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Role and Equipment used by the Armed Forces Module -IV
Indian Armed Forces :
Weapons and War Equip-
ment and Modernisation

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Note
ROLE AND EQUIPMENT

USED BY THE ARMED FORCES

India boasts of having the second largest Army in the world - an Army battle hardened
on all possible types of terrain from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the deserts
of Rajasthan and from the plains of Punjab to the forests of the North East. India,
due to unresolved border disputes and hostile neighbours, is required to maintain a
well-equipped armed force at all times.
The army is required to be prepared for external threats as well as internal disturbances.
India faces challenges from the threat of militancy in the North Eastern parts and state
sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian army is constantly modernising by
inducting new weapons & technology to face all threats. India today is the world's
largest importer of military hardware.

In this module, we shall learn about the major weapons and equipment that are presently
in service in the Armed Forces of our country. For ease of understanding the details of
weapons and equipment are outlined as per the role and tasks of the various combat
arms of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:

• explain the role and function of Infantry, Armoured Corps, Mechnised Infantry,
Artillery, Engineers, Army Air Defence, Army Aviation Corps, Signals;
• describe the different kind of Naval ships and

• explain the Indian Air Force, its role and equipment.

10.1 Infantry

Over the centuries it has always been the foot soldiers who have led and captured

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MILITARY STUDIES 1