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Module - IV Modernisation of The Indian Armed Forces

Indian Armed Forces :
Weapons and War Equip- requirement for upgrading our ageing weapons and ammunition has propelled the
ment and Modernisation government into fast tracking the procurement process. The modernisation plan have
been prioritised to give the Army the cutting edge over its contemporary rivals. Some
of the planned acquisitions are highlighted as under :

• Process to acquire 7 lakh Assault Rifles, 44,000 Light Machine Guns and 44,600
Carbines has been initiated in Sep 2017. These are the basic personal weapons
Note
for a soldier and his smallest fighting unit, the section.

• The effort is also on to make the weight of the battle load lighter by procuring
lighter personal kit, ballistic helmets with communication facilities as also lighter
weapons and body armour (bullet proof jackets).
• Battlefield Management Systems (BMS)- The BMS is aimed to integrate combat
units- armoured, artillery and infantry regiments, infantry battalions, helicopter
flights, etc. - into a digital network that will link together all components of the
future battlefield. It will enable the senior commanders to know the precise
location of every soldier and weapon with whom commanders can exchange
reports, photos, data and verbal and written communications.
• The mechanised forces are being modernised with Tanks and Infantry carrying
vehicles to make them more versatile in terms of operability, mobility and lethality.
India proposes to progressively induct as many as 248 Arjun Main Battle Tanks,
1,657 Russian-origin T-90 Main Battle Tanks, apart from the on-going upgrade
of its T-72Tank fleet.
• The improved features are night vision capabilities with a thermal imaging system
for detecting all kinds of missiles, mine ploughs to dig out mines, the ability to fire
anti-tank missiles, Advanced Air Defence gun capable of shooting down
helicopters with a 360 degree coverage, Automatic Target Tracking (ATT)
providing a greater accuracy when it comes to moving targets and superior
Laser Warning and Control systems. There are also six additional regiments
being raised for High Altitude conditions.
• The Indian Army will also upgrade its entire (BMP-2). Infantry Combat Vehicle

(ICV) fleet to enhance their ability to address operational requirements. Upgrades
include integration of the futuristic fire control system, twin missile launchers and
commander's thermal imaging panoramic sights, anti- tank guided missiles as
well as automatic grenade launchers.
• Under the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, the army plans to procure 3000 to
4000 artillery guns at a cost of US$3 billion. This includes purchasing 1580
towed, 814 mounted, 180 self-propelled wheeled, 100 self-propelled tracked
and 145 ultra-light 155 mm/52 calibre artillery guns. After three years of searching
and negotiations, India ordered 145 ultra-light 155 mm/52 howitzers from USA
in September 2013.

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MILITARY STUDIES