Indian Army : Updates & Discussions

So its happening. Finally. (y)

Army’s new battle groups to be field-tested this month

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 4
Posted at: May 5, 2019, 6:59 AM; last updated: May 5, 2019, 9:09 AM (IST)

This is the first step among the several to restructure the Army to make it leaner and more agile.
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The IBGs are expected to bring a significant operational change in the Army. PTI file



A military field exercise to validate the much-awaited concept of integrated battle groups (IBGs) of the Indian Army is slated to be conducted at end of this month.

This is the first step among the several to restructure the Army to make it leaner and more agile. The test was put on hold after the Balakote airstrike on February 26 as the Army units were in state of readiness following the tension between India and Pakistan.

The IBG is working on “integrating existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, UAVs, engineers and signals”. This, if done, can be the first tweak to the “cold start doctrine” (first made public in 2004 and planned after operation Parakaram of 2002).

The IBGs are expected to bring a significant operational change in the Army. Topmost commanders of the Army, had in October last year, decided to restructure the force in phases to convert it into a lean and mean 21st-century force.
In October last year, it was decided that all suggested operational aspects such as having integrated battle groups (IBGs) will be validated in exercises in the field.


An IBG, with six battalions of infantry, armoured and artillery, will be commanded by Major General and placed directly under the Corps. The focus will be integration to enhance operational and functional efficiency, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate force modernisation and address aspirations.

The test of the IBG is among the few steps initiated by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on restructuring the Army.
The 1.3 million-strong Army has undergone a change in tactics, but its size is not matching with limited budgets the government can allocate. There are four major in-house studies.

The study on “Re-organisation and Rightsising of the Indian Army” has reviewed operational structures to make them efficient and future ready by taking into account the operational situation on western and northern borders. The IBGs are a part of this.


Army’s new battle groups to be field-tested this month

@Ashwin @Falcon @vstol Jockey @BlackOpsIndia @Sathya @_Anonymous_ @randomradio Guys some good news.
 
Hey guys check this out :

Hanwha K-30 Biho mobile air defense system for Indian Army

May 2019, Global Defense Security army news industry, Posted On Friday, 10 May 2019 12:46
India has finally selected the South Korean-made Hanwha K-30 Biho, designed mainly to protect forward maneuver units. Further official confirmation properly documented is expected.
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Hanwha K-30 Biho (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Hanwha's K-30 Biho (Flying Tiger) twin 30mm short range, mobile self-propelled anti-aircraft system, manufactured by Hanwha, has been selected by the Indian Army following a competition that included Russia’s Tunguska-M1 which has a range of up to 10 kilometers, and the Pantsir-S1 ‘Greyhound’.

The weapon was developed to meet the operational requirements of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces for a highly mobile short-range air defense system suited to the operational and terrain conditions of the Korean peninsula. It combines an electro-optically guided 30 mm gun system with a surveillance radar system on a K200 chassis. It supplements the K263A1 Chungung, a self-propelled 20 mm Vulcan system. The K30 is primarily built by Hanwha Defense Systems.

The K-30 Biho, in addition to its 30mm auto-cannon, has LIG NX1 Chiron missiles, a TPS-830K search and tracking radar, and advanced electro-optical sights fire control. The expected quantities are 104 K-30 Biho systems, plus 97 ammunition carriers, 39 command vehicles and ammunition with a value of KRW 3 trillion $2.6 billion (KRW 3 trillion). This is the first export sale of the system by Korea. Biho also participated in US Army firing demonstrations held in 2017.

Hanwha K-30 Biho mobile air defense system for Indian Army | May 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2019 | Archive News year
 
You know, for a late entrant the South Koreans are doing quite well for themselves. Hanwa has L&T as an industrial partner, that is an excellent partner to have. First they had that K-9 Vajra and K-10 order from the SPH segment and now mobile AD.

I must say the South Korean K2 Black Panther tank now has a distinct advantage in the FRCV tender. Should we start a thread on the K2 ?

@Ashwin @randomradio @BlackOpsIndia @_Anonymous_
 
Defence ministry to adopt new procurement policy

The ministry will also identify other defence equipment where the policy can be applied.
By Shaurya Karanbir Gurung, ET Bureau|Updated : May 10, 2019, 10.19 AM IST

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NEW DELHI : The defence ministry will be adopting a new procurement policy that will define the level of indigenous content for defence equipment and give higher preference to local vendors in contracts and to start with, it has identified military textiles such as bulletproof jackets, boots and high altitude clothing for this purpose.

According to the order, the minimum local content for an item should be 50%. While officials explained that quantum of indigenous content has not been fixed, the order adds that a ministry can prescribe a higher or lower percentage of it for a particular product.

“The nodal ministry may annually review the local content requirements with a view to increasing them, subject to availability of sufficient local competition with adequate quality,” the order said.

Another important part of the order is that the purchase preference for a product will be given to local suppliers. An official explained that in the procurement of an item where there is an adequate vendor base and if its value is Rs 50 lakh or less, then only local suppliers are eligible.

In cases where the procurement value is more than Rs 50 lakh, if the L1 (lowest bidder) is a local supplier, the contract for the full quantity will be awarded to it. However, if the L1is a foreign vendor, then only 50% of the order quantity will be awarded to it.

“Thereafter, the lowest bidder among the local suppliers, will be invited to match the L1 price for the remaining 50%. This will, however, be subject to the local supplier’s quoted price falling within the margin of the purchase preference,
” explained an official.

If the lowest eligible local supplier fails to match the L1 price, then the next higher local supplier within the margin of the purchase preference will be invited to match the L1price for the remaining quantity.

Defence ministry to adopt new procurement policy

Read more at:
//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/69260391.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
 
@Parthu you wanna see this.

Indian Army plans certain changes in its uniforms

The suggestions include shifting the position of the cloth rank epaulettes that identifies the regiment and rank of of a soldier.

By Shaurya Karanbir Gurung I ET Bureau | May 14, 2019, 09.36 AM IST

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NEW DELHI: The Indian army is planning certain changes in its uniforms, including in its regularly worn olive green and combat uniforms, officials said.

The army’s top brass discussed the issue recently. Officials in the army explained that some suggestions have been received and are being examined. The suggestions include shifting the position of the cloth rank epaulettes that identifies the regiment and rank of of a soldier, which are worn on the shoulders of the combat uniforms. The suggestion was to move it to the chest of the soldier. This is similar to the way epaulettes are worn in the armies of US, UK and even Pakistan.

Other suggested changes are on the lanyard (cord), which is worn around the shoulder in some uniforms, removing the belt of peace-time uniforms, because its buckle is much bigger than that of a normal belt and therefore can get uncomfortable. One suggestion is for modifying the shirt and trousers in certain uniforms.(Quarter zips anyone ?) The army has around eight types of uniforms, including for ceremonies and daily work wear.

Officials explained that some of the reasons behind changes proposed for the uniforms are for comfort, security from being identified by the adversary and durability. “Talks on the issue have been ongoing. The suggested changes are being examined,” said an official.

Another official added, “Some of the changes are placing the epaulettes on the front of the shirt. There are also suggestions on removing the belt. Some changes have also been suggested for the shirt and trousers for some uniforms”

While minor alterations in the army’s uniforms have been made in the past, these would be the first major changes if they are implemented. Officials explained that one among the several minor changes made earlier was changing the colour of the ranks on the cloth epaulettes to only black and removing the regimental colours. However, this move which was done for security purposes, was changed into its earlier form of ingraining a soldier’s regimental colour on the ranks. Other such changes included wearing combat (camouflage) pants whose bottom end was either tucked into the boots or had elastic at the bottom. A small change was also made in ensign of the belt buckle for peace-time uniforms for all the ‘Gorkha’ regiments. The ensign became a khukri pointing upwards.

Indian Army plans certain changes in its uniforms
 
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Coming soon! A new way to fight the enemy

''Army sources indicate the first IBGs would come up in the plains of Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan, providing New Delhi instruments of retaliation in the event of grave provocation by Pakistan, such as a 26/11-style terrorist attack.

In addition, one of the army's three mechanised strike corps will be restructured into a rapid reaction Sabre Corps, capable of immediate launch into Pakistan when required.

For retaliatory strikes in the mountains, against either Pakistan or China, the two divisions of the newly created Mountain Strike Corps would also be converted into IBGs''
 
@Falcon @vstol Jockey

I have some questions, if you can answer them.

We are buying 464 T-90MS. Aren't these meant for the Chinese border, or is that a separate process?

Are these new T-90s meant for the IBGs? And will the IBGs also be equipped with the K-9 Vajra and K-30 Biho?

464 T-90MS, 100 K-9 and 104 K-30 seem like they will comfortably make 5 IBGs to me. Probably why they are being bought in such exact numbers.

If it's all true, then wouldn't it make sense to also buy 232 BMPT Terminator?
It's built on the T-90 hull, has more protection than the T-90 and has a lot of firepower in the form of 2 autocannons and 4 Ataka ATGMs, along with 2 grenade launchers.
BMPT_Terminator_1000x1000_0001.jpg


With the exception of the BMP-2, there's nothing in our inventory that's highly mobile and dedicated to dealing with the infantry. The BMPT will be perfect to deal with the Pakistan LAT and HAT teams. Plus it can also be modified to carry BBDs in order to cross over bunds. And then, the AFV has a lot of sensors and will help pick out hidden bunkers near the secondary DCBs very quickly. This would be a very, very good anti-infantry weapon and can literally operate alongside a tank.
 
@Falcon @vstol Jockey

I have some questions, if you can answer them.

We are buying 464 T-90MS. Aren't these meant for the Chinese border, or is that a separate process?

Are these new T-90s meant for the IBGs? And will the IBGs also be equipped with the K-9 Vajra and K-30 Biho?

464 T-90MS, 100 K-9 and 104 K-30 seem like they will comfortably make 5 IBGs to me. Probably why they are being bought in such exact numbers.

If it's all true, then wouldn't it make sense to also buy 232 BMPT Terminator?
It's built on the T-90 hull, has more protection than the T-90 and has a lot of firepower in the form of 2 autocannons and 4 Ataka ATGMs, along with 2 grenade launchers.
BMPT_Terminator_1000x1000_0001.jpg


With the exception of the BMP-2, there's nothing in our inventory that's highly mobile and dedicated to dealing with the infantry. The BMPT will be perfect to deal with the Pakistan LAT and HAT teams. Plus it can also be modified to carry BBDs in order to cross over bunds. And then, the AFV has a lot of sensors and will help pick out hidden bunkers near the secondary DCBs very quickly. This would be a very, very good anti-infantry weapon and can literally operate alongside a tank.
We have over 1700 T-90s to be procured in batches. The last order placed by UPA-2 was for China Border, this new order is for IBGs. But all these will be made in India in Avadi from kits supplied by Russia. A few may come directly built.
Regarding BMPT, NAMICA is excatly for that purpose and will be procured in large numbers.
The concept of IBGs is different from Strike Corps. They have a different way of crossing DCBs. They are not required to go very deep but create path for Strike corps to move in thru the gaps created, should there be a need to unleash strike Corps. IBGs will be let loose where the DCBs are not much of a hinderance. The emphasis of IBGs is on speed and mobility and extremely fast reaction time.
 
NAMICA is excatly for that purpose and will be procured in large numbers.

How far along is the NAMICA? Is it a finished product, ready to be mass produced? Has an order already been made/or imminent? Also, does it have other armaments or is it just a Nag missile carrier?
 
How far along is the NAMICA? Is it a finished product, ready to be mass produced? Has an order already been made/or imminent? Also, does it have other armaments or is it just a Nag missile carrier?
NAMICA has been tried in latest skirmishes at LOC and found to be very effective. IA has broken its needs in two parts-AD assets and ATGM assets. BIHO is for AD while NAMICA is for ATGM role with IBGs.
 
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We have over 1700 T-90s to be procured in batches. The last order placed by UPA-2 was for China Border, this new order is for IBGs. But all these will be made in India in Avadi from kits supplied by Russia. A few may come directly built.

AFAIK, the first order for 354 tanks did not happen. That's why the confusion regarding the new order for 464 tanks.

Regarding BMPT, NAMICA is excatly for that purpose and will be procured in large numbers.
The concept of IBGs is different from Strike Corps. They have a different way of crossing DCBs. They are not required to go very deep but create path for Strike corps to move in thru the gaps created, should there be a need to unleash strike Corps. IBGs will be let loose where the DCBs are not much of a hinderance. The emphasis of IBGs is on speed and mobility and extremely fast reaction time.

I brought up DCBs because the Pakistanis have now built them across the Ravi. But the main priority of the Terminator would be to deal with infantry along with LAT and HAT.

As for NAMICA, it's just a BMP-2 and doesn't have the kind of protection that's needed to deal with LAT and HAT directly. The Ataka on the BMPT has a range of 10Km and completely outranges Pakistani HATs. Plus it's supersonic. Plus it's heavy armour, so it provides protection from attack helicopters also, while also has the firepower to attack helicopters. It's a very different capability from NAMICA. Or hell, we can just equip the BMPT with Nag.

On top of that, the BMPT will be a great urban combat vehicle in situations where commanders will be forced to hold towns and such. Particularly in situations where the Strike Corps have now taken over the offensive task of the invasion. NAMICA's gonna be toast in that situation.

For the same reason, the Russians have developed the T-15 Heavy AFV.
9may2015Moscow-09_%28cropped%29.jpg


NAMICA is the equivalent of Kurganets-25, which is just 25T and has amphibious capability.
1200px-4mayrehearsal_17.jpg


Both these systems were developed under Armata. So our current gen equivalent would be both BMPT and NAMICA. This combo doesn't have to be fleet-wide of course, only for the IBGs.

The main drawback of the BMPT is that it cannot carry passengers. But that's about it.