Ministry plans for Theater command, Combining tri services

Ministry plans for Theater command, Combining tri services 

Defense ministry exploring options of combining tri services, to act against the threat jointly with the support from air naval and ground forces. Currently defense ministry had only one tri service command known as the Andaman command, whose area of responsibility comprises all along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and waters around. Ministry plans for separate command to counter Pakistan and China. Each focuses their own speculated threat only.

IAF is the one who slowly expanding it's capabilities by wide spreading their missions from initial air defense into deep strike, CAS and observation missions. This also solves the army's requirements of dedicated aviation wing, who currently asks for dedicated attack and troop transporting helicopters.

Defense ministry recently conducted the armed forces commanders conference, and asks the opinion of the commanders about integrating the military commands into one wing. Sources confirmed that Commanders also given green light to the ministry's proposal of working under one umbrella. Earlier ministry planned a Joint chief of staffs to give single point of advice to the Government about the military activities.

Joining the forces into one command significantly reduces the reaction time and give additional support to the deployed troops in very short time. They can help each others in combat search and rescue mission, close air support mission and Infil, exfil operations.

India need two commands to face the Chinese and Pakistani threat simultaneously, Each requires specialized requirements to counter the threat, as in the Chinese front India need CAS and Air superiority fighters in large numbers. while Pakistani front India need large number of troops armored columns and  Artillery's. This difference is comes due to the geographical conditions, The Rajastan frontier is plain, while North east had mountains and rough trains.

The commanders also insisted that Forces need to be vigil at any time, since the threats are advancing day by day with new equipment's and manpower. To counter the threat, India needs to act wisely by selecting exact platform to counter the threat. Like in asymmetric warfare India need troops and observation UAV's, for assassination mission they need armed drones, for manned mission they need good air cover and quick reaction forces for support.

The theater command is in discussion since many years. Once it sanctioned to form, The systematic works takes more than five years, by connecting all assets into one. Currently there is a huge number of protocols to request the Air force for close support to the ground troops.  

Caesar front running for Army's Truck mounted Artillery

Caesar front running for Army's Truck mounted Artillery

Indian army had a requirement of more than hundred's of truck mounted 155mm 52 cal artillery's for it's strike corps and new mountain strike corps. Under the artillery project, Army looks to induct range of artillery systems, like towed, self propelled and now this truck mounted. Like other procurement's, this truck mounted artillery too comes under make in India program.

For this project vendors from all over the world requested to provide information about the respected system to Indian army evaluation team. The French teamed with Ashok Leyland and L&T offered the Caesar System, South Africa teamed with TATA offered Denel, Serbia teamed with OFB and BMEL offered the Nora system. While BAE Archer never made any attempts. which is the known better system in truck mounted artillery.

As the performance wise Ashok Leyland and Nexter made Caesar is front running to seal the deal. Caesar is the known battle proven artillery system operated by French, Saudi and some other nations. It's a 155mm 52 Cal heavy artillery system, used to suppress the enemy firing ranges. Caesar had an automatic reloading system can holds 18 ready to fire rounds. with the firing range of upto 50km using rocket assisted projectiles or some 40 kilometers with normal shells.

The Caesar is light weight, can comes with the either 8x8 or 6x6 wheels, can also easily air lifted by the existing IAF's C 130 air lifters. The entire system, that is Truck and gun weights around some 18 tons only for 6x6 and weights around 30 tons for 8x8. The Caesar is already operationally deployed by many nations include Thailand who claimed two Cambodian BM 21's.

Caesar is one of the finest option for the Army, can be used with existing Ashok Leyland trucks. and in performance wise it's better who operationally deployed hot and cold weather conditions around the world. Can also launch guided projectiles for effective fire power. although all artillery's can fire guided rounds.

The other one who competing the deal is the South African Denel teaming with the TATA. who offering the Denel G6 for the Army's truck mounted artillery program.G 6 also a good competitor in terms of fire power and range. The G 6 is weights around 46 tons, due to it's large size and 6x6 wheel platform. Making hard stance for air transport.

G 6 can capable to strike targets upto 67 kilometers thanks to it's V LAP round. Normally it's effective firing range is upto 40 kilometers same like other system, along with auto re loader and other known modern systems like fire control and target acquisition.

G 6 can fire only 4 rounds per minute, which is low compared to it's competitors. 6-8 rounds is the known good figure for such systems. Since truck mounted artillery can perform shoot and scoot with the delay of 30 to 60 seconds. making hard to find the potion of the artillery using weapon locating radars.

G 6 already deployed by several Arab army's and the South African army. In India that gun placed in the TATA truck who unveiled the model in defense exhibition in last year.

The DPSU also teamed with the Serbians for the Truck mounted artillery project. State firms like OFB and BEML joins with Serbian state firm to produce the Nora B 52 in India. The artillery is already operational under the Bangladeshi ground forces.

Nora is also a comparable systems to other competitors, with better range fire power and integrated network systems. With better firing capability Nora can fire 6-10 rounds per minute. using normal and guided shells for effective fire power. The Nora also works with the Russian standard artillery ammunition's like Krasnopol guided shells.

The entire system weights around some 30 tons, fitted in a 8x8 platform. Nora already operational in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Kenya, Nora is a better system comes in handy price compared to others. In India Nora can be made by OFB and carried by BEML trucks.

BAE Archer is the one who is a better system compared to all the above, developed by the Swedish firm, Archer shares similar characteristic with existing Bofors and Dhanush artillery system. Archer is comes with Volvo truck. In case of Indian orders Volvo India can deliver those trucks. Despite heavy looking the Archer weights below 30 tons. with this weight Archer can be air lifted using A 400 and C 130 J.

Archer can carry 21 ready to fire shells, can be refilled with an minutes. Archer can fire and scoot within 30 seconds. Archer can fire more than 8 rounds per minute, can achieve the fire rate by using  both guided and normal shells. Archer is an best performing Truck mounted artillery. compared to others Archer costs more. Archer is already operational under Swedish, Norwegian and Croatian army's.

IA yet to conduct the field trials, however by looking the performance, as already said Ashok Leyland Caesar is the best one for Indian Army.

Indo US pact on Indian and Global security

 Indo US pact on Indian and Global security 

U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Ashton Carter is on an official visit to India at the invitation of Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar from April 10-13, 2016. Raksha Mantri hosted Secretary Carter in Goa. They visited the Indian Naval Base in Karwar and the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier. They also visited the USS Blue Ridge which was conducting a port call in Goa during the Secretary’s visit. 

Secretary Carter then traveled to New Delhi for official talks with Raksha Mantri. He will also meet the National Security Advisor and the Prime Minister. The United States and India share a deep and abiding interest in global peace, prosperity, and stability. 

Bilateral Defence cooperation is a key component of the strategic partnership between India and the United States.Secretary Carter’s visit marked the fourth meeting between him and Raksha Mantri Parrikar within a year, demonstrating the regular Ministerial-level oversight of the robust and deepening bilateral Defence relationship.

During their meeting, Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter reviewed the important steps taken since the signing of the new Framework for the U.S.-India Defense Relationship last June to deepen bilateral defence ties. They discussed the priorities for the coming year in defence ties, as well as specific steps both sides will take to pursue those priorities. 

These included expanding collaboration under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI); Make in India efforts of Government of India; new opportunities to deepen cooperation in maritime security and Maritime Domain Awareness; military-to-military relations; the knowledge partnership in the field of defence; and regional and international security matters of mutual interest.

Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter welcomed the efforts by the Indian and U.S. Armed Forces to further expand collaboration in the years to come. They welcomed plans across our Services for greater complexity in their military engagements and exercises, including developing plans for more advanced maritime exercises. 

Both sides acknowledged India's participation in the Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) multilateral naval exercise in 2016 as well as participation by the Indian Air Force in the multilateral Red Flag exercise in April-May 2016 in Alaska and U.S. participation in the International Fleet Review of the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam in February 2016.

They expressed their desire to explore agreements which would facilitate further expansion of bilateral defence cooperation in practical ways. In this regard, they announced their in principle agreement to conclude a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, and to continue working toward other facilitating agreements to enhance military cooperation and technology transfer.

In support of the India-U.S. Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and the maritime security objectives therein, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of maritime security. In this context, they reaffirmed their desire to expeditiously conclude a “white shipping” technical arrangement to improve data sharing on commercial shipping traffic.

 They agreed to commence Navy-to-Navy discussions on submarine safety and anti-submarine warfare. They also agreed to launch a bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue, co-chaired by officials at the Joint Secretary/Assistant Secretary-level of the Indian Ministries of Defence and External Affairs and the U.S. Departments of Defense and State.

Secretary Carter and Raksha Mantri Parrikar reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, including in the South China Sea. They vowed their support for a rules-based order and regional security architecture conducive to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean, and emphasized their commitment to working together and with other nations to ensure the security and stability that have been beneficial to the Asia-Pacific for decades.

Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter reviewed the progress and reiterated their commitment to pursue co-development and co-production of advanced defence articles under the DTTI. In this context, they agreed to initiate two new DTTI pathfinder projects on Digital Helmet Mounted Displays and the Joint Biological Tactical Detection System. 

They commended the on-going discussions at the Jet Engine Technology Joint Working Group (JETJWG)and the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC). They agreed to work towards greater cooperation in the field of cutting-edge defence technologies, including deepening consultations on aircraft carrier design and operations, and jet engine technology. They noted the understanding reached to conclude an information exchange annex (IEA) to enhance data and information sharing specific to aircraft carriers.

With the aim of encouraging greater participation of U.S. Defence Industries in the Make In India program of the Government of India, Raksha Mantri Parrikar informed Secretary Carter about the recently announced Defence Procurement Policy and other reforms in the Indian defence sector. 

Both sides agreed to encourage their respective defence industries to develop new partnerships in the pursuit of a range of cutting-edge projects. In support of Make in India, the United States shared two proposals to bolster India's suite of fighter aircraft for consideration of the Government of India.

Secretary Carter and Raksha Mantri Parrikar welcomed the finalization of four government-to-government project agreements in the area of science and technology cooperation: Atmospheric Sciences for High Energy Lasers, Cognitive Tools for Target Detection, Small Intelligent Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Blast and Blunt Traumatic Brain Injury.

Before departing India, Secretary Carter will oversee a repatriation ceremony of U.S. World War II remains from India to the United States. Secretary Carter expressed his gratitude to Raksha Mantri Parrikar and the Government of India for their support in facilitating the recovery effort.

The Indian Government agreed to support America’s commitment to bringing its fallen personnel home and providing their families the fullest possible accounting, and looks forward to further humanitarian missions of this kind over the next few years to return the remains of these U.S. heroes to their families. 

Parrikar Statement on hosting US defense secretory

Ladies and gentlemen,

India and the United States are both strongly committed to a rule-based international order. We will continue to work together to maintain peace and stability and to maintain an enabling framework for progress and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

It is the convergence of our core democratic values and deeply shared interests that drives our relationship forward. Secretary Carter’s visit has elevated our strategic partnership to a higher level. I look forward to working together with him in the days ahead to implement the decisions that we have reached during this visit. 

- PIB  

TATA ready for the FICV proposal to Indian Army

TATA ready for the FICV proposal to Indian Army

FICV is one of the flagship project of TATA, who works with major Indian private sector companies like MKU and Bharath forge. FICV is intended to developed to replace the older soviet era BMP 2 infantry vehicle from Indian Army service. The replacement programs start effective by 2025, as scheduled. TATA chooses General Dynamics as their partner to design and develop the FICV in India.

General Dynamics already teamed with British military for the Scout vehicle program under the name of Ajax, Whose displacement about 38 tons. Indian Army looks for a modern infantry fighting vehicle whose tonnage could be lesser than 20 tons, for air transport, amphibious capability and cross country mobilization.

The flagship project valued of some $10 billions, for research and development, prototype test and also for 2400 vehicles, which include ambulance variant, mobile command variant, equipment recovery variant, and the main troop carrier variant, each of the FICV costs around $4 million, which include additional support system, maintenance equipment and weapon systems.

The FICV comes with a remotely operated 30 mm cannon, sometimes Nexter 40 mm cannon too be used for larger fire power, along with a anti personnel 7.62mm HMG, and twin anti tank missile launchers. The FICV is manned by three member crew, a driver, commander and weapon systems officer, FICV can carry seven fully armed soldiers for rapid deployment inside the conflict zone.

Additional protection systems include, 360 degree view thermal imagery and vision systems, composite armour, which can able to withstand from large caliber bullets, and soft kill mechanism to spoof off the infrared guided missiles, smoke and other countermeasure systems.

It's believed the FICV will be powered by 800 horsepower powerful engine developed by TATA in one of it's factory in England, and the transmission system used in the engine is developed by US major Allison, who is world leader providing automatic transmission systems to gigantic power packs.

The FICV already running behind scheduled, as first announced in 2008, the replacement starts effective by 2017. however so far no real progress can be made regarding this process. Due to the delay in the program, Ministry plans to upgrade the existing OFB produced BMP 2K into BMP 2M for the cost of some $2 billions. which allows the BMP to serve upto 2035 or upto the replacement with FICV. OFB front running to seal the tender, however the $2 billion tender yet to be finalized,

The dilemma about the BMP 2K upgrade program can be found here, first the Ministry awards the OFB to upgrade the BMP 2, after raising issues by private industry and Indian Army ministry cancels the same in early January, The new tender also available which is yet to be finalized.

As of now, TATA led teams so active and almost close to submit their proposal and start the R&D and look for pre manufacture variants. other companies like OFB and Mahindra also planning to enter the FICV program, however there is no concrete reports found about their interest in the FICV program.

It's better Ministry can cancel the $2 billion worth of BMP 2 upgrade program and can transfer the same into FICV R&D to fast track the FICV development to meet the scheduled timeline of 2025. The decision upto the defense ministry only.

Scan Eagle and Hermes front running to seal the UAV deal

Scan Eagle and Hermes front running to seal the UAV deal

It's once again the Indian armed forces gearing up to buy unmanned aerial systems for it's tri services, with the proposed value of more than $3 billions under make in India program, Two UAV's American Insitu Scan Eagle and the Israeli Hermes running front to seal the deal. It's reported that Air force may stick with the Israeli systems, Navy and Army will move on with American UAV.

The UAV saga running front since the desi UAV program failed to meet armed forces requirement, The government soon process the RFI to acquire more than three thousand of UAV systems and it's associated equipment's. The Army gets low numbers Navy and Airforce gets more number of UAV's.

Under this new program, the UAV's must capable to fly more than 20 hours with the operational altitude of some 15,000 feet. The Indian airforce who loves the Israeli systems to keep rely on the Hermes UAV's which capable to meet air force requirements. The Air force is known customer of Israeli UAV's, from Heron UAV to armed drone IAI Eitan which is currently in order.

Beginning of this April, Indian company's Adani Cooperation and Alpha systems signed a contract with Israeli Elbit systems who design and manufacture Hermes 450 and 900 UAV's, to manufacture the same in India under the make in India program.

The Hermes 450 is an medium altitude and long range UAV, can capable to stay in the air for more than 20 hours, the 450 can perform observation mission with the range of 300 kilometers, by flying at the altitude of 18,000 feet.

The Hermes 900 is same like the Hermes 450 with double range and endurance than the 450. Both required a runway for autonomous take off and landing. Where the air force keen to use those new generation UAV's to keep the Air force bases and vital installations always under the bird eye view. The Hermes valued some $2M for an UAV and associated ground control systems.

Unlike the Airforce, the Army and Navy has sort of runways, so they were looking for a assisted launching capable UAV. like the Army's Nishanth UAV. Boeing's Scan eagle developed with the help of Insitu is front running to seal the deal.

Boeing's scan eagle is one of the combat proven UAV that has been used in many countries, also certified for maritime operations too, the Scan eagle can be launched by any Naval warship with the small setup in the fantail. The catapult launch system can launch the Scan Eagle and can be  recovered by parachute assisted by dedicated GPS signal.

The Scan eagle capable to fly at the speed of 120 kilometers and stay in the altitude of more than 15,000 feet. The Scan eagle stay in the air for more than 24 hours. with an operational range of some 100 kilometers for effective control and communication.

The Scan eagle comes with modular payload of world's smaller Synthetic aperture radar, to provide high quality images and weather condition of the battlefield, which suits better for both land and maritime operations. A set of Scan eagle system consists of four UAV's, one launching system and a control station costs around $3.5 millions.

It's reported that India will soon to take decision of buying those UAV's to increase the surveillance of the armed forces with the high end technology. There were still another procurement left which is the battlefield UAV's for ground troops yet to be issued.

Protecting the CRPF convoy from Maoist IED's

Protecting the CRPF convoy from Maoist IED's

Last week, Maoists attacked a CRPF convoy with IED's and executed the Soldiers. The truck who carried the CRPF soldiers blown by pieces, those injured soldiers executed by the maoists, and the weapons used by the soldiers also looted by them. The CRPF used private truck to move from the base, even the soldiers is in civilian dress to make them safe from the Maoist threat.

Usually the standard operating procedure of moving the troops from one base to another, carried out by mine protected vehicles only, however the maoists plants much higher amount of IED's which can even rip off the MPV's too. So the CRPF uses the civil dress and hire private truck for any transport, which makes the truck safer from maoists that they think it could be some sort of civilians.

Reports said, the Maoists planted the IED on the road more than 10 days ago, that they expected CRPF must use this road to transport the troops. and the IED was triggered from just few meters away using wired detonator. Which can be hardly countered by IED jammers too.

This is not something new, that Maoists doing this in regular interval in north eastern region, months ago they did the same in Dantewada by killing the CRPF jawans who also used the private truck for transport. Seriously there is a need of changing the SOP. which allows safe transport to the CRPF. It's clear the MPV's are not useful, Private trucks are also not useful, Some reports also suggests the movement of CRPF soldiers is gathered by the Maoists before attacking the truck.

There is some sort of countermeasures to safeguard the troops, which comes from sniffer dogs to air cover. Usually NATO forces in Middle east and Ukraine in Eastern Russian borders faced huge amount of IED threat, however they managed safe transport from one position to other. Where they use wide range of systems to protect them from IED's.

Remotely operated IED's can be easily countered by IED jammers, which can be fitted in any kind of mobile platforms, they came into small portable version or an dedicated vehicle for wide area protection. Usually most nations prefers the IED jammers for convoy protection. However in India there were no good IED jammers for Military and para military, while they can be used only for VIP convoy protection.

IED jammers are the only good option to outcome from such massive amount of IED attacks. However if the IED's are activated by wired devices like the Maoist used in last attack couldn't help. So they need mine ploughers. Mine ploughers are good in desert conditions and battlefield but not used for cross countries, since it will damage the public roads.

Another good option is using dedicated mine clearing vehicles, such as Husky and RG 33 vehicles, who can lead the convoy, Here CRPF uses one or two vehicles, providing dedicated mine clearing vehicle to each and every vehicle is not a feasible option. So it's better, providing them with proper air transport for small scale movement and using land based convoy's for large transport.

The Arab coalition in Yemen encountered by a huge IED threat posed all along the highway, however only one or two vehicles lost into the Houthi IED's. where more than ten thousand of transport mission successfully accomplished using dedicated IED clearing vehicles.

One more is, reports suggested that Soldiers who injured by the IED attacks was killed by Maoist using fire arms. which means they ambushed the convoy and executed the Soldiers. here too a air cover is better for providing close escort to the convoy's, Those helicopters comes with thermal imaging and Infrared systems to detect enemy's in close range, who alert the ground vehicle about the threat nearby.

So it's better providing close air cover with small IED jammers in the convoy is the only available solution to outcome from Maoist IED's. 

Army Chief on four day visit to USA

Army Chief on four day visit to USA  

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Dalbir Singh, is embarking on a four day goodwill visit to USA from 05 to 08 Apr 2016. The visit assumes special significance in light of enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. The visit is a part of the ongoing High Level Exchanges between India & USA.

India-U.S. ties have been transformed in recent years with a renewed Defence Framework Agreement, supply of defence equipment, sharing of technology and military-to-military exchanges.

During his four days visit, the COAS is scheduled to meet the UNSG at the UN HQ to strengthen Indian Army’s commitment towards UN Missions. He will also visit CENTCOM, SOCOM & HQ 1 Corps & Maneuver Centre of Excellence (MCoE) where he will meet the Commanders & have extensive discussions. In Washington he will meet US Secretary of Army, Chairman Jt Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the US Army & Commander US Marine Corps, along with other officials. 

- PIB

New power pack for Indian Army's T 72 Ajeya

New power pack for Indian Army's T 72 Ajeya

Indian army looks to upgrade the T 72 engine from initial 680 horse power to 1000 horse power engine. Which improves the tank's mobility and speed. T 72 M1 recently upgraded with new fire control systems and night vision devices. Nimda is the known Israeli company who leads in the contract who already upgraded the Czech army T 72 tanks by 1000 hp CV 12 engines.

Nimda uses the British engine Condor developed by Perkins, who is the known supplier of engines to British Challenger MBT and Warrior APC. The 1000 hp engine known as CV 12 is a water cooled electronically controlled four stroke 12 cylinder engine rated at 736 kW. It has a direct fuel injection, two turbochargers, air to air charge cooled, with electronic monitoring and control, protection and diagnostic system.

It's unique design and specification features provides reliable and durable operation, as well as exceptional power to weight ratio, easier maintainability and excellent overall performance.

The Engines transmission is developed by the known American company Allison who is a world leader in automatic transmission.  The CV 12 will be controlled by the XTG 411-6-N electronic controlled automatic transmission system. The transmission has four forward speeds and two reverse speeds with fully automatic range selection with electronically adoptable programmed shift logic.

With the new upgrades the T 72's performance gradually increase, as main advantages of

• Almost twice shorter time needed for acceleration from stop to 32 km/h
• Substantially increased mobility and maneuvering capability on terrain
• Substantial reduction of routine drivers work load and fatigue
• Eliminating human factor mistakes ( Gear selection and Relevant cooling issue )
• Substantially higher reliability and durability as well as increased mission duration 
• Lower vehicle downtime ( 2hr required for Engine replacement )
• Easier maintenance
• Improved performance in extreme ambient temperature

The T 72's were bought in a emergency situation in the early 1978, as initial India bought nearly 500 Tanks directly from the Soviet, They used the opportunity and given the T 72 M to Indian army. M designates the monkey version. which have poor quality of armour, fire control system also comes without having the proper fire control system.

However the Russian lobby pushed the Indian government to keep buying the Tank. who allows the HVF in Avadi to build the T 72 M1 variant. which makes India among one of the largest T 72 operator. Currently India operates nearly 2000 T 72 Tanks. where most of them modernized only after 2000.

Help from the Israeli's is known survivability of Indian T 72 M1. which were upgraded by numerous Israeli systems. Israeli company Elbit systems offered the night vision devices to the T 72 M1. even with transfer of technology. Indian private player Alpha systems secured the deal with Israeli Elbit systems to upgrade the T 72 with modern night vision devices, whose range upto 300 meters. It's believed more than 1000 T 72 M1 already upgraded with NVD systems.

The Russians also helped in the T 72 M1 fire control systems. which include multi channel vision devices, gunners sight etc. The upgraded variants are called as T 72 M2 Ajeya Tanks. which is more prominent tanks when compared to it's predecessor.

TATA delivered 300 ATV's to Indian Army

TATA delivered 300 ATV's to Indian Army 

Tata Motors has bagged an order to supply around 1,200 vehicles of its high-mobility 6X6 multi-axle trucks, from the Indian Army – the single largest order awarded to an Indian private original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in land systems under the DPP by the Indian army. The order for 6X6 vehicles is for ‘material handling cranes’ for the loading-unloading and transportation of ammunition pallets, spares and other operational equipment.

Developed indigenously, the Tata 6X6 high mobility all-terrain all-wheel drive vehicle has completed a total trial duration of 25 months, demonstrating maximum performance in the most demanding conditions. Designed to cope with extreme on or off-road loads, these vehicle have gone through trials like water-fording, on cross country terrains and plains and at Vehicle Research & Development Establishment’s (VRDE) torture track.

The Tata 6X6 is designed for easy operability. The vehicle is easy to maintain, due to accessibility to its aggregates. The vehicle is fitted with central tire inflation system (CTIS) for mobility in soft sand desert conditions. The CTIS allows the driver to adjust the tyre pressure from his seat. The system provides the vehicle with better traction on different types of surfaces, especially when carrying vital and heavy loads. The self-recovery winch assists in extraction of the vehicle (including other vehicles in the convoy) during operations. 

The vehicles cabin is modular with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and is fully-ready for up-armouring. High ground clearance enables better negotiation of gradients, sand dunes, off-road terrains, trenches with higher water and mud fording capabilities, whilst carrying designated military payloads. The vehicle is also capable of achieving sustained speeds of 40 kmph, on severe cross country terrains.

Vernon Noronha, vice president, Defence and Government Business, Tata Motors said, “We at Tata Motors are extremely proud to have bagged the single largest order, among Indian OEM’s from the Indian army, for the most technologically advanced high mobility load carrier system ever built here in India. The order is a validation of our strategy and growth potential, for our durable and extensive range of defence vehicles, designed and developed with our evolving customers, including that of security forces across the world. As leading suppliers of mobility solutions to the country’s security forces, we will shortly commence delivery of these high-mobility vehicles”.

The Tata Motors 6X6 high-mobility multi-axle vehicles can be customised for a wide range of applications such as:

• CGT (Common Gun Tower)
• MBRL (Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher)
• MFU (Missile Firing Unit)
• MSV (Missile Service Vehicle)
• FSV (Field Service Vehicle)
• SRSAM (Short Range Surface to Air Missile)
• QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile) vehicle
• LLQRM (Low Level Quick Reaction Missile) vehicle
• MRV (Medium Recovery Vehicle)

Tata Motors offers its defence customers with a wide range of vehicles, in the light, medium and heavy category, having created a focused division to design and develop defence technologies and products, at its manufacturing facilities in Jamshedpur and Pune. Tata Motors also has a dedicated service team and network for defence products, across the length and breadth of the country. 

Through Horizonext, Tata Motors four-pronged customer-focused strategy, we have adopted a customer centric approach in the design and development of our mobile defence land solutions, that are reliable, offer optimum usability, and are easily serviceable, with technology at the forefront.

For self-reliance in the area of combat vehicles and engineering, Tata Motors has laid emphasis on the development of combat vehicle technologies and systems, with the aim of empowering our defence forces, with breakthrough technologies. The idea is to ensure high mobility, fire power and protection to troops during military operations, with world-class armoured fighting vehicles. Hence Tata Motors is strategically moving from a logistics support provider, to a combat vehicle player.

In combat vehicles, Tata Motors has designed and developed indigenously, the wheeled armoured platform (WHAP), an Indian armoured personnel carrier, designed for optimized survivability, all terrain performance and increased lethality. Tata Motors has also developed a light armoured multi-role vehicle (LAMV), a reconnaissance vehicle, combining vital operational pre requisites of mobility, protection and firepower. Equipped with modern observation, surveillance and communication equipment, the vehicle will provide our armed forces with a technological edge necessary to achieve superiority on the battlefield.

From TATA 

Quotes from Fld Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Quotes from Fld Marshal Sam Manekshaw

President Richard Nixon and his National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger had only one question for the United States chief of army staff who had just returned from India: how long will it take the Indians to liberate East Pakistan?

General William C Westmoreland, who was shown around the garrisons in West Bengal and elsewhere in the country by his Indian counterpart General Sam Manekshaw, did not hesitate: ''one-and-a-half months to two months, sir,'' he replied.

The conflict ended in only 13 days giving birth to Bangladesh and upsetting US calculations. ''What is it Sam that you did not show me,'' Gen Westmoreland, who got a thorough dressing down from Nixon, later asked the Indian war hero. Interestingly, the American general did not know that for Manekshaw, at that time it was only a thin line between getting promoted or being sacked.

''I have seen several angry women, including my wife. But never one like Mrs Gandhi,'' said the field marshal while releasing last evening in Delhi the book, Liberation and Beyond: Indo-Bangladesh relations , written by J N Dixit, former foreign secretary.

It was the afternoon of April 29, 1971. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had called an urgent cabinet meeting. Those present were Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram, Agriculture Minister Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Finance Minister Y B Chauhan, External Affairs Minister Sardar Swaran Singh, and a special invitee, army chief Gen. Sam Manekshaw.

''What are you doing?'' a fuming Mrs Gandhi asked the general, throwing reports of refugee influx from East Pakistan send by the West Bengal Chief Minister, Siddartha Shankar Ray, on the table, Manekshaw recalled.

''I want you to walk into East Pakistan,'' Mrs Gandhi told her army chief. ''That means war,'' the general said. ''I don't mind if it is war,'' was Mrs Gandhi's characteristic reply.

Manekshaw was unruffled by the outburst. ''Have you read the bible?'' he asked the PM in his usual breezy manner. ''What has the bible got to do with this?'' Swaran Singh intervened. ''In the beginning there was darkness. God said let there be light and there was light. He then divided light from the darkness,'' Manekshaw quoted the Genesis to impress upon the ministers that the army was not prepared for a sudden war.

''I have only 30 tanks and two armoured divisions with me. The Himalayan passes will be opening anytime. What if the Chinese give an ultimatum? The rains will start now in East Pakistan. When it rains there the rivers become oceans. I guarantee 100 per cent defeat,'' Manekshaw told Mrs Gandhi, disapproving the idea of an immediate attack.

Mrs Gandhi, who adjourned the meeting to 1600 hrs held back Manekshaw, who was the last man to leave the room. ''Shall I send in my resignation, on grounds of health, mental or physical?'' he asked. Mrs Gandhi finally gave her army chief the time he wanted to elaborate his strategy.

Seven months and four days later the war began when Pakistan president Gen. Yahya Khan lost patience and ordered his forces to attack Indian troops near the border on the evening of August 3, 1971. Manekshaw had by then amassed two brigades within the border for going in the next day.

Thirteen days later Bangladesh was born marking one of the high points in Indian diplomacy: in nine months the country was able to isolate the US, bring Western Europe on to our side and win over the world media.

Manekshaw was at his evocative best when he recalled his acquaintance with President Yahya Khan when the latter had worked under him in the military operations directorate of the British Indian Army just before partition.

Yahya Khan, then a colonel, was impressed by Manekshaw's James motorcycle which he had bought for Rs 1400. ''I told him that he could have the vehicle for as much. He said he would give only Rs 1000. I said okay,'' Manekshaw recalled.

''But I don't have a thousand rupees now, I will send it to you later,'' Yahya Khan said. It was August 13, 1947. Twenty-one years later Yahya Khan became the president of Pakistan. ''I never received the Rs 1000, but he gave me the whole of East Pakistan,'' Manekshaw said amid thunderous applause.

Liberation and Beyond, (pp. 317, Rs.395), published by Konark, captures the defining moment in the sub continent's history and deals with politics and diplomacy during the war and the task ahead.

The blurb of the book says it also answers many questions often raised: why was the founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, keen that India should return Pakistani prisoners of war to Islamabad? Why did he not hold war crime trials against Pakistani military officers? Why did Indo-Bangladesh relations start deteriorating while Mujibur Rahman was still in power?

Dixit, who headed the special division in the external affairs ministry to deal with the political dimensions of the East Pakistan crisis in 1971, was later sent by Mrs Gandhi as the first head of the Indian mission in newly-liberated Bangladesh. 

- Rediff 

Ministry report of security situation of Kashmir in 2015

Ministry report of security situation of Kashmir in 2015

   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.

  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 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.

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.

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.

Manufacturing of Helicopters in India

Manufacturing of Helicopters in India

At present, there is no such proposal to prepare a separate policy on Make-in-India to invite private companies in defence sector. The defence production sector was opened in 2001 for 100% private sector participation. Further in pursuance of the Defence Production Policy 2011, the Government has taken the following major steps to promote the participation of private sector in production of defence equipments:

Technology Perspective and “Capability roadmap (TPCR), which gives out the equipment and technologies required by our Armed Forces, has been put in public domain to provide the industry an overview of the direction in which the Armed Forces intend to head in terms of capability over the next 15 years.

Preference to ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ & ‘Make’ categories over ‘Buy (Global)’ or ‘Buy & Make’ categories of Capital Acquisition cases.

The procedure for ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ category, has been simplified in order to make the category more attractive for Indian Defence industry.

A clear definition of indigenous content has been provided which would not only bring more clarity on the indigenous content required for different categorization, but also enhance the indigenization of defence products in India.

Indian private sector industry has also been allowed to receive Maintenance Transfer of Technology (MToT) in ‘Buy (Global)’ cases.

FDI Policy in Defence sector has been reviewed and as per the new policy, composite foreign investment up to 49% has been allowed through FIPB route and beyond 49% with the approval of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Defence Products List for the purpose of industrial licensing has been revised and in the revised list most of the components / parts / raw materials have been taken out from the purview of the industrial licensing.

) Defence Exports Strategy has been formulated and put in public domain. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for issuing NOC for export of military stores has been simplified and made online.

Defence Acquisition Council has taken a decision to procure 384 Light Helicopters for Indian Air Force (IAF) & Indian Army and 56 Naval Utility Helicopters through ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ route. Acquisition covered under the ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ route would mean purchase from an Indian vendor (including Indian company forming the joint venture / establishing production arrangement with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), followed by licensed production / indigenous manufacture in the country.

Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) has decided to augment its helicopters manufacturing capacity of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) from 24 to 36 helicopters per annum.

- PIB

Israeli firm Controp selected to modernize Indian Army's L 70

Israeli firm Controp selected to modernize Indian Army's L 70

  CONTROP Precision Technologies Ltd. a company specializing in advanced electro-optics (EO) and infrared (IR) defense and homeland security solutions – announces the supply of hundreds FTA Optronic Sensor Systems for the Air Defense Systems program for the Indian Army.

Following extensive product assessment, the FTA was chosen by the Indian Army to be part of an Air Defense Systems program with the modern upgrade of the L-70 Air Defense Gun, providing day/night anti-aircraft protection by means of the advanced automatic air tracking system.

 The FTA cameras will be supplied throughout 2016 – 2017. The unique FTA is a ruggedized day/night optronic sensor system, which includes the FOX-250, a high performance Thermal Imaging Camera and a high performance color CCD Day Camera, each with a continuous optical zoom lens.

CONTROP's VP Marketing, Mr. Johnny Carni, added that "the Indian Army chose our FTA System following very successful field trials and is enthusiastic due to the outstanding performance of these optronic systems in harsh environmental conditions".

In addition, CONTROP has supplied dozens of FOX thermal imaging cameras to a large Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) systems' integrator in India, as part of the new Naval Fire Control Systems Programs. These FOX thermal imaging cameras, which include CONTROP's proprietary Continuous Zoom Lens, have been interfaced with a Weapon Station and with Fire Control Radar.

Controp Israel and Defsys India JV for the Upgrade

CONTROP ­– a company specializing in the field of electro-optics (EO) and infrared (IR) defense and homeland security solutions – announces an agreement with the Indian company, Defsys Solutions Pvt. Ltd. According to the agreement, Defsys will market and locally produce CONTROP's advanced electro-optical solutions for the Indian market.

According to Mr. Dror Sharon, CONTROP's President & CEO, "We are delighted to partner with the Indian company, Defsys, a supplier of electro-optic solutions to the Indian Ministry of Defense. The company has very advanced manufacturing facilities that will allow us to produce our products in India, and thus meet the 'Make in India' policy promoted by the Indian government. CONTROP has been active in India for more than 10 years.

There is a significant need in India for our extremely popular intruder detection systems and camera payloads, which their unique technology characteristics make them good value for money solutions. We see the Indian market as strategic and with huge potential – and are very much ready to transfer knowledge and production to local industry."

According to Mr. Dmitry Bernadiner, Defsys’ Executive Director, "We are proud to partner with CONTROP ­– a global leader in electro-optics – and to manufacture CONTROP’s unique solutions in India."

- CONTROP

Indian Army gets $2 billion worth of Ammo pack

Indian Army gets $2 billion worth of Ammo pack

   Cabinet Committee on Security meets Friday night to discuss to clear army's long time proposal of stocking more ammo for small arms and handheld devices for surveillance and improve the situational awareness. The meet cleared proposals worth of one billion, which could be inked in coming days.

The proposed deals are, Buying more ammo for Carl Gustav rifle and Milan anti-tank missiles, Other procurement's include handheld thermal image devices and indigenous swathi weapon locating radar. The CCS gives more importance to the Infantry, this time, buying these sophisticated systems.

CCS will spend more than $200 million to buy nearly 65,000 of low-cost high-power shoulder launched rocket system. which is used in the Carl Gustav recoilless rifle. Carl gustav is the known good alternative of RPG. Indian army selected the Carl Gustav instead of the RPG. Army uses the Carl Gustav in many operations. which include the ongoing asymmetrical war in Kashmir.

Carl Gustav is an 83mm rifle system, which can fire multiple types of ammunition. with the effective range of nearly 500 meters. The CG even can use to disable armored personnel carrier and infantry vehicle in short range.

HE- High explosive rounds are used for anti-personnel missions and special operations, such as counter-terrorism,  Smoke rounds can be used as a countermeasure, with an effective range of one kilometers. HEDP- a High explosive anti-tank used to disable light and medium armour vehicle. this round can penetrate the armour up to 15cm.

The CCS also approved $300 million to buy 5000 Milan 2nd generation anti-tank missile. Milan is a 2nd generation wire guided command line of sight system used to destroy main battle tanks and military bunkers. with the effective range of some 2000 meters. The additional procurement of the Milan anti-tank missiles can increase the ammo reserve more. It's believed the army already has some 35,000 Milan missile's.

However, CCS didn't mentioned about the proposed 3rd gen fire and forget anti-tank missile, which could be bought from the Israeli Rafael systems. Sources said that the Spike deal would be cleared before the PM's trip to Israel.

In a boost to the infantry's fighting capability, CCS also cleared another $200 million to buy more than 4000 handheld multi-function thermal and laser range finder devices.  which can be used in Sniper operation and infantry fighting. The TI Binocular systems can calculate the exact distance to the target and can also find targets using IR during night and harsh weather conditions. This device can also laze the targets to call the air support and guide anti-tank missiles too.

One of the most important device which could assist the infantry units from hidden threats. This device can laze targets to Apache gunships, Main Battle Tanks, and the fighter jet's Laser guided bomb for precision strike. So far only a few number of such devices in use with the Army. This additional 4000 units can help the army to fight in dense conditions.




CCS, this time, more responsible, that Army proposed the DAC and CCS to buy more homemade weapon locating radar's for Indian army. which is based on the DRDO developed Swathi WLR. This will boost Army's fighting capability by locating enemy mortar and artillery positions and use counter weapons to destroy the enemy assets. The exact information about the usage of the weapon locating radar is explained in this article [ - Army looks to buy more weapon locating Radars .] Army will get 30 new Swathi radars for some $300 million

The CCS also briefed the new plans of raising an additional number of Pinaka and Brahmos regiment, both will cost more than $1 billion. Army requested to raise one more Brahmos supersonic missile regiment close to the Arunachal border which costs some $700 million.  also requested to raise two more Pinaka multiple rocket launching system for $480 million. which could be deployed along the Indo-Pakistani border.

CCS postponed the above two decision to the next meet. CCS is the highest known authority who can clear DAC's proposal of buying new arms and ammunition. CCS is led by highest authorities from the cabinet ministry, which include Fiance minister, Defense minister the meet headed by the Prime minister.

Construction of border road in Arunachal

Construction of border road in Arunachal

Government has taken cognizance of the road infrastructure created by China along the international border especially opposite Arunachal Pradesh. In order to provide the required road infrastructure to meet the requirement of defence forces, a holistic plan is under implementation.

Seventy-three roads have been identified as strategic Indo-China Border Roads (ICBR). Of these, 61 roads have been entrusted to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) of length measuring 3417.51 km. Out of 61 ICBRs with BRO, 27 roads of length measuring 1791.96 km are in Arunachal Pradesh.

At present 21 roads of length measuring 661.59 km have been completed which include 11 roads of length measuring 412.70 km in Arunachal Pradesh.

In order to remove the bottlenecks and expedite the construction works the following specific measures has been taken by the Government:

•  Chief Secretaries of various State Governments have been requested to constitute Empowered Committees under their chairmanship with Secretaries of concerned departments as members to resolve issues related to land acquisition, forest/ wildlife clearance, allotment of quarries etc. States of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have constituted the Empowered Committee to resolve the issues pertaining to BRO. 

•  Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) has given the General Approval under section 2 of forest (conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land required for construction /widening of roads entrusted to BRO in the area falling within 100 kilometers aerial distance from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and for link roads between Border Roads in the area within 100 kilometer aerial distance from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and National Highways/State Highways/Other roads subject to certain conditions. 

•  Outsourcing has been allowed to augment capacity of BRO. 

•  Long Term Roll On Work Plan (LTROWP) and Long Term Equipment Plan (LTEP) have been approved. 

• Enhanced financial and administrative powers have been given to the executives of BRO.

In addition to the ICBRs, 66 roads of length measuring 3221.94 km in Arunachal Pradesh are approved in the five year Long Term Roll on Works Plan 2015-2020 for construction / improvement.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao in Lok Sabha.

- PTI

Achievement of TATA in Indian Defense

Achievement of TATA in Indian Defense

    Tata advanced systems limited organized a seminar to express its activities in Indian defense with foreign collaboration. TATA was known as the best alternative to the state-owned Hindustan aeronautics limited, who is the prime supplier of Indian defense. TATA plans to overtake the HAL by involving multiple projects in future with the government's make in India plan.

TATA confirmed its partnership with global leaders in defense technology, which include US-based Lockheed Martin, Boeing, French aerospace giant Airbus and the British companies like Rolls-Royce and Cobham who also a world leader in aviation and defense related products. TATA confirmed that they were working for the above-mentioned companies and executing its projects in India.

TATA's ongoing projects like missile system development and integration, aerospace sector, homeland security systems, optronics systems, command and control systems, radars, and UAV. these are key area's that TATA currently focusing on developing in India.

In the aerospace sector, TATA is offering the C 295 tactical turboprop transporter for the air forces AVRO replacement program. Ministry shortlisted TATA to build and assemble the systems in India with the assistance from French Airbus. TATA is currently looking to get the approval from the govt to start the production.

TATA also gears up to build a facility to make AH 64 attack helicopters fuselage in India. TATA confirms construction of the new facility will commence within a month, and TATA plans to roll out the first AH 64 D fuselage in next 18 months.

TATA already joined with the Sikorsky to build the S 92 cabins in India. as of now TATA produced  nearly 117 Sikorsky S 92 cabins in Indian plant runs by TASL. TASL also delivered 38 tail assembly systems and 28 CWB's to Lockheed martin for the C 130 J Hercules aircraft.

TATA and the state-owned NAL already developed mission computers for the military aircraft and maritime systems. which could be supplied to foreign customers like Lockheed martin, Indian customers like, Airforce, Navy and research and development companies like ADA and DRDO.

TATA also confirmed that his presence in the Indo-Israeli made barak 8 SAM system, TATA's work in the project is the combat management computers/systems. TATA's CEO Sukran Singh said that TASL is the first Indian company who assembled a complete radar system.

In land based systems, TATA currently conducting trials for a 10x10 wheeled platform to carry the Smerch 300mm rocket launchers. TATA land systems also supplied 12x12 wheeled platform to carry the supersonic cruise missile Brahmos.

Mine protected vehicles developed by TATA can withstand up to 21 kg of TNT blast. the MPV can carry 14 fully armed soldiers. which is already operated by Indian Army, told TATA official in the seminar.

TATA also said about the IFV Kestral developed with the assistance from DRDO. who is currently testing it one of the DRDO facilities. they also planned to showcase the actual system in the upcoming DEFEXPO.

TATA also confirms about his research in the guided missile program. who also part of many guided programs which include Pinaka Mk 2 guided rocket launcher. In the last three years, TATA alone delivered 64 Akash launchers to the user. TATA confirmed his presence in Akash, MRSAM, and the AAD program.

TATA also developed some crucial systems, Fire control system used in the Arjun is developed by TATA claimed one of the TATA official Rahul Chaudry who is the CEO of TATA power SED. He also claimed and shows the model of the ground-based electronic warfare system.

Other key elements in the ground support like NVG devices, Thermal imagining binoculars which currently on delivery to Indian armed forces and central armed police forces.

Stop using Smesh, Line and We Chap apps : Indian Army

Stop using Smesh, Line and We Chap apps : Indian Army

The Army has blacklisted three applications available on Google playstore over threat of snooping by Pakistan. The Army had in February 2016 warned its personnel against downloading WeChat, Smesh and Line applications.

Google removed SmeshApp from its playstore after a CNN-IBN investigation revealed that Pakistan was using it to snoop on Indian military personnel. The app was used to access crucial information on troop movements and counter terrorism operations. The military personnel are also being asked to switch off location notification on phones in operational areas.

The CNN-IBN investigation found that Pakistani agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was using the malicious software to tap smartphones of military personnel.

Even the personal computers of the soldiers were infected with the spyware app SmeshApp which was easily available on Google playstores till late Monday night. Once installed, the app used to steal all stored information, tracking all movements, phone calls, text messages and even photographs. Virtually, the mobile phone and the Facebook account would start acting as a data base.

The information so collected is stored on a server located in Germany and is hosted by a man based out of Karachi.

The investigation showed, that using this method, Pakistan handlers were even getting crucial information on the movement of troops following the terror attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January 2016.

The soldiers are lured through Facebook accounts by honeytraps set by ISI. It is learnt that more than 10 such fake FB profiles are are now being used and that dozens of Indian military personnel are now unknowingly in touch with Pakistani handlers.

The three services of the armed forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - apart from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are also targeted. The handlers identify 'soft' targets before trying to lure them. While field-level officers are the prime targets, even retired personnel are not spared.

- CNN IBN

Delay in Providing Bullet-Proof Jackets for Army

Delay in Providing Bullet-Proof Jackets for Army

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in October, 2009 for capital procurement of Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs) inclusive of quantity 1,86,138 to be procured in 11th Army Plan. Request for Proposal was retracted on 5.10.2015 as the BPJs fielded by the vendors failed in the trials. 

Capital Procurement of equipment for the defence forces are progressed as per the provisions of Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). The DPP provides timelines for different stages of procurement.

The Government has taken into consideration the deficiencies in some of the critical ammunitions and has taken steps to mitigate the deficiencies to ensure desired level of operational-preparedness commensurate to threat perception in a dynamic strategic scenario.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Vijay Jawaharlal Darda in Rajya Sabha today. 

- PTI

In detail about the Bullet proof jackets  - Urgency : Bullet proof vests for Soldiers