Indian army (IA)

The changing global geo-political dynamics presents the Nation with multiple security challenges. While constantly reviewing its operational preparedness/ postures to meet the perceived security challenges, the Indian Army (IA) is committed to the defence of the country from external and internal threats across the entire spectrum of warfare. Also, in times of disaster/ natural calamities, the Indian Army is in the forefront, providing aid and succour to the affected people.

 Jammu and kashmir

The security situation of J&K is at an important cross road of transcending from conflict stabilisation to conflict resolution domain. The relentless efforts put in by security forces helped the ‘Awaam’ gain confidence which led to a high voter turnout in the Parliamentary and Assembly elections. People have entrusted faith in the Indian democratic system, shunned violence and are yearning for peace and stability.

Ceasefire Violations (CFVs)

The ceasefire along the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL), Line of Control (LC) and International Border (IB) Sectors in Jammu and Kashmir has generally held. In the year 2014, there were 153 CFVs along the LC and the year 2015 witnessed 152 CFVs. Appropriate The Indian Army (IA) is committed to the defence of the country from external and internal threats across the entire spectrum of warfare. and effective retaliation, where required, was carried out to the CFVs initiated by Pakistan. The incidents of CFVs are taken up through the established mechanisms of hotlines, Flag Meetings and DGMO’s talks. Overall, Pakistan continues to calibrate violence to keep the LC alive and to showcase issue of unresolved/ unsettled borders in J&K.

 Infiltration

 Pakistan, despite its recent peace overtures, has left no stone unturned to internationalise the Kashmir issue. The terror infrastructure remains intact across the border. While infiltration bids, CFVs have been on a decline in the last three months of 2015, this may just be a temporary phase of tiding over the internal security issues which are on a rise within Pakistan.

(a)  Infiltration Bids Eliminated: During the year 2015, the Army eliminated 18 infiltration bids resulting in killing of 30 terrorists whereas in 2014, the Army had eliminated 23 infiltration bids resulting in killing of 36 terrorists.

(b) Successful Infiltration: As per assessment, in 2015 till December 31, 2015, 33 terrorists infiltrated successfully out of the 121 who attempted whereas in 2014, 65 terrorists were successful out of 222 who attempted to infiltrate.

Modernisation and equipment

The major Army acquisitions focused on modernisation, building new capabilities as well as making up deficiencies in the inventory while giving due impetus to indigenisation. During the year, the Army focused on reducing procurement timelines. Major strides were taken in streamlining the evolution of Qualitative Requirements (QRs), Request for Proposal (RFP) formulation and evolution of novel methods of field evaluations. The changes made would result in making the acquisition process more efficient.

Mechanised Forces

 Upgradation of in-service equipment by night enablement, modern fire control systems and better power packs has been the thrust area. Concurrently, the indigenous development of future combat vehicle platforms is also being progressed. Indigenous solution for Infantry Combat Vehicle (BMP) upgrades and Wheeled Armoured Personal Carrier is also being explored. Improvements on the indigenous Arjun Tanks are underway with trial validations being carried out on Mk-II versions, which have enhanced automotive and weapon systems. Development of Future Ready Combat Vehicles and Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles has been initiated for a planned replacement of the existing fleet. Several upgrade programmes on the existing fleet of T-90 and BMP-II are underway which includes enhanced communication, night fighting capability, transmission systems and weapon platforms.

Artillery

  The procurement of Artillery equipment is focused on conversion of equipment to 155 mm calibre with improved towed, self-propelled and mounted gun system, enhancing surveillance capabilities and acquisition of long range vectors. The proposals for procurement of Tracked Self Propelled Guns, BrahMos and Pinaka artillery systems are nearing fruition. The induction of the indigenous artillery gun ‘Dhanush’ would also commence post successful trials. Advanced munitions with improved precision and enhanced destructive power are being procured.

Guns

  Modernisation of Artillery has been on since 2012. Both global and indigenous routes are being adopted to hasten the progress of modernisation. Major projects of 155 mm Towed Gun, Indigenously developed 155 mm ‘Dhanush’ and 155 mm Tracked (SP) Gun are at final stages of evaluation. Government has recently given a go ahead for the procurement of 155 mm Mounted Gun System. Upgunning of the existing 130 mm Guns to 155 mm/ 45 Cal Gun System is also currently under progress as ‘Buy & Make Indian’.

Ammunitions

Bi-modular Charge System (BMCS) is being procured through the Global and Indigenous route. Indigenous capability in development and manufacturing of charge system is an important step towards self-reliance. To this extent evaluation of the BMCS produced by Ordnance Factory Nalanda has been completed. Electronic fuzes for all calibers are being procured through revenue and capital route.  A contract has been signed in January, 2016 for capital procurement of ammunitions for 84 MM Rocket Launcher with transfer of technology for Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

SATA Equipment

 Self-reliance in production of Indigenous Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) has been achieved and a contract for WLR signed in December, 2015 is currently at an advance stage. To improve the accuracy of Artillery fire, procurement of Inertial Navigation System (INS) too is being undertaken.

Infantry

 Modernisation of the infantry soldier is aimed at enhancing lethality and providing individual protection. The proposals for procurement of 3rd Generation Anti Tank Guided Missiles, Modern Ballistic Helmets and Light Machine Guns are being progressed. 

Army Air Defence

A contract for the upgrades of L-70 guns has been concluded and that of Zu-23 guns is in advanced stages of finalisation. The proposal for Medium Range Surface to Air Missile Regiment (MRSAM), is also nearing fruition. In addition, schemes for replacements of Short Range Surface to Air Missile systems, Successor for L-70 and Zu-23 Guns, Air Defence Fire Control Radar, Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), are in the pipeline.

Miscellaneous Equipment

In addition to acquisitions specific to different arms, procurement and manufacture of Reconnaissance and Surveillance HelicoptersKamov 226T, Air Cushion Vehicles, Tactical Communication System, Material Handling Equipment and Critical Rolling Stock for rail movement are in the pipeline. Modernisation of logistics installations with state of the art warehousing facilities, retrieval and accounting system is also underway. Much has also been achieved in exploiting alternate and indigenous sources for procurement of HMVs (High Mobility Vehicles) and Light Vehicles for the Indian Army. 

 

Procurement of New Generation Rolling Stock for the Indian Army

The Additional Directorate General of Strategic Movement has started taking deliveries of new generation rolling stock. These include specialist wagons for carriage of military equipment and vehicles as well as coaches for conveyance of troops. New generation AC-II, AC-III and Military Pantry coaches incorporate modifications which make them efficient, feature rich and more comfortable.