NEW DELHI: With growing tensions on the border with China and also continuous aggression by Pakistan, the Indian Army is gearing up to modernise itself for a ‘short and intense war’. An internal audit of the Army recently exposed its critical deficiency. The world’s third largest Army does not even have one-third of its authorised war wastage reserves (WWR) for 30 days of intense fighting.In view of the recent developments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government empowered Vice Chief of the Army to make procurements of military hardware bypassing red-tapism up to `40,000 crore. The Army has identified critical deficiencies in 46 types of ammunition and certain spares for 10 types of weapon platforms.Here are some of the findings of the report wherein the Army is looking to modernise itself.
Air Defence Gun
Required to enhance lethality and accuracy of the air defence ammunition of L70 gun system. Ammo should have multi-target handling capability with air burst, proximity, point detonation and variable and programmable provisions. Ammo should be varied targets—aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and soft skinned vehicles.
Light weight body armour
Bullet-proof jackets presently can’t protect a soldier’s vital organs. It’s weight doesn’t allow a soldier to operate with maximum efficiency. Need to equip the soldier with light body armour that protects him up to 10 metres against a 7.62 mm bullet, and five metres against a 9 mm bullet.
Fuses for all variants for Pinaka rockets
Pinaka multiple-launch rocket system is indigenously developed, providing firepower. Proposal envisages development of indigenous capability for manufacturing fuses for Pinaka rockets.
Advanced cannon ammunition for BMP
BMPs are the mainstay of mechanised infantry. Current
fleet of these combat vehicles are in service since the 80s. Advanced 30 mm bullets required to replace existing ammunition.
Individual protection system: Multi-application smart sensor-based impact and blast-resistant protective shield Will comprise a ballistic helmet, bodysuit and ballistic shoes. The proposed ballistic helmet will protect the entire upper body. The lightweight headgear will integrate many modern devices. The ballistic bodysuit will protect the body’s middle part and provide inputs about vital parameters of an individual.
Robotics Surveillance Platform for Rashtriya Rifles Rashtriya Rifles will be facing threats in the built-up
and super built-up areas. A robotics platform should be developed and made in India.
Short-range UAV
A modern battlefield is characterised by enhanced battlefield transparency enabling forces to operate with same combat power during day, night and inclement weather. The ‘remotely piloted aircraft system’ will provide real time inputs in the form of imagery and electronic data to fighting formations during operations. The system should be modular, transportable by road, rail, air and sea and capable of operating multiple payloads with endurance up to 200 km. Requirement is 44 aerial vehicles costing `3,000 cr.
Multi-target tracking systems for tanks
To handle more than one target at the same time, it is imperative to develop a high-technology tracking system that not only can detect and track multiple targets, but is also able to assist the commander to prioritise targets.
3rd generation missile for T-90 and T-72 battle tanks
The third generation gun-launched missiles should be capable of Beyond Line of Site engagement up to 8 km by day and night, with the ability to carry out pre-flight programmed manoeuvres. Must achieve a hit probability on a standard tank target of more than 90 per cent.
Armed fighting vehicle protection and counter measure system for T-90 tanks
Contemporary combat vehicles have on-board protective-cum-warning systems to warn the crew of attacks and create a physical interference between the vehicle and the hostile threat, enhancing survival. The fleet of such vehicles with the Army does not offer the crew these enhanced protection measures.
Need to install a modern active protection system on all armoured fighting vehicles. The system should deflect/ destroy hostile attacks to protect against threats from guided missiles and rocket propelled grenades.
New engines needed for T-90 tanks for high battlefield agility and to manage system upgrades is being planned. Requirement is 2,011 engines costing ` 5 crore each.