian fatalities in four governorates in Iraq and Syria (March 2017July 2018) than fighting in other areas, the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a report in October 2018. Around the same time another urban theatre in the war against terror unfolded thousands of miles away in the city of Marawi situated on the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines. In 2017, hundreds of militants swearing allegiance to ISIS launched a surprise takeover of the city declaring it a new caliphate of ISIS. Philippine security forces fought back, waging ground and air assaults, with military support from the US, Australia and China, in what became the country’s largest battle since World War II. On May 23, 2017, government forces carried out heavy bombing of the city to drive out the armed fighters from two ISIL-affiliated groups – Abu Sayyaf and the Maute, leaving Marawi in ruins and more than 1,000 people killed. The United Nations says 98 per cent of Marawi’s population of nearly 2,00,000, as well as others in nearby municipalities, were displaced by the fighting.
Urban Warfare Realities
Armies around the world were taking note of the complexities of fighting terror in urban
settings. In the desert, troops usually can see the enemy coming and can manoeuvre with ease. Forests, jungles and mountains strain equipment and logistics, taxing mobility. But a city is a whole other matter. Some aspects of urban combat remain the same, regardless of the era or region. Buildings, tunnels and other obstacles hide defenders, rubble impedes vehicles and provides ample opportunities for booby traps, civilians who remain pose a challenge to forces intent on reducing casualties. The presence of civilians also provides terrorists a way to blend into the population. Every inch of territory gained consumes more ammunition, supplies and by its intense nature, creates higher casualty counts, requiring more troops than an operation in any other terrain. As the ensuing war in Gaza demonstrates, there are no fixed positions in urban warfare, and war is waged in a completely complex and multidimensional environment. Urban offensives cause devastation and quickly lead to sharp spikes in casualties - both because of the fighting itself, and because of these battles’ compounding effects. International condemnation and cries for immediate ceasefire ensues. Rocket fire has been the primary means that Hamas and other groups, such as Hezbollah, have used to attack Israel over the years. But unlike conventional military attacks where rockets are arranged in various areas of the battle space, often in view of drones or aircraft, the combination of tunnels and rockets gives Hamas ways to strike and move rapidly without detection. Moreover, Hamas differs from the opponents in Mosul, Raqqa, and other smaller urban battles in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. It is certainly on par with IS in its ability to conduct suicide bombings, and probably superior in anti-armour warfare, drone operations, and air defence. And while IS had around two years to prepare Mosul and Raqqa’s defence, Hamas has had fifteen years to prepare a dense “defence in depth” that integrates subterranean, ground-level, and above-ground fortifications, communication tunnels, emplacements, and fighting positions, as well as potential minefields, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed penetrator antiarmour mines, and buildings rigged as explosive booby traps. Much of the infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and mosques have been dual-purposed with Hamas command and control, observation and firing positions. Such buildings can often weather missile strikes better than residential or commercial buildings and the presence of civilians can sometimes deter such strikes entirely. As important, even after the brief pause that allowed an exchange of hostages for Palestine prisoners languishing in Israeli jails, Hamas is still holding about a hundred Israeli and foreign hostages by most accounts, an unprecedented complication.
Lessons from Urban Battlefields
Every urban battle is unique and shaped by the cityscape, human terrain, and forces. Even so, comparing the war in Gaza with other urban battlefields and combatants is a useful first step. Many lessons emerge. Firstly, destruction of urban areas is almost unavoidable. Every urban battle eventually becomes a choice between saving the physical environment and saving the lives of friendly troops. Faced with such a deci-
>> O P E R AT I O N S / U R BA N WA R FA R E PHOTOGRAPHS: Israel Defense Forces, amb_tashkent / X
(Left and Right) Buildings, tunnels and other obstacles hide defenders, and provides ample opportunities for booby traps, posing a challenge to forces intent on reducing casualties
sion, attackers generally choose the latter, especially once they become weary. In West Mosul, which humanitarian agencies consider an extraordinarily destructive battle, the UN certified that over 13,000 structures were demolished or made uninhabitable in about 180 days of battle. In the more concentrated Raqqa area, the figure was 11,000 (or 80 per cent of the city’s structures) in 90 days. Secondly, tactics, timing, and troop quality matter. Urban battles are especially unforgiving of mistakes, lethargy, and low-quality or exhausted troops. So, even though some experts say that of all the militaries in the world, Israel is the best trained, equipped and positioned for fighting an urban campaign, it faces an uphill task. Thirdly, fighting terror in urban settings tend to be long-drawn. Any initial plannings with regard to length of the conflict is proved wrong immediately as the ground battle commences. In the war against IS, the US supported 277 days of urban fighting in Mosul and 90 days in Raqqa. In comparison, the US pressured Israel to shut down its December 2008 Gaza operation after 22 days and its 2014 operation after 49 days, even though they were less destructive than any of the urban operations against IS. In the current Gaza conflict, the international community through multiple resolutions in the UNGA started demanding for an immediate ceasefire barely weeks into the war. It is unlikely that there would be any as the war enters its fourth month if Israel stays focussed on its war aims of eliminating Hamas from the Gaza strip at least.
The first-hand experience of fighting terror over three decades has guided India to take a nuanced stand in the Gaza conflict, resolutely standing behind Israel in its hour of grief while voting with utmost discretion at the UNGA. With the ISKP
(Islamic State of Khorasan Province) establishing a foothold in Pakistan alongside other established terror groups like the TTP, Myanmar slipping into chaos, ISI backed groups in Bangladesh waiting to strike and Maldives choosing its sides,
India has to confront terror for a long time to come. It is vital that the Indian Army must carefully observe and analyse each phase and each manoeuvre of the war in Gaza to draw its own lessons in the everevolving war on terror. SP
India’s Restraint and Nuanced Approach
In comparison, India has been waging its war on terror with utmost restraint, minimising collateral damage and casualties to civilians. In the Kashmir valley, there has been absolutely no use of indiscriminate aerial bombing or even shelling and RPG salvos have been very selectively used to bring down a building or two only after confirming presence of militants inside and safely evacuating civilians in the vicinity. It has vigorously pursued a political solution in order to isolate the terrorists from mainstream population through multiple developmental initiatives as much as it has demonstrated its resolve to effectively counter the cross-border terrorism though covert and over operations.
Urban offensives cause devastation and quickly lead to sharp spikes in casualties - both because of the fighting itself, and because of these battles’ compounding effects 6/2023 SP’s LAND FORCES
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>> I N D U ST R Y / R ESE A R CH & D E V E LO P M E N T
Defending DRDO: Restructure the Responsibilities A strategic transformation of DRDO is needed to chart a course for excellence in defence technology and a more agile and responsive future PHOTOGRAPH: Manish Kumar Jha
A
MANISH KUMAR JHA HIGH-POWERED COMMITTEE, HEADED BY former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government K. Vijay Raghavan Committee recommends major changes in DRDO, which is based on a renewed thrust to address the critical gaps in R&D in defence in India. Then the burden is solely put on the DRDO as the only credible institution, shouldering the entire spectrum of military technology for the Indian Armed Forces. It is also the result of a simple outcome that the most crucial aspect of building capabilities depends on many elusive technologies that are hard to acquire through existing mechanisms. What adds to the problem is the lack of R&D in the private sector in its entirety. While the reason is plenty, the core of the argument rests on the defence R&D being a heavy investment-centric exercise. The committee’s recommendation is tabled before the highest echelons of the government and some of the reports talk about the structural changes and core competencies of the DRDO. These are speculative as usual. However, what is pertinent is the fundamentals which revolve around the anomalies which exist. It is also true that DRDO as an institution, a lone warrior, is responsible for the Research, Design & Development of military systems & platforms, the scale is so staggering, it baffles!
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DRDO: Many Tasks, Myriad Roles
DRDO was established in 1958 to build up science-based capability towards making improvements in existing weapon systems including imported equipment. Later on, during the seventies, it got involved in the development of armaments and ammunition. Thrust was given to major programmes, like the development of guided missiles, electronic warfare systems, aircraft, communication systems, etc, in the 1980s. These programmes gave a new impetus to multiple design and technology centres, which resulted in the productionisation of weapon systems during the 1990s. As these arms manufacturing countries offered only the “Buy” category of systems to India, it became mandatory for DRDO to develop each system, sub-systems, and components abinitio including infrastructure and testing facilities of their own volition indigenously. DRDO has a mission mode structure, headed by the Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman, DRDO. The Secretary is assisted by the Director Generals (DGs). The Organisation has Corporate Head Quarters at New Delhi and laboratories/establishments, regional centres, field stations, etc spread all over the country from Jodhpur to Tejpur and Leh to Kochi. These are engaged in R&D activities in the field of aeronautics, armaments, missiles, combat vehicles, advanced computing & networking, electronics, optoelectronics, military engineering systems, life sciences, advanced materials & composites, underwater sensors/weapons, warship technology, low-intensity conflict technologies, NBC Technology, cyber security etc. These laboratories and establishments have been grouped into the following 7 clusters.
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This has enabled the Organisation to minimise the effect of the sanctions and technology denials, which were imposed by the technologically advanced countries from time to time and also to enhance self-reliance in Defence Products.
Restructuring DRDO
The author in conversation with Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO
These are Naval Systems & Materials (7 labs); Missiles & Strategic Systems (6 labs); Aeronautical Systems (4 labs); Armaments & Combat Engineering system (4 labs); Microelectronic Devices & Comp. Systems (5 labs); Life Sciences (8 labs); and Electronic & Communications Systems (6 labs). With such a staggering infrastructure what ails then?
The Budgetary Constraint
Time and again, the R&D comes into focus and the accountability is measured in terms of the number of systems and platforms inducted—the applied side of the whole R&D. The question is raised over the expenditure while the irony is all about the insufficient budget in R&D itself. Over the years, it has gone up and touched `23,263.89 crore for the Financial Year 2023-24 with a corresponding increase in several projects/programmes. Out of the total allocated budget of `23,263.89 crore, approximately 34.90 per cent is utilised for the development of strategic systems and 65.10 per cent for the tactical and other systems, including salaries, transportation, training, miscellaneous, etc. The total (Net) budget for
Defence R&D is 5.38 per cent of Defence Budget (`4,32,604.72 crore). 65 per cent of funds are earmarked for R&D activities, and the fund requirement for the strategic scheme is `6,140 crore, which is about 52 per cent of funds earmarked for R&D. Some of the best projects of DRDO have been based on the Mission Mode (MM) Projects like Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) system for Indian Air Force, LCA Mk-II, LRSAM, Quantum Communication for Metropolitan Cities (QMAN), Airborne Early Warning & Control System Mk – II (AEW&C Mk-II) for IAF and Advanced Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT). The Directed research is managed by Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) and DRDO has established eight Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs) at the premier institutes for carrying out research in the niche technology areas related to defence & security. The ATCs conduct the basic & applied research to offer solutions for technological or engineering challenges to raise the technology readiness level. Additionally, DRDO has a strong partnership with 50 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), 30 Ordnance Factories (OFs) and more than 1,800 private sector industries. PHOTOGRAPHS: DRDO, PIB
Projects developed by DRDO: (Clockwise from Left Top) ATAGS guns, Agni 5, Varunastra, and Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator
As speculated, besides the committee’s binding report which is not in the public domain, the role of the private players in defence is now a fact which government has been talking about in terms of policy as well as in procurement. The suggestion that DRDO must focus onthe core research and development is already agreed upon. What is being deliberated on whether DRDO should also be actively engaged in developing prototypes or technology demonstrators? As we take a look a look at some of the Technology Demonstration (TD) projects, it provides some direction as, for technology demonstration, maturity is the key to selfreliance in defence. These are some of the areas where the future role of DRDO can be assessed in Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, New Generation AntiRadiation Missile (NGARM), Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART), Beam Combined Fiber Laser Source (BCFL) and Digital Fuel Flow Controller. Global R&D giants like the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (US), EADS (Europe), DD R&D (Israel) and of course, SRSC (China) have their standards and certainly are counted among the best. Certainly, there will be evaluation and comparison. However, India must adopt the model which is the best mix. For example, according to a senior DRDO scientist, without a technology demonstrator, some very highstakes futuristic projects may be in jeopardy. While working together with private industries, there must be a collaboration. Later, the DRDO can pass the baton for the production and upgradation to private players or public sector undertakings. If we look at some of the major spending in the advanced countries, the R&D budget is marked in the range of a few billion of US Dollars for specific projects -- advanced and futuristic. Another key recommendation is the most crucial which is all about the test facilities for various systems. DRDO must optimise its vast network of R&D infra where the private players get to use such facilities. However, over the years, the idea that institution of such a national importance be placed under the Prime Minister’s portfolio has received greater acceptance. It is the usual comparison with the success story of the ISRO as various programmes are seen as a great success, it is also about the greater accountability which matters. Additionally, some structural changes are on the horizon like the rationalising the post of Secretary (Research and Development) in the MoD as the DRDO Chairman currently holds dual responsibility which also takes a good deal of administrative works amid the piles of files. SP The author is a defence editor and security expert. He writes on National Security, Military Technology, Strategic Affairs & Policies.
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>> R E P U B L I C DAY PA R A D E 2024
Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75 India takes a big stride into the future as Women Warriors lead the charge in India’s 75th Republic Day Celebration PHOTOGRAPHS: PIB
‘Nari Shakti’ or Women Power was at the front and centre of the Republic Day Parade 2024: (Top Left-Right) The all-women tri-service contingent; motorcycle display by women from the CRPF, BSF and SSB performing stunts to showcase bravery, valour and determination; (Above Left-Right) Women officers leading the contingents of Central Armed Police Forces.
MAJOR GENERAL ATANU K. PATTANAIK (RETD)
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N A SPEECH “WHY I left Home and Homeland” on July 9, 1943 in Singapore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose called for every able-bodied Indian to enlist in the INA and concluded with a stunning demand: “I want also a unit of brave Indian women to form a ‘Death-defying Regiment’ who will wield the sword, which the brave Rani of Jhansi wielded in India’s First War of Independence in 1857.” Promptly, on July 12, 1943, a female guard of honour for Bose was organised with some difficulty under Dr Lakshmi Swaminathan. Twenty women were persuaded to train to present arms using Lee-Enfield 303 rifles borrowed from the INA. With no time to produce uniforms, the women wore white saris. The fabled Rani of Jhansi Regiment took shape that year in October. The images of a smartly uniformed Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (Sahgal) marching step in step beside Netaji Bose inspecting will remain etched forever. Netaji Bose would be smiling approvingly from his majestic 28 feet tall statue perched on the canopy near the India Gate, surveying the 75th Republic Day parade
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as women in uniform from the armed services, paramilitary forces and departments like the ISRO and DRDO marched down the Kartavya Path. The traditional Republic Day parades exhibit a heady mix of culture and combat power; and while women have always had a significant presence in showcasing our culture, this is the first time they made their forceful and emphatic presence in the display of India’s raw combat power. Breaking tradition, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artistes playing
The 75th Republic Day parade showcased a historic display of India’s raw combat power, featuring allwomen contingents from the armed services, paramilitary forces, ISRO, and DRDO
Indian musical instruments such as sankh, naadswaram and nagada instead of military bands kickstarting the celebrations. In another first, an all-women tri-services contingent marched down the Kartavya Path, reflecting the country’s growing ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power). Of course, the jewel in the crown wasthe Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces President Draupadi Murmu, taking the salute. The all-women tri-service contingent, led by Captain Sandhya of Army Military Police, with three supernumerary officers Captain Sharanya Rao, Sub Lieutenant Anshu Yadav and Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Rao drew huge applause. Another all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent, headed by Major Srishti Khullar with Captain Amba Samant of the Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana of the Indian Navy and Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya of the Indian Air Force also marched down the ceremonial boulevard. The Indian Navy’s contingent consisted of 144 men and women Agniveers, led by Lt Prajwal M. as contingent commander and Lt Mudita Goyal, Lt Sharvani Supreiya and Lt Devika H. as platoon commanders. It was
followed by a naval tableau, depicting the themes ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation’. The Indian Air Force contingent comprised 144 airmen and four officers led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. Squadron Leaders Sumita Yadav and Pratiti Ahluwalia and Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil were the supernumerary officers. Fifteen women pilots, including six from the fighter streams, operated the IAF platforms during the fly-past. The fourth ‘Service’, the Indian Coast Guards were not to be left behind. Its contingent was commanded by Assistant Commandant Chunauti Sharma, who had previously marched along the Kartavya Path as a member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). The BSF marching contingent was headed by Assistant Commandant Monika Lakra; CISF by Assistant Commandant Tanmayee Mohanty; CRPF by Assistant Commandant Megha Nair; ITBP by Assistant Commandant Moniya Sharma; SSB by Deputy Commandant Nancy Singla; and Delhi Police by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Shweta K. Sugathan. What stole the show was a motorcycle display by 265 women from the CRPF, BSF and SSB who performed
>> R E P U B L I C DAY PA R A D E 2024 various stunts to showcase bravery, valour and determination. Eight women scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who were part of India’s biggest space dream of Chandrayaan-3 moon landing on August 23, last year formed part of its tableau. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tableau was also based on the theme of women powerin protecting the nation by providing the defence shield in all the five domains of land, air, sea, cyber and space. Outstanding scientist Sunita Devi Jena was the contingent commander, with P. Laxmi Madhavi, J. Sujana Choudhary and A Bhuvaneswari also present on the tableau. Why India chose to celebrate its 75th year of independence with a focus on female empowerment, featuring all-women contingents, and showcasing their diverse achievements? For one, gender equality has been a challenge in the armed forces. Prodded by adverse UNDPKO reports, the
The decision to focus on female empowerment during the 75th year of independence addresses gender equality challenges in the armed forces, with efforts to increase women’s representation and grant permanent commissions
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First Woman Subedar of Indian Army
N A PROUD MOMENT for Indian Army as well as women of the country, Havildar Preeti Rajak, Trap Shooter was promoted to rank of Subedar on January 27, 2024. Subedar Preeti Rajak is now the First woman Subedar of Indian Army. Her achievement is an extraordinary display of Nari Shakti. Subedar Preeti Rajak joined Indian Army in the Corps of Military Police on December 22, 2022 based on her proven performance in Trap Shooting. She is the 1st Meritorious Sportswomen in Shooting discipline to be enrolled in the Indian Army as a Havildar. Based on her extraordinary performance, she was awarded first out of turn promotion to Subedar. Her great achievement will motivate generations of young women to come forward to join the Indian Army as well as carve a niche for themselves in professional shooting. SP
first all-women peacekeeping force for the United Nations was in 2007 that consisted of 105 Indian women deployed to Liberia. Women officers make up a miniscule 3.6 per cent of the Army. Their representation is somewhat better in the Air Force (13.09 per cent) and Navy (6 per cent). This adversely compares to 4.5 per cent all ranks in China, 16 per cent in the United States, 10 per cent in Russia, 40 per cent in North Korea. The Supreme Court in February 2020 ruled that women could serve as Army Commanders, brushing aside the government’s stance that male soldiers were not ready to accept orders from female officers as “disturbing”. This opened doors for granting permanent
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commission to short service women officers recruited since 1992. Many women officers today command army units, IAF Squadrons and naval ships. Doors have been opened for girls into NDA and the first batch passed out of its hallowed portals last December. On January 1, this year, an all-girls Sainik School has been opened in Vrindavan. This is apart from allowing them into all the existing Sainik Schools. In a country like India, which aspires to be an emerging superpower in the future, discrimination on the basis of gender in the armed forces would certainly be a backlog for the country.
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For the first time, the Republic Day Parade had an all-women tri-services contingent, marking a significant moment for ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) in India As Bharat enters its Amrit Kaal, it was time to course-correct. What better than be inspired by our very own rich civilisational heritage. In ancient India despite a patriarchal system, women enjoyed a position of respect and reverence. Their presence in the battlefield goes as far back as Treta yuga, when Kaikeyi accompanied Dasharatha to help Indra fight against the Asuras. It is said that during the battle, the bolt of one of the wheels slipped out, Kaikeyi inserted her thumb in the hole of the bolt and kept the chariot steady, saving his life. The Rigveda provides ample evidence to prove the concept of equality of women with men as right to access and capacity to acquire the highest knowledge, even the absolute knowledge. Many of the Vedic rishis were women like the great Maitreyi, who rejected half her husband Yajnavalkya’s wealth in favour of spiritual knowledge. Coming from Bengal that celebrates powerful goddesses Durga and Kali as powerful icons symbolising resistance and courage, it was natural for Netaji Bose to exhort women to join him in his fight for freedom. Inspired by Netaji Bose’s vision, it was time that our women marched step in step with men as the Republic turned 75. SP
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>> W E A P O N SYST E MS / A RT I L L E R Y
Yugoimport – A Global Player in Artillery
Yugoimport-SDPR has constantly innovated itself as a manufacturer of complex weapon systems and defence equipment
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UGOIMPORT–SDPR WAS FOUNDED 75 years ago as the state-owned company, fully authorised and supported by the Government to deal in foreign trade of armament and defence equipment. The one thing that has not changed from the early beginnings to the present day is the quality of the products and services that Yugoimport–SDPR is able to offer to its customers and end users. The quality of the material and our tailormade approach to customers is the key to the rock-solid foundations of the Company. In recent years Yugoimport–SDPR has not only shown steadfast determination to come to grips with new development and manufacturing projects, but has also endeavored to introduce innovations through new techniques and software solutions in different fields for managing and improving its business activities. Yugoimport–SDPR has concentrated its efforts on development and serial production of new defence products, focusing primarily on complex combat systems, including selfpropelled artillery and artillery rocket systems MLRS, in formation of artillery battalion. Most of these new products are already part of the Serbian Armed Forces as well as various armed forces all over the world. We are particularly proud of Nora artillery system that joined the global players in the field of artillery in the early 2000s, which makes us a completely equal competitor to the world’s leading manufacturers. The latest generation of this system – Nora B52 NG, with increased quantity of projectiles in the automatic loader ready for fire is the most powerful, fully automated fire support artillery weapon in cal. 155mm, with increased level of the protection, keeping the most beneficial characteristics of the Nora B-52 M21 such as: very high reliability in different demanding environmental conditions – on all types of ground, in all climatic-mechanic conditions (sunshine, rain, snow, high
Most powerful 155mm artillery weapon with fully automated fire support: (Left & Top Right) NORA B52; (Above Right) Upgunning 155mm.
humidity, high sand concentration), by day and night, in all visibility conditions; full back up and wide elevation and traverse angles, in both directions. The weapon was made through an integration of a 155mm weapon module on an 8x8 chassis. The weapon module is controlled from the vehicle cabin and, owing to its characteristics, can be regarded as a 155mm RCWS. The weapon module is built around a 155mm autofrettage bar-
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Year of Technology Absorption...Continued from page 5 i ncorporate into future operations,” he said. While the different branches of the military have their intelligence wings, the Indian Army has a cadre of Military Intelligence officers comprising former high-ranking, intelligence officers drawn from various formations and expertise. However as far as the other two branches of services-- Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy-- are concerned, they do have intelligence wings, but they do not have a cadre. They largely rely on field personnel which often works on a rotational basis. The Army Chief ’s statement highlights such ambiguities within as the intelligence gathering remains largely tactical and based on day-to-day operational requirements. Thus, strategic intelligence needs to merge with the civilian agencies. Army Chief responded to the questions said: “If we look at the entire Jammu and Kashmir, in terms of the number of terrorists neutralised in the entire State in 2023, it is 71, of which 51 are in the [Kashmir] valley and 21 in the Rajouri-Poonch region. Our casualties in Kashmir have been seven; in Rajouri-Poonch, it has been 20. The figures, especially in Rajouri-Poonch, is some-
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rel assembly that is JBMOU-compliant. The barrel is 52 calibers long, with powder chamber of 23 litres. It provides fire support with intensive, sudden and rapid fire on targets of tactical, operational and strategic importance at long distances. Weapon module is a fully automatic loader with 30 projectiles and propellant charges. Additional 6 rounds are accommodated on the platform for automatic reloading, so the combat set comprises a total of 36 rounds.
PHOTOGRAPH: adgpi / X
General Manoj Pande at the Idea & Innovation Competition where the Top 22 Innovations of the Indian Army were displayed and the Innovators were felicitated by the COAS
thing we have taken note of,” headded. The Indian army has planned to strengthen its Intelligence, Surveillance
and Reconnaissance capabilities through the all-weather ground and space-based ISR capability.
Yugoimport–SDPR scope of the offer refers to all products that support deployment of such artillery system: FCS, Fenix, supportive vehicles etc. and also 155mm artillery ammunition with an increased range of 40+ km, which is developed and produced in Serbia and is fully in compliance with NATO standards; all types of powders – single-base and double-base, propellants, composite propellants. SP
The Northern Border Remains Sensitive
The Army Chief also elaborated on the situation on the northern border with China as “stable but sensitive”. He added, “We continue to talk to find a solution to address the balance issues between the two sides. Operational preparedness is very high, and deployment is both robust and balanced.” On Myanmar and the impact on the border, the Army Chief raised it as a matter of concern. “The activities of the Myanmar Army and ethnic groups have resulted in 416 Myanmar Army personnel crossing over to India, as well as some civilians crossing into Mizoram and Manipur,” the Chief remarked. “We also have some of the insurgent groups who are feeling the pressure and who have now attempted to come onto our side of the border in the State of Manipur. That, combined with the situation in Manipur, is something we are keeping a close watch on. We have close to 20 Assam Rifles Battalions which are deployed at the IndoMyanmar border. There is also talk of further strengthening our fence along the border,” the Army Chief explained. SP
>> M O D E R N I SAT I O N / W E A P O N SYST E MS Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower...Continued from page 6
PHOTOGRAPHS: TATA, L&T
Future Infantry Combat Vehicle concept designs by TATA (left) and L&T (right)
rating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, software applications, unmanned aerial platforms, and counter-drone systems. The success of sub-systems like “Vidyut Rakshak,” an IoT-based Generator Monitoring and Control System which has transitioned to the Indian industry for mass production is such a step in the right direction. However, it is pertinent to note that within the military capabilities roadmap, the key factor which runs parallel to the defence indigenisation is industry. How the forces must align the aspiration of the industry with the cost of R&D and technology is paramount.
rest must be on competitive bidding and no benchmarking. This is all about Transparency and listing of approvals and retractions.
However, above all, there must be a process and mechanism for the responsibility and accountability for delays
and cancellations that have marred our many programmes. The time has come to address all. SP
Recommendation for Policy and Procurement
The gaps hint at the cohesion in the planning and budgetary allocation. Several acquisition plans have fallen victim to such differences. Another key factor is all about aggregating the demand of the armed forces in its entirety. A look at the global procurement systems gives us plenty of direction that the collaborative and joint approach must be at the core of each acquisition. The most pressing need for the armed forces is to say no to batch orders—the ad hoc approach does not encourage sustainable production en masse. This has impacted the indigenous development of high-end equipment. “The solution lies in the pipeline production of annual supplies,” explained Commodore Sujeet Samaddar who leads many technological development programmes within the industry. This helps in the export proposition too with sustainable production and quality upgrades as the military technology rapidly improves. While this goes beyond the scope of the military’s mandate, the creation of the Export Promotion Council/ Board/Authority will go hand in hand in raising defence exports. In a seismic shift, India’s defence exports have been a remarkable success story, marking a historic surge in defence exports, reaching a whooping `16,000 crore in 2023. Industry and forces alike have strongly proposed that there is no need for trials for in-service or proven equipment. Further, especially in the case of the army, no-cost, no-commitment (NCNC) trials in capital procurements have been found to lower the standard of quality participation in the tender process and turn, defeat the purpose. According to Samaddar, NCNC trials should be budgeted by both time and cost between the vendor and the user service. As per the NCNC, the industry suffers despite investing in best-of-class technology in building prototypes for the procurement process as there are no points given for technologically superior products due to the rigidness of the Qualitative Requirements (QRs). Another key area which still needs a closer look is the very spirit of the ‘Make in India’, the very process of nominating against the very ethos of competition. While some of the strategic areas can do to the defence public sector establishment, the
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>> INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS / DEFENCE PRODUCTION
Rosoboronexport goes on to work on Technology Partnership Contracts with Friendly Countries Empowering Global Defence Production through Innovation, Collaboration and Pioneering Technology Partnerships in the evolving landscape of Military Cooperation PHOTOGRAPHS: Rosoboronexport
Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force
www.spslandforces.com
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SC ROSOBORONEXPORT (PART OF Rostec State Corporation) takes into account the pressing challenges facing the Russian defence industry and the system of military-technical cooperation. The company actively offers its partners new formats of cooperation within the global arms market trends in today’s environment. “One of the key current tendencies in military-technical cooperation is a rising global interest in technology partnership. According to our estimates, the share of such projects will double by 2030 and occupy 40% of the entire global arms market,” said Rosoboronexport’s Director General Alexander Mikheev. “Rosoboronexport has strong competencies in launching licensed production, setting up joint ventures and conducting joint R&Ds with foreign customers. We have an impressive portfolio of completed and current projects for all services of the Armed Forces.” JSC Rosoboronexport has been fulfilling technology partnership contracts with foreign customers since the first year of
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its establishment. In 2000, the company signed a major contract with India’s HAL Corporation to organise licensed production of Su-30MKI aircraft in India. As early as next year, in 2001, another contract was signed with India for the licensed production of Russian Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). Production of Russian BMP-2 IFVs, 125mm Mango APFSDS rounds and Invar gun-launched ATGMs was also launched in India through JSC Rosoboronexport.
In addition to organising licensed production on the customer’s premises, JSC Rosoboronexport actively operates in the field of establishing and managing joint ventures to manufacture Russian military products in partner countries. The largest and best-known examples of this type of cooperation are the operating RussianIndian joint venture for the production of AK-203 assault rifles in India with 100 per cent final local content, as well as a joint
AK-203 Assault Rifle
venture engaged in modernisation and maintenance of Su-30MKM aircraft. Rosoboronexport also provides technical assistance in establishing special facilities in foreign countries as part of technology cooperation. Russian design bureaus and manufacturers have a broad technology base and extensive experience in developing and making unique military products. As a result, the world market today shows strong interest in joint projects with Russia to develop new advanced models of weapons and military equipment. “Technology partnership projects with foreign countries are mutually beneficial. On one hand, unique competencies of domestic arms manufacturers are in demand abroad. At the same time, our enterprises are able to focus on manufacturing and supplying products for the Russian Army, which is a top priority today. On the other hand, partner countries get opportunities to launch full-scale production on their territory and develop their own industrial base,” Alexander Mikheev added. SP
SP’s
Military Yearbook
2021 –
2022
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SP’S MILITARY YEARBOOK 2021-2022 CONTENTS HEREWITH
>> M A K E I N I N D I A / F I C V
Stryker Production under ‘Make in India’?
India explores joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles with the US as part of their Strategic Alliance PHOTOGRAPH: US Army
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LT GENERAL P.C. KATOCH (RETD)
EWS REPORTS OF NOVEMBER 10, 2023 quoted Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane to say that India is interested in a US offer for joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles to meet the needs of the Army. He also said the proposed deals for the joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in the country and the acquisition of next-generation armed drones from the US are on track. “An initial offer on the (Stryker) infantry combat vehicle has come from the US. We have expressed our interest in discussing it further to take the co-production part ahead,” Aramane said during a joint media briefing with Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on the 2+2 dialogue co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and their American counterparts Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken. Aramane further said, “Our industrial and military teams will work with their US counterparts and come up with a concrete plan in this regard (joint production of Stryker vehicles.” He also added that discussions on the armoured vehicles were taking place under the roadmap for future defence industrial cooperation concluded by the two countries in June. The roadmap seeks to fast-track technology cooperation and co-production in critical areas such as air combat and land mobility systems; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; munitions, and the undersea domain. Notably, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had embarked on a project to develop the Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) ‘Abhay’ for the Indian Army as a technology demonstrator for the futuristic ICV (FICV), which will eventually replace the Indian Army’s BMP2s. The design of Abhay was completed by 2001 but the project faced delays due US sanctions after India’s nuclear tests. As of 2005, various systems of this vehicle were in advanced stages of development. The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) of the DRDO has since completed the task of design, development and Armament integration of the 20-tonne
General Dynamics’ Stryker Vehicles
Abhay, which is equipped with three types of armaments, and the main armament can engage both aerial and ground targets. Technology demonstration of the weapon and ammunition system has been successfully completed according to ARDE. The pre-production prototype of Abhay was rolled out in June 2005 with development of the first armoured prototype in progress. In September 2019, it was announced that the FICV project will be fast tracked. Thereafter in January 2020, the then Army Chief General M.M. Naravane said that induction of FICV is scheduled for 2026-27. The offer of the Stryker armoured vehicles by the US is actually some three years old,
Discussions on the armoured vehicles were taking place under the roadmap for future defence industrial cooperation concluded by the two countries in June
which was reported in these columns earlier. Follow up on the offer was probably delayed, hoping that the indigenous FICV project would get accelerated, which has happened in many earlier cases of defence manufacturing as well; the private industry perhaps would have met the required timelines. Also, decisions like joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles depends on political considerations including the right timing to extract maximum mileage. The Stryker armoured vehicles are manufactured by the US firm General Dynamics Land Systems. The Stryker comes in many variants. With the exception of some specialised variants, the primary armament of the Stryker is a Protector M151 Remote Weapon Station with .50 in (12.7mm) M2 machine gun, 7.62mm M240B machine gun, or 40mm Mk 19 grenade launcher. Some Stryker are fitted with 30mm cannon. In September 2017, a Stinger missile was fired from a Stryker-mounted Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS) to intercept airborne targets in a demonstration, turning the vehicle into a short-range air defence system. In August 2018, 86 Strykers began fielding with a CROWS turret adapted to fit a FGM-148 Javelin tube, allowing the vehicle to fire the weapon without dismounting the troops.
A standard Stryker Brigade of the US Army typically consists of: 130 x 18-tonne Stryker ICVs; nine Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Vehicles; 27 Medical Evacuation Vehicles; 12 Engineer Squad Vehicles; 32 Commander’s Vehicles; 36 120mm Mounted Mortar Carriers; 56 Reconnaissance Vehicles; 13 Fire Support Vehicles; three NBC Reconnaissance Vehicles; and 12 105mm Mobile Gun Systems. American Stryker Brigades have been employed in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US delivered 189 Stryker vehicles to Ukraine, including 20 M1132 engineer squad vehicles, commencing March 2023. Thailand has 139 Stryker vehicles in service and North Macedonia is procuring 54. The US has also offered Stryker vehicles to Argentina, Bulgaria and Chile. However, Canada, Israel and Lithuania did not take the Stryker offered by the US although Israel had received three variants of Stryker for trials. The Mechanised Infantry of the Indian Army is on the threshold of a critical transformation with the Army setting a brisk pace to equip its combat arms with a range of new capabilities. It would be interesting to watch progress of the proposed co-development of the Stryker vehicles under ‘Make in India’, its time table and its eventual fielding concurrent to the indigenous Project Abhay and the FICV. Looking at the large requirements of the Indian Military, perhaps both projects can be progressed simultaneously. Make in India, Make for the World would also have export potential, especially if the costs are lowered. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the recent bilateral meeting with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin discussed a wide range of defence and strategic issues, with particular focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation and getting the defence industries from both sides together to co-develop and co-produce weapons and systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also symbolically handed over to Austin some items recovered in Assam as part of the US Defence POW/ MIA Accounting Agency mission to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing personnel to their families and the nation. The items included parts of a parachute, uniforms and an airplane of the US forces from the World War II-era. SP
ARC Spearheads Digital Revolution for Land Forces
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RC (ASTRA RAFAEL COMSYS Pvt Ltd), the Indian JV Company of Astra Microwave Products Ltd, India and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel is engaged in specific System areas of Defence Electronics viz, Tactical Communication Systems, Electronic Warfare, Electro-Optic Systems and Signal Intelligence (SIGINT). Setting high standards ARC, a registered Start-up & AS 9100 D, ISO 14001 & EMS 27001 certified company is working towards carving a niche for itself in the Indian Defence & Aerospace segment. ARC, with its manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, has firm orders for supply of Software Defined Radios (SDR) to the MoD, viz IAF & Indian Army, DRDO and DPSUs like HAL. ARC recently secured a contract with the Indian Army’s Infantry to provide close to 1,000 state-of-the-art Software Defined Radios (SDR). This significant development heralds the commencement of the digital transformation of our Infantry forces on ground. It showcases ARC’s com-
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Handheld SDR
Manpack 2 SDR
Vehicular SDR
mitment to optimising Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) in environments where every additional gram carried by the soldier is significant. While ARC’s collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been ongoing, this new venture with the Land
forces is a pivotal milestone. In the competitive arena of SDRs, ARC has been selected to spearhead the digital metamorphosis of the Land Forces, building on its commendable performance with the IAF. Notably, BNET SDRs system having successfully cleared all technical evaluations during the assessment in 2023 by the Army, also stand out as the exclusive solution addressing the triservice interoperability challenge encompassing, in particular, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force who need to operate in complete synergy in all theatres. Besides being actively engaged with the Indian Army in developmental efforts for SDRs under the MAKE 2 route, ARC is also actively partnering Indian StartUp companies, some of whom are iDEX winners, to provide Combat Network Support for applications, with our family of SDRs. ARC, as an Indian defence and aerospace enterprise, takes great pride and honored to deliver cutting-edge technology in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat spirit. SP
>> N E WS / A P P O I N T M E N TS DAC APPROVES CAPITAL ACQUISITION PROPOSALS WORTH `2.23 LAKH CRORE The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on November 30, 2023, accorded approval in respect of Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for various Capital Acquisition Proposals amounting to `2.23 lakh crore, of which, acquisition worth `2.20 lakh crore (98 per cent of total AoN amount) will be sourced from domestic industries. This will give a substantial boost to the Indian Defence Industry towards the aim of achieving the goal of ‘Atmanirbharta’. The DAC has accorded the AoN for procurement of two types of Anti-tank Munitions namely, Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type - 2 and Type-3, which are capable of neutralising Tanks and Armoured personnel carriers and enemy personnel. To replace the Indian Field Gun (IFG), which has completed its service life, AoN for procurement of state-of-the-art Towed Gun System (TGS) has been granted which will become a mainstay of Artillery forces of Indian Army. The AoN was also accorded for 155mm Nubless projectile for use in 155mm Artillery guns which will enhance lethality and safety of the projectiles. All these equipment of the Indian Army will be procured under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. The AoN for procurement and integration of Automatic Target Tracker (ATT) and Digital Basaltic Computer (DBC) for T-90 Tanks under Buy (India) category have also been accorded which will help in maintaining combative edge of T-90 tanks over adversary platforms.
Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff IDC (A), HQ IDS, and Col (GS) Christian Schmidt, Director, Department International Cooperation Armed Forces Office from the German side. The meeting was conducted in a friendly, warm, and cordialatmosphere. Discussions focused on new initiatives under the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanisms and further strengthening ongoing defence engagements. India-Germany Military Cooperation Sub Group (MCSG) is a forum established to boost defence cooperation between both nations through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between the Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, and the Department of International Cooperation Armed Forces.
SUCCESSFUL TRAINING LAUNCH OF SHORT-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILE ‘AGNI-1’ Training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-1’ was carried out successfully from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha on December 7, 2023. Agni-1 is a proven very high precision missile system. The user training launch, carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, successfully validated all operational and technical parameters.
MOD INKS `5,336.25 CRORE CONTRACT WITH BEL
IDEX-DIO SIGNS 300TH CONTRACT FOR DEFENCE INNOVATION
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has reached a milestone with the signing of its 300th contract. The contract relates to the design and development of advanced Gallium Nitride Semiconductors which is essential for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defence applications ranging from radars to EW (Electronics Warfare) jammers. Currently, almost all GaN components are imported being a sensitive and cutting-edge technology whose export is controlled and restricted by many countries. The proposal aims to design, develop and manufacture GaN components for defence in India using completely indigenous GaN technology. This would significantly enhance the indigenous design & development capability, paving way for immense potential in the defence sector including exports.
INDIA-GERMANY MILITARY COOPERATION SUB GROUP MEETING HELD
The 16th edition of the India-Germany Military Cooperation Sub Group (MCSG) meeting was conducted from December 5-6, 2023 in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired from the Indian side by Brigadier Vivek Narang,
The Ministry of Defence, on December 15, 2023, signed a landmark contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Pune for procurement of Electronic Fuzes for the Indian Army for a period of 10 years, at a total cost of `5,336.25 crore. As part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, this contract has been signed for ammunition procurement under ‘Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry’, a Government initiative for long term requirement of 10 years. The aim of the project is to build up ammunition stocks to minimise imports, achieve self-sufficiency in ammunition manufacturing, obtain critical technologies and secure stock affected by supply chain disruption. Electronic Fuzes will be manufactured by the BEL at its Pune and upcoming Nagpur Plant. The project will generate employment for one and half lakh man days and encourage active participation of Indian Industries including MSMEs in ammunition manufacturing and broaden ammunition manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
INDIA-UAE JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE ‘DESERT CYCLONE’
1st edition of the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ was held from January 1-15, 2024. The UAE contingent was represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade. The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel was mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
APPOINTMENTS Lt General Manjinder Singh, took over as the 24th General Officer Commanding in Chief of the Shimla-based Army Training Command on December 1, 2023. Before this, he was the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy, Planning & Force Development). Lt General Manjinder Singh was commissioned into 19 MADRAS on December 20, 1986. He is the Colonel of the Madras Regiment since January 1, 2021. Lt General Dhiraj Seth, assumed the command of South Western Command, Indian Army on November 1, 2023. Lt General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, assumed the appointment of Director General Army Air Defence from November 1, 2023. Colonel Sunita BS scripted history on November 21, 2023, by becoming the first woman to assume the role of Commanding Officer at Armed Forces Transfusion Centre. The aim of the Exercise was to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations. The Exercise enhanced cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations. Drills rehearsed during Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ included Establishment of a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operation, Domination of Built-Up Area and Heliborne Operations. The Exercise fostered collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides.
INFANTRY COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE CONCLUDED
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal Deputy Managing Editor Neetu Dhulia Senior Editorial Contributor Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Principal Correspondent Ayushee Chaudhary Contributors India Lt General Dushyant Singh (Retd) Lt General Pradeep Bali (Retd) Lt General R.K. Jagga (Retd) Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) Major General Atanu K. Pattanaik (Retd) Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) Rohit Goel Manager – HR & Admin Bharti Sharma Deputy Manager – Circulation Rimpy Nischal Group Research Associate Survi Massey Design Sr. Designer: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav Designer: Sonu Bisht Group Director – Sales & Marketing Neetu Dhulia Director – Sales Rajeev Chugh SP’s Website Sr. Web Developer: Shailendra Prakash Ashish Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal on behalf of SP Guide Publications Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, recording, electronic, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers. Printed in India by Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd © SP Guide Publications, 2023 Subscription/ Circulation Annual Inland: `600 • Overseas: US$180 Email: subscribe@spguidepublications.com subscribe@spslandforces.com Letters to Editor editor@spslandforces.com For Advertising Details, Contact: neetu@spguidepublications.com rajeev.chugh@spguidepublications.com
37th Infantry Commanders’ Conference was successfully conducted on November 14 and 15, 2023 at Infantry School, Mhow. This biennial conference was presided over by General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). A large number of current and futuristic issues pertaining to Infantry in operations, training, capability development and infusion of technology were discussed. While assessing the capabilities of Infantry in conventional war scenario and in Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism operations, necessary decisions were made to further enhance the capability of Infantry in sync with the future challenges. During the conference, the Infantry showcased its latest acquisitions in various arenas of lethality, mobility, battlefield transparency, situational awareness and survivability. The demonstration of recently acquired advanced New Generation Weapons & Equipment systems infused confidence in the emerging capabilities of Infantry. SP
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