BRAND NEW MODERN SMALL WEAPON SYSTEMS FOR INDIAN ARMY

KALANTAK MICRO ASSAULT RIFLE 5.56

Kalantak Micro Assault Rifle is a gas operated automatic, air cooled, folding butt Rifle. It is a very power full, light weight & compact weapon for CQB & Personnel Defence Weapon Role. The weapon uses the same ammunition (5.56x45mm) as used in Rifle/ LMG, thus reducing the logistic problems in having different kind of ammunitions for different role of weapons. It’s design and mechanism is simple and having the capability to accommodate the various modern optical sights like Red Dot Sight, Holographic, MARS etc, available internationally in the market. The weapon is having much lesser recoil and muzzle jump than any of the Assault Rifles, and therefore it is having more hitting probability in auto mode of firing than any other Assault Rifles. Due consideration has been given for Reliability, Ergonomics and Aesthetics in designing of the Weapon. The furniture items will be subjected to continual improvement from human engineering point of view.

Specifications:

System of operation: Gas Operated.
Calibre:5.56 x 45 mm
Length of Weapon – (a) Butt Folded: 612mm
                             – (b) Butt Extended: 825mm
Weight : 3.60Kg
Magazine:Transparent, Plastic (Poly carbonate)
Capacity: 20 / 30 Rds
Effective Range: 300m
Rate of Fire: 650 – 700 rpm

Mode of fire: Single & Automatic

EXCALIBUR RIFLE 5.56 MM

Derived from the INSAS weapon systems of India which have been tested in large scale infantry combat, anti-terrorist and mob control situations, this weapon is called the INSAS EXCALIBUR MARK-I incorporates, in addition to the features of earlier INSAS Weapons, certain characteristics which makes it truly the ultimate sword- �THE EXCALIBUR�. The reasons for calling it Excalibur are that it incorporates the features of a weapon which is rugged for battlefield engagements and at the same time capable of being light and easy to handle during low intensity conflict and CQB situations. It has ergonomically designed with folding butt and can fire 20-30 rounds magazines. It is also fitted with picaatinny rails for mounting of opto electronic devices.

Specifications:


System of operation: Gas Operated.
Calibre:5.56 x 45 mm
Length of Weapon – (a) Butt Folded: 665mm
                             – (b) Butt Extended: 895mm
Barrell length: 400mm
Weight : 3.81Kg
Magazine:Transparent, Plastic (Poly carbonate)
Capacity: 20 / 30 Rds
Effective Range: 400m
Rate of Fire: 650 – 700 rpm


AMOGH CARBINE 5.56 mm 



AMOGH Carbine 5.56 mm is specially designed and developed for close quarter battle (CQB) role.It fires 5.56 x 30 mm ammunition specially developed for carbine role.The weapon is ergonomically designed, light in weight, easy to carry'handle,operate and maintain
Barrel of the weapon is chromium plated for longer life.
It has ambidextrous lever change operation i.e  it can be used by both left hand and right hand shooters very easily.It is provided with Reflex sight & Bayonet as accessories.

Specifications:
System of operation: Gas operated, Rotary bolt. Closed Breech
Calibre: 5.56 x 30 mm
Length of Weapon – (a) Butt Folded: 575mm
                             – (b) Butt Extended: 800mm
Barrell length: 330mm
Weight : 2.95Kg
Magazine:Transparent, Plastic (Poly carbonate)
Capacity: 20 / 30 Rds
Effective Range: 200m
Rate of Fire: 700 rpm

VIPER :: INDIA'S LATEST SET OF ARMOURED WHEELS

Folks,
Today we provide you another ultimate equipment of the Indian armed forces.

Shri Lakshmi Defence Solutions, a leading suppliers of defence equipments for the Indian armed forces had yet again proved their worth by developing a new attacking as well as defending vehicle for the Indian defence forces. Its name is "VIPER".

VIPER is based on a traditional SUV configuration of four side doors and a single rear luggage door. It also contains a rotating turret and cross-country run flat tyre. It also has a pick-up van style platform for additional cargo and heavy artillery payload.

The VIPER carries a total crew complement of six plus four and is armored to exceed the European B7 Armour. It can take on heavy attacks while moving as the rear portion is converted to a bullet proof morcha, providing complete protection to rear crew members and equipments.

As for the interior,
The lower part of all the 4 doors of this vehicle have been fitted with removable heavy-duty armour steel panels which can be removed immediately and can be used as Ballistic shields in emergency thus providing cover for the commandos to move closer to the target on foot where the vehicle cannot reach.

The inner walls are lined with ballistic blankets which can be used as bomb blankets while any emergency repairs or providing cover to VVIPs. VIPER seats are fitted with blast resistant panels which can be also used as additional panels or replacement panels for body armours.

The VIPER is an ideal vehicle for cross country and swift operations with complete team of six fully loaded commandos. It is also an excellent patrol vehicle. It can be used as for VVIPs while traveling long distance.

The induction of VIPER by the Indian armed forces is another visible step towards becoming a super power in the near future.

JAI HIND.

SHIVALIK GRENADE: THE NEW DOSE OF INFANTRY EXPLOSIVE POWER FOR THE ENEMIES OF INDIA

 The Indian Army is ready to enhance its lethality of  the infantry by replacing its  vintage hand grenade M-36 HE grenades to the advanced, multi-mode grenade (MMG)- "Shivalik". The induction of these indigenous grenades would save the country Rs 200 crore every year.

The Army has placed an order of 18 lakh grenades to replace the existing M-36 HE grenades, the original version of which dates back to the Second World War. The most characteristic feature of Shivalik grenade is that it doesn't explode until the safety pin is removed unlike the existing vintage grenade, which may go off accidentally.

As the grenade has been developed by Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organization ( DRDO), located in the foothills of Shivalik mountains near Chandigarh, it has been named as Shivalik.

The grenade would be made at the ordinance factory Khamaria in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh besides army, TBRL has also been receiving orders from the Navy and paramilitary forces for Shivalik.

The Shivalik is multi mode i.e can be used for offensive as well as defensive purpose. During offensive, it is used at the final stage of assault by the troops from a distance of around 50 m from the line of enemy defence. During defensive mode, the grenade is used against the enemy troops in the open as a shield.Types can be interchanged by changing outer sleeve.
 Developed by DRDO’s Chandigarh-based Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, the new grenade overcomes the safety hazards posed by the existing grenades. The M-36, according to the DRDO, has a severe reliability problem due to its flawed fusing system and uneven fragmenting pattern, making it unsafe even for the thrower.

Shivalik uses a modular plastic body and pre-formed cylindrical mild steel fragments for uniform distribution of fragments to overcome these deficiencies. Additional features have been incorporated into the fuse’s arming mechanism to ensure greater safety during storage, transportation and airdropping. Fragmentation distribution can also be controlled for use in offensive or defensive roles by attachment of a fragmentation sleeve. The use of plastic has also resulted in reduction of the grenade’s overall weight. Unlike earlier grenades, it can be para-dropped if urgent re-supplies are needed and can function in temperatures ranging from minus 20 to 55°C.Modular Design: Shivalik has three basic modules—fuze, grenade body and launcher tube. The different modules can be assembled or dissembled with ease. It is possible to prime and unprime the grenade any number of times without affecting its efficiency. The fuze assembly forms the basic module. With the explosive filled non-splintering body, it forms an offensive grenade. Addition of fragmenting sleeve transforms it into defensive grenade and the attachment of a launch tube converts it into a rifle grenade.

Multi-Mode Concept: Shivalik is multi-functional depending on the situation. In offensive role, it is used in the final stages of assault from a distance of about 50 m from the line of enemy defence. Being non-splintering type, offensive grenade on detonation stuns the enemy through concussion effect within a radius of about 5 m from the point of burst. In the defensive mode, it is used against the enemy troops in open when our own troops are in defence. The controlled and uniform spread of the fragments from the fragmenting sleeve can incapacitate a human being within a specified radius from the point of burst, but causes no harm to our own troops beyond a certain predetermined distance.

The technology of the prefragmented pellets, embedded in a plastic matrix has been fully established. The main bursting charge is precast pellet (RDX/TNT), the technology for which has been developed indigenously. The bullet trap technology has been incorporated in the launching tube, which enables use of normal ball ammunition for its launch from 5.56 mm INSAS rifle.

Fuze: The fuze has been designed to function on impact with a guarantee of self-destruction due to incorporation of a predetermined delay. The fuze functions at all angles of impact. An additional safety mechanism has been provided by a shutter mechanism blocking the explosive train. A safety lever mechanism has been incorporated to hold the safety pin secured. In rifle grenade lever is secured by a metallic ring which flies back due to set back forces on firing arming the fuze after a safe distance

Sight: A bubble sight has been provided for mounting on the rifle to aid the firer to achieve the desired ranges at different firing angles. The maximum range achieved by the rifle grenade is 200 m in comparison to 120 m presently achieved from M 36 grenade.

The grenade body has been made very light and compact by using special polymers. The shape is more ergonomical. The grenade, besides being paradroppable, can be used in the temperature range of -20 oC to +55 oC and is not affected by rain or humidity conditions. The grenade is maintenance free. The Shivalik grenade is in the final stages of user trials. With its introduction into the Services, it will substantially contribute to the infantry’s capabilities in the battlefield and the country will move one step forward towards its mission of self-reliance.

The grenade has three basic modules - fuze, body and launcher tube. The different modules can be assembled or dissembled with ease. It is possible to prime and unprime the grenade any number of times without affecting its efficiency.

ROV DAKSH :: INDIA'S BOMB SLAYING CYBORG

People,
Today we would like to enrich you with some interesting facts about India's Unmanned bomb defusing vehicle "DAKSH" also known as ROV Daksh or Remotely Operated Vehicle Daksh.

Daksh is an electrically powered, fully automated Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) designed and developed by the India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Research and Development Establishment, Pune, India. It is a battery-operated robot on wheels, primarily designed to recover Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Daksh can safely locate, handle and destroy all types of hazardous objects. It can scan cars for explosives using a portable X-ray machine.  It can also neutralise Nuclear Biological Chemical(NBC) weapons and has a Radio frequency shield to jam remote signals for triggering a blast. It also has a shotgun, which can break open locked doors and neutralize any potential human threat.
Daksh will serve Bomb Disposal Units (BDU) of the army, police and paramilitary forces in handling IEDs and other hazardous materials.

Visual working mechanism: 

The ROV is based on a motorised pan-tilt platform. It can be remotely controlled from a range of 500m. The vehicle's manipulator arm can handle hazardous objects of up to 20kg from 2.5m and 9kg from a 4m distance. Using its robotized arm, it can lift a suspect object and scan it using its portable X-Ray device. Daksh can defuse bombs with its water jet disruptor. It can climb stairs and negotiates steep slopes. The solid rubber wheels of Daksh can withstand blast impacts. The vehicle can tow suspected platforms and operate continuously for three hours once fully recharged.

 

 Equipments:

Daksh is equipped with multiple head-mounted cameras, IED handling equipment, nuclear biological chemical (NBC) reconnaissance systems, a master control station (MCS) and a shotgun. The ROV Daksh and MCS are transported by a specially designed carrier vehicle.

Radiation measurments:

Daksh is equipped with a Radiation Measurement and Automatic Control(RADMAC) unit and Portable Gas Chromatograph (PGC) to monitor the contamination level in Nuclear Biological Chemical, or NBC, affected surroundings.

• RADMAC can detect X and Gamma rays from 60keV to 2MeV and is equipped with multiple detectors for gamma dose and gamma flash. The dedicated sensor element can detect radiation leaks.

• PGC detects the presence of gas and the concentration levels. It displays the results in numeric as well as graphical format.

Controlling:

Daksh can be remotely controlled by a single operator using the Master Control Station (MCS). The control station has a user friendly interface and advanced controls for managing the multiple operations of Daksh. The wheeled, trolley-based independently-powered system delivers high mobility in the field. The onboard modern communication systems allow command and control as well as image transmission between Daksh and MCS. Membrane keypad, touch-screen and joysticks, etc., constitute the MCS.

Daksh carrier vehicle:

The carrier vehicle is specially designed to carry Daksh, MCS, bomb disposal stores and crew for hazardous disposal operations.
A separate compartment is provided for equipment storage and space is available for bomb disposal stores. A six-bay lockable rifle rack accommodates weapons of the crew. Either side of the vehicle is provided with rifle port holes for self defense. The vehicle is also equipped with a refrigerator, foldable ramp, 1KVA generator, battery charger, global positioning system (GPS) and rear view display system.

In 2010, the Indian Army placed a limited-series-production order for 20 Daksh vehicles after extensive trials, testing and acceptance. The first batch of five ROV Daksh was delivered to the Indian Army in December 2011.
Daksh has proved to be a life saver in many dangerous operations. Hats of to DRDO scientists.

God bless India.
JAI HIND.

INDIAN AIRFORCE HUNKING ITS MUSCLES: LATEST HAULER ADDITIONS

The India Airforce is going on an upgrade sprint of its non combat aircraft inventory. A better air transport fleet gives a tremendous impetutous to the mobilisation pwer to a countrys forces. Lets see some of the plans of  IAF to build up a robust fleet of haulers.

C-130 J:

The Indian Airforce ordered six C-130J-s, with an option to purchase six more in 2008. These are mainly to be used as insertion platforms for The Indian Special Forces.The option for six more aircraft was exercised in 2011. The IAF has six C-130Js in service as of January 2012. It has a payload of 19,958 kg and a range of 2,835 nmi (3,262 mi, 5,250 km).

C-17 Globemaster:

Indian Airforce has placed orders for 10 C-17 Globemaster III strategic air-lifters with an option of 6 additional aircraft.
C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout the world. It can also perform tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.
The aircraft requires a crew of three (pilot, copilot, and loadmaster) for cargo operations. Cargo is loaded through a large aft ramp that accommodates rolling stock, such as a 60 ton Arjun MBT .With a payload of 160,000 lb (72,600 kg)(( which is about 22,000 kg for than IL-76)) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 ft (8,500 m), the C-17 has an unrefueled range of about 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km).The C-17 is designed to operate from runways as short as 3,500 ft (1,064 m) and as narrow as 90 ft (27 m). In addition, the C-17 can operate from unpaved, unimproved runways (although with greater chance of damage to the aircraft).[41] The thrust reversers can be used to back the aircraft and reverse direction on narrow taxiways using a three- (or more) point turn.
India finalized an order for 10 C-17s in June 2011.Delivery of first C-17 is scheduled for June 2013 and rest of the nine on order will be delivered in 2014. The Indian Air Force plans to base its C-17s at Hindon Air Force Station after deliveries in 2013–14.The aircraft is to provide strategic airlift of special forces in the event of national emergencies or terrorism.

Mi-17V5 helicopters:

Mi-17V5, designed for cargo lift of about five tonnes or 36 personnel, has an advanced multi-function cockpit display and upgraded twin engines that produce 2,200 horse power each, providing it the capacity to be started after switching off even in areas of altitude over 6,000 metres or 21,000 feet.
These helicopters are meant to replace the aging Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters of the IAF, about 200 of which are in service.
The first 21 of the helicopters have been delivered to the IAF beginning September last year.
The aircraft will be operated by the IAF to aid movement of Indian Army troops and for Special Forces deployment, logistics, search and rescue operations and for casualty evacuation.

AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters( VVIP):

The Indian selection was made after assessing the AW101 and the Sikorsky S-92 in field trials in 2008. One particular requirement of the Indian customer is that the helicopter must have a high tail boom to allow most ground vehicles to come close to the helicopter's rear exit for reduced threat exposure. 12 of are to be operated by the Indian Air Force to transport VVIPs.

IAI Harop:

The IAI Harop is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) developed by the MBT division of Israel Aerospace Industries. Rather than holding a separate high-explosive warhead, the drone itself is the main munition. This hunter-killer is designed to loiter the battlefield and attack targets by self-destructing into them. IAI developed the Harop for suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions.

The Harop is controlled in flight by a remote operator. The Harop features two guidance modes: it can either home in on radio emissions by itself with its anti-radar homing system, or the operator can select static or moving targets detected by the aircraft's electro-optical sensor. This latter mode allows the Harop to attack radars that are presently shut down and therefore not providing emissions for the aircraft to automatically home in on.
Specifications:
Crew: None
Length: 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Wingspan: 3.00 m (9 ft 10 in)
Performance
Range: 1000 km ( miles)
Endurance: 6 hours  0 min
Armament
23 kg (51 lb) warhead

                                                                                                                                                             UAC/HAL Il-214:

The UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) is a medium-lift military transport aircraft which is being constructed as a joint venture of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) of India.The aircraft is expected to be powered by Russian-made Aviadvigatel PD-14 turbofan engines attached to top-mounted wings,[7] and will have a T-shaped tail. The cabin size would be similar to the Ilyushin Il-76, but will be half the length, supporting a maximum payload of 20 tonnes (44,000 lb) of military or civilian cargo. Range is expected to be 2,500 kilometres. Indian Airforce will use about 45 such aircrafts.

Pilatus PC-7 is selected for a tender to equip the IAF with 75 basic trainers which is going to fast track the pilot trainig programs of IAF.

Also the IAF is planning to procure 15 heavy lift helicopters for which the CH-47 Chinook and Mi-26 are being considered.

THE F-INSAS PROGRAM: INDIA'S DREAM OF CREATING 21st CENTURY WARRIORS

Hello folks,
In this post we want to share some information about the F-INSAS program of the Indian military.

F-INSAS or Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System is a multi-crore rupees program to turn India's infantrymen into fully-networked, digitized, self-contained 21st century warriors. It aims to put the Indian Army at the forefront of soldier technology. This program has been taken up by the Indian government to equip Indian infantry with advanced weaponry, communication network and instant access to information on the battlefield. It includes a fully networked all-terrain, all-weather personal-equipment platform, enhanced firepower and mobility for the digitalised battlefield of the future. A major effort in this program is to reduced the weight carried by soldiers by at least 50%. This program is expected to roll out in stages between 2012 and 2020.

The Indian military quotes that "the next war will be won by the side that is adept at high technology with all-weather fighting capability". Hence this program was brought into effect in 2007.

The Indian Government is looking to bring cutting-edge 21st century technology to its million-strong armed forces serving at extreme locations. The Indian Ministry of Defense has been supporting around 600 modernisation initiatives for the Indian Army. Current large-scale modernisation plans include the Tactical Communications Systems program to build a digital network connecting regiments and battalions to army headquarters, as well as the battle management system project to integrate the communications of the country's army, navy and air force.

NOW THE DETAILED STUFF::

 

ARMOURING:

 

The F-INSAS program is calling for a ceramic Armour solution. Indian government is seeking a tactical vest that will protect the legs, groin, neck and collar from ballistic projectiles. The exact level of protection required has not been specified but, following Indian requirements till date, the vest will likely protect the soldier from a 0.44 magnum round or a 9mm bullet. Armouring will also consist of bullet-proof armoured waistcoat designed to stop a round and shrapnel, ceramic armour plates covering the front, back and groin and an armoured helmet capable of stopping a 9mm round at close range. The ballistic material used for the vest would not only protect the soldier from bullets and shrapnel, but also disperse the impact of a gunshot or blast.

HELMET:

 

Under this program, the helmet((meant to protect the head or the headquarters of a human body)) is a mixture of many world-class technologies. It will be equipped with helmet mounted flash light, thermal sensors & night vision device, digital Compass, video cameras, computer and nuclear, chemical and biological sensors, with audio headsets. A visor is also intended to be integrated and to act as a heads-up display monitor equivalent to two 17-inch computer monitors. This state-of-the-art helmet will be able to stop a 9mm bullet at close range.

ACCESSORIES:

 

According to F-INSAS a jawan will be well equipped. The soldier will have a Palmtop GPS navigation device to be able to communicate with other soldiers and locate or generate maps to find location, and will be aware of the battlefield. The palmtop will inform soldiers where other friendlies are in relation to them. It will also enable them to transfer messages. Thermal imaging, sensors and night vision equipment, currently used by artillery weapon systems and main battle tanks, will be customized and made portable for soldiers to carry in the battle ground. Defense advanced GPS receivers, infrared sensors, thermal sensors, electromagnetic sensors and radio frequency sensors will compliment the overall accessory kit.

CLOTHING:

F-INSAS has a really remarkable clothing plan. Under this, the personal clothing will be lightweight with a bullet-proof jacket and would be waterproofed yet breathable. The new combat attire will enable the troops to carry extra load and resist impact of nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. It will also consist of solar chargers ((for charging palmtop and other attached electronic equipment)), an external oxygen supply and respirator providing protection against gas and smoke, flame retardant carbonized viscose undergarments, fire proof knee and elbow pads and armour equipments mentioned above. The new uniform will have vests with sensors to monitor the soldier's health parameters and provide quick medical relief.

WEAPONISING:

The first step in weaponising the Indian military in the F-INSAS project is the development or procurement of a new standard-issue armament to replace the ageing and highly reliable INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle...To replace the INSAS, the Indian Army wants to develop a new modular, multi-caliber suite of weapons. In F-INSAS, the primary weapons sub-system is built around a multi-caliber individual weapon system with the fourth caliber attached to a grenade launcher. These include a 5.56 mm, a 7.62 mm and a new 6.8 mm under development for the first time in India. India will be introducing a Under Barrel Grenade Launcher or a UBGL for the first time through the F-INSAS program. It will be capable of launching air bursting grenades. The sub-system includes a thermal weapon sight and laser range finder to provide the soldier with range and direction information. The Global Positioning System (GPS) location information will allow the soldier to call for indirect fire accurately.

There are two types of next generation infantry rifle under development in India in cooperation with Israel. Our sources report that the Indian MoD has recently issued a global tender for the acquisition of new assault rifles and CQB (Close Quarters Battle) carbines.
The weapon had not been finalised yet so the image is not available. But a prototype drawing by DRDO has been published. Its here:

For the procurement of open-caliber carbines night-vision devices, laser designators and detachable under-barrel grenade launchers, etc., valued at around rupees 44 billion, deals have been initiated with global manufacturers. 

With the intent to maintain exclusive autonomy and self-dependability, indigenous
development of the program is being emphasized. Most of the equipment is being
Indigenous developed by Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) 
independently, as the prime developer and the system integrator, as well as with private 
partnership. The design and development of air bursting grenade for individual weapon and the design and development of a multi-Caliber individual weapon system is being fully undertaken by DRDO.

The F-INSAS officials states that the new system will be supplied to eight to ten infantry battalions (up to 10,000 soldiers) by 2015, with all 325 battalions fully upgraded by 2020.

Enemies BEWARE..!!!
God bless India.
JAI HIND.

1962 CHINA WAR: WHAT DID WE LEARNT FROM IT?

19th November 1962 was a day of shame for India and its people. Broadcasting to the nation that day, then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru lamented that in this hour of peril, our heart goes to the people of Assam!
As Jawaharlal Nehru spoke to the nation, the civil administration in Tezpur had begun to burn documents and currency in the government treasury, prison doors were thrown open, and everyone made a beeline to get across the Brahmaputra by whatever means.
The stage was being set for surrendering all territory north of the Brahmaputra to the Chinese.

Now, what are main reasons for such a horrific defeat of the Indians at the hands of younger Chinese. Here are some few points:

Just a year before that, in 1961, the then defence minister V K Krishna Menon had a scrap in public with the highly esteemed army chief, who resigned and then took back his resignation on the prime minister's advice.

The prime minister then went on to humiliate the general in Parliament. As a consequence, the morale of the army was badly affected.As someone who has studied that conflict, including the famed Henderson Brooks Report, one can say without any contradiction that 'loss of morale' was the single biggest cause of our debacle in 1962.

It is incredible that exactly after half a century we have a similar confrontation between the army chief and the defence ministry bureaucracy.Our army's modernisation is stuck in red tape of the deepest hue.

Import of the critical lightweight howitzer, so important to provide artillery support to infantry in the mountains, is stuck in the courts/CBI clearances and what not.

Anyone familiar with the armed forces remembers the phrase often used by superiors while giving orders, 'I do not care whether you beg, borrow or steal! I want this done!'

It is time to remind the defence minister that the country expects him to deliver security and efficiency.
t appears that China is carefully choreographing incidents with India. First, there were several instances of Chinese troops crossing the border, marking their presence. We have dismissed these as 'minor' incidents.
India would be making a grave error of judgment if it considers these incidents as non serious. There seems to be a design behind these orchestrated events, especially the forays by the PLA.

Then there was the verbal spat and exchange of notes over the Indian foray into oil exploration in Vietnam waters. The new year saw ill-treatment of an Indian diplomat. Earlier, there were cases of Indian diamond merchants being imprisoned in China. All these could well be dismissed as minor incidents that involve local officials.

One of the horror stories of the 1962 conflict with China was the way India made a frenzied effort to arm the soldiers with modern weapons. The insistence on 'indigenous' production of arms and inability of the local R&D/factories starved Indian soldiers of tools of war.
New rifles (the 7.62 SLR) were airdropped at Dirang Zong, of course without ammunition! As if the soldiers are robots who can instantly master new weapons and begin using it!
Beginning in 1956, the CIA used Indian territory to recruit Tibetan guerrillas to fight Chinese troops, with a base in Kalimpong, India. The Indian public was outraged when it learned in 1958 that China had built a road between Xinjiang and Tibet through Indian territory in Aksai Chin (historically a part of Indian state of Ladakh).

 Nehru declined a US offer to India to take the permanent seat on the UNSC in 1953 & suggested that it be given to China. Situation could be different if Nehru accepted that proposal. India would got Veto power 59 years back which would be helpful in many ways.

Nehru called for a UN ceasefire at a time the Indian troops were going to win back J&K in 1948. Few more days and whole Kashmir (Including PoK and Gilgit Baltistan) would be part of India.

Years later, his India-Chini-bhai-bhai, was put to the sword by the same Chinese, who back-stabbed him and invaded and occupied a portion of Kashmir in 1962. It is said that 1962 Chinese invasion, was a brutal shock to Nehru, that he died of Heart Attack in May 1964.Again the foreign policy of Nehru failed. He could have taken American help to repulse China but he didn't.

Now is Indian military ready  actually respond to a threat from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army? The government on its part has only concentrated on reactivation of the Advanced Landing Grounds in the northeastern region that would enable the use of air power against a Chinese military threat.But on the ground literally, road connectivity and telecommunication links along the Line of Actual Control to ensure swift mobility of troops, artillery and other equipment to the border areas to engage any manifestation of threat are not ready.It has been reported that only 12 out of the 73 roads earmarked for construction along the border with China are totally ready.

 

The Indian Army calls the black-topped road Charlie 1, which is to be the primary road of Indian side in case of an war.. But after a five-hour drive from Leh when it skirts the breathtakingly beautiful 134 kilometres-long Pangong Tso lake, Charlie 1 ceases to be a road. It twists and dissolves into a dust trail as soon as it crosses the lake that is split down the centre between India and China. The gravel track races eastwards for a back-breaking 20 km until it meets the Line of Actual Control with China. Here, the difference across the border is stark: concrete all-weather roads which can be used to rush troops and equipment. The lack of infrastructure is evident in the military posture on either side. While the Indian Army actively mans the borders, the Chinese Army is deployed several kilometres away from it.

The two countries have maintained tranquil borders since 1993 as they discuss the contentious 3,350-km boundary dispute. If the PLA were to mount a repeat of the 1962 war, it would be in the vulnerable Demchok sector, 300 km from Leh. An army officer runs his finger over this sector south of Leh. "Chinese armoured and infantry columns can drive up to Leh in a day," he says. The situation is no different in Tawang, a border town in Arunachal Pradesh that China claims. Morale is high, but lack of infrastructure is a dampener. "We won't allow a repeat of 1962, but we need good roads. Look at China's development across the border," says a jawan posted at Yangtze, 53 km from Tawang. The PLA has built a two- lane highway for its military to drive up to the border. Long stretches of Tawang's sole link to India, a 320-km road from Chariduar town in Assam, remain a muddy track.

Recently the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) deliberated over a shocking presentation. An internal study by the Indian Army found critical shortages of Rs. 60,000 crore worth of ammunition, missiles and equipment. This is roughly 10 per cent of the army's total inventory of Rs. 9 lakh crore worth of equipment. "Forget modernisation or transformation, we are extremely low on our existing inventories and war wastage reserves," says a senior army officer. Years of accumulated neglect have hollowed out the core of the world's second largest army and rendered it unfit for war. Another senior officer mentions existing deficiencies of "between 20 and 30 per cent" in the three strike corps, the army's principal offensive formations. This means the army effectively has only two strike corps. It explains why former army chief General Deepak Kapoor told the CCS after the 26/11 Mumbai attack that the army "was not ready for war".

The last war the army fought, evicting intruders from the Kargil heights in 1999, was on its own soil. Eleven years on, the wars the army is now preparing to fight are gigantic. It envisages a simultaneous "two-and-a-half-front war": against Pakistan and China as well as an internal insurgency. It has a shopping list of $50 billion (Rs. 2.2 lakh crore) to meet these threats. However, the procedures for buying arms are so cumbersome that a classified army study says the force will be fully ready only a decade hence, by 2022.The army has bought less than half the equipment it planned to acquire during the 11th Five-Year Plan period running from 2007 to 2012. Weapons not bought include artillery worth Rs. 20,000 crore, and air defence missiles worth Rs. 10,000 crore. These have left gaping holes in its preparedness. Hence, a projected surge in its combat ratio to 1:1.5-or a one-and-a-half times superiority in troops and equipment over the Pakistan Army-by 2012 has not materialised. Despite the Indian Army's Rs. 83,000 crore spend accounting for over half the total defence budget, the fighting machine is bloated. The 1.1 million-strong force will add 30,000 soldiers to counter the China threat by 2015, its largest expansion in three decades.

The force carries a colonial legacy of over 50,000 drivers and sahayaks (orderlies). Yet, there are shortages where it matters. The army has 35,000 officers and is wrestling with a crippling shortage of between 22 and 24 per cent. Its 400-odd infantry battalions, each with 800 soldiers, currently function with less than half the sanctioned strength of 40 officers. It needs 12,000 young captains and majors to run this army efficiently.

At this moment we think that its finally time for Indian policy makers to wake up and preserve the honour of the country which is at stake.

Jai Hind!

God bless India!