India's futuristic soldier to be ready in three years

[aakash_2410]

So what should India do? Not have ambition??! Please there is a wealth of difference between the likes of a first time fighter jet program and a program like F-INSAS. This 2015 deadline is perfectly realistic and achievable for India.

No, be ambitious all you want but please complete projects on time! And original timeline for first phase of F-INSAS induction was Third/Fourth quarter of 2012

In the first phase, to be completed by 2012, the infantry soldiers will be equipped with modular weapon systems that will have multi-functions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-INSAS

 

[G.Singh]

They will need to steal more land in Jharkand, for power plants before they can complete this deadline.

 

[IND151]

KOLKATA: India is set to launch her first 'futuristic' infantry soldier after three more years. According to officials at the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which is headquartered in Kolkata, many of the separate segments are ready and need to be integrated into one system. This will allow India to enter a select club of nations experimenting on a 'futuristic' soldier system. India's Future Infantry Soldier As a System (F-INSAS) programme is comparable to FELIN of France, IdZ of Germany, FIST of Britain and the Future Force Warrior of the US. Israel is also developing a similar system that will turn an infantry soldier into a complete system."A task force has been created with members from OFB, the Army, DRDO and other organizations. We have set a deadline and the first variant is likely to be launched in the next three years. We are preparing equipment that will allow a soldier to adapt to his surroundings, whether the hot desert terrain in Rajasthan or the freezing heights of Siachen. He will be armed with special weapons and communicate through satellite links. The visor of his helmet will allow him to get a clear view of the battlefield and see his adversaries, even beyond obstacles. His visor will also have normal and night-vision sights to allow him to use his weapon easily," said Sartaj Singh, member, ammunition and explosives, OFB.

According to sources, eight to 10 infantry battalions are likely to be equipped with the F-INSAS system by 2015. All infantrymen are set to be covered by this system by 2020. An interesting fact about this system is that the soldier would generate enough power while on the move to keep the gadgets fitted on his body running. Special sensors fitted to his boots will enable this. OFB is also in the process of developing a weapon with interchangeable barrels that would be capable of firing 5.56mm, 7.62mm and 6.8mm caliber ammunition.

The OFB, along with ARDE has also developed a carbine for the Army that is undergoing user evaluation at the moment. According to officials, this should be ready in the next one to one-and-a-half years. They are also very upbeat about the prospect of the 155/52 mm howitzer which is an upgraded version of the 155/45 mm Bofors. The new guns have been developed by eight ordnance factories and undergone six in-house trials. "The existing weapons system had a range of 27-29 km. The one we have developed has a range of 38-39 km and uses all kinds of ammunition that the Army uses now. We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia to create a Joint Venture for the manufacture of SMERCH rockets. Russian experts visited our production units two weeks ago and things will now move fast," another official said.

OFB chairman H S Chaudhury said that his organization has orders of over Rs 50,000 crore in hand at the moment. OFB is exporting its products to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Oman, Saudi Arabia and several European countries such as Germany, Greece, Russia and France. "The organization is also exploring avenues for long term partnerships for exports with some South East Asian countries," he said.


India's futuristic soldier to be ready in three yearsâ?¬ - Times Of India

damn!! awesome news

hope there are not much delays. This project needs to be completed on time

All infantrymen are set to be covered by this system by 2020.

the number should be around 75,000( assuming each infantry battalion has 600 soldiers and wiki says Indian army has 25 infantry regiments)

 

[suren]

I personally feel we should have Indigenous Assault rifle even if it is little less performing than foreign rifles. Not something inferior but quality one comparable to foreign ones.
1. Can someone explain me in detail about those visors on helmet?
2. Is helmets and other basic components are indigenous or to be imported?
Please list the equipment and production details

 

[Koovie]

I personally feel we should have Indigenous Assault rifle even if it is little less performing than foreign rifles. Not something inferior but quality one comparable to foreign ones.

No, the IA has access to the best ARs in the world. And if ours cannot compete than we will go for foreign ones and will produce them locally.

 

[bloo]

The F-INSAS program is spread over the 12, 13 and 14th five-year plans (2012 to 2027).

 

[scarcry]

similar eh but looks sexy as hell

 

[Dillinger]

Any future soldier soldier system has various components.


A) Protection:- light BPJ's and camouflage (active or passive). We have grown accustomed to seeing our foot soldiers and the venerable jawan go forth to their duties wearing the ridiculously overweight and cumbersome regulation bpj:-

The narrative seems to suggest that we have no in house and in manufacture certified bpj solutions available. Now many of the posters here will be aware of the following picture.

The above illustrates some of the possible components of our future soldier system:- the bpj and the ballistic helmets have been designed and manufacture by a company called MKU(P) LTD which happens to be an Indian company, with its own established R&D unit in country and production units in Kanpur and Germany.

Let us look at systems that are currently on offer by Indian companies.

The following are some of the products on offer by them:-

Their bpjs have been awarded the NIJ 0101.06 certification by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), USA for a range of advanced soft armour panels and panel configurations. These panels demonstrate enhanced durability, protection and reliability even after prolonged usage and are available within a 7 year warranty.


1) Instavest:-

The vest has a quick release system which is found on the spear cut armor carriers sold by BAE(CIRAS) or DBT(Predator) which are in active use with USSOCOM. Comparable weight characteristics to light weight armor carriers. Its a comfortable fit and I had the opportunity to handle it myself- light as hell even at the level-3a variant.

2) JMU XIVA

Design Features:- Inner waist belt for balanced weight distribution, Front & rear pockets for upgradation of protection levels with Armour Plates, Comprehensive coverage area including upper arm, Enhanced protection at sides and under arms, M.O.L.L.E. compatible, Detachable collar, groin, upper arm & neck.

Protection Level:- NIJ Level III A, Upgradeable to level III and IV with Armour Plates.


Ballistic helmets from MKU:-

Paratrooper Helmet :-

Advanced Combat (ACH)

Keep in mind that the above have been picked from a listing of many more products that MKU offers. These are the sampling from just one Indian MSE, there are many more, these companies have a global reach and are already catering to global demands.

MKU :: Manufacturers of Defence, Armed Forces and Paramilitary Solutions


The above is the protection segment. I will continue my post later with with details regarding home grown solutions and systems on offer through JVs in the area of night vision devices and secured and encrypted personal communication devices, 2 areas which have formed a critical part of any future soldier program being pursued across the world.

@samantk @Ayush @KRAIT @arp2041 @Abingdonboy @Koovie @illusion8 @IND151- comments and contributions would evoke much gratitude from this side.

 

[Koovie]

Any future soldier soldier system has various components.


A) Protection:- light BPJ's and camouflage (active or passive). We have grown accustomed to seeing our foot soldiers and the venerable jawan go forth to their duties wearing the ridiculously overweight and cumbersome regulation bpj:-

The narrative seems to suggest that we have no in house and in manufacture certified bpj solutions available. Now many of the posters here will be aware of the following picture.

The above illustrates some of the possible components of our future soldier system:- the bpj and the ballistic helmets have been designed and manufacture by a company called MKU(P) LTD which happens to be an Indian company, with its own established R&D unit in country and production units in Kanpur and Germany.

Let us look at systems that are currently on offer by Indian companies.

The following are some of the products on offer by them:-

Their bpjs have been awarded the NIJ 0101.06 certification by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), USA for a range of advanced soft armour panels and panel configurations. These panels demonstrate enhanced durability, protection and reliability even after prolonged usage and are available within a 7 year warranty.


1) Instavest:-

The vest has a quick release system which is found on the spear cut armor carriers sold by BAE(CIRAS) or DBT(Predator) which are in active use with USSOCOM. Comparable weight characteristics to light weight armor carriers. Its a comfortable fit and I had the opportunity to handle it myself- light as hell even at the level-3a variant.

2) JMU XIVA

Design Features:- Inner waist belt for balanced weight distribution, Front & rear pockets for upgradation of protection levels with Armour Plates, Comprehensive coverage area including upper arm, Enhanced protection at sides and under arms, M.O.L.L.E. compatible, Detachable collar, groin, upper arm & neck.

Protection Level:- NIJ Level III A, Upgradeable to level III and IV with Armour Plates.


Ballistic helmets from MKU:-

Paratrooper Helmet :-

Advanced Combat (ACH)

Keep in mind that the above have been picked from a listing of many more products that the MKU offers. These are the sampling from just one Indian MSE, there are many more, these companies have a global reach and are already catering to global demands.

MKU :: Manufacturers of Defence, Armed Forces and Paramilitary Solutions


The above is the protection segment. I will continue my post later with with details regarding home grown solutions and systems on offer through JVs in the area of night vision devices and secured and encrypted personal communication devices, 2 areas which have formed a critical part of any future soldier program being pursued across the world.

@samantk @Ayush @KRAIT @arp2041 @Abingdonboy @Koovie @illusion8 @IND151- comments and contributions would evoke much gratitude from this side.

MKU is truly a world class company that can compete with almost every other manufacturer.

AFAIK some Central Police Forces and Paramilitary organizations are already using MKU made equipment. However, I dont know why the MoD does not order MKU products for the Army.

Maybe its the price, maybe pressure to save the government companies which are currently supplying the Army, maybe both.
A solution could be to engage in a JV between MKU and state run factories.
Lets hope that this will change soon....

 

[Dillinger]

MKU is truly a world class company that can compete with almost every other manufacturer.

AFAIK some Central Police Forces and Paramilitary organizations are already using MKU made equipment. However, I dont know why the MoD does not order MKU products for the Army.

Maybe its the price, maybe pressure to save the government companies which are currently supplying the Army, maybe both.
A solution could be to engage in a JV between MKU and state run factories.
Lets hope that this will change soon....

I've seen Delhi Police Vehicles carrying sealed up MKU bpjs- seen them deployed once- from far off so couldn't tell whether it was police or CSF! Yaara, economies of scale, a company manufactures almost everything on its own, has its own R&D unit and state of the art manufacturing unit- cost would be the easiest thing to cut and still cheaper than any foreign solution not to mention levels apart from anything the DPSUs will come up with. There is another company in the field too, they have equally good, some even better than the above, products on offer but sadly they don't have a website yet. I'll try to scan their brochure.

Following is small list of armoring solutions projects undertaken by MKU- With regard to various air war platforms.

Lockheed C-130

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter

Bell UH-1/212 Huey-Types

Boeing CH-47

Eurocopter BO-105

Eurocopter Puma/Super Puma/Cougar

Sikorsky CH-53

Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk

Westland Sea King MK-41(Sikorsky H-3/S61)

Westland Sea Lynx MK-88

MIL MI-8/17

NHIndustries NH-90

Aéroespatiale Alouette III

Eurocopter FENNEC

With regard to naval platforms:-

Missile silo protection for frigates of the Turkish Navy

Superstructure protection for frigates and corvettes of the German, Malaysian and South African Navies

Armouring of Saudi Arabian Coast Guard vessels

Fast patrol boat and interceptor boat armouring in partnership with shipyards in Europe, India, Malaysia and the Middle East

Ballistic protection of motor yachts for private clients

 

[illusion8]

@Dillinger,

The Indian Army's F-INSAS goals

The overarching goals of the F-INSAS programme, which took shape in 2007 after several years of planning, combine a host of soldier-mounted technologies with the aim of creating a new generation of Indian infantry with better communications, lethality, survivability and situational awareness.

The F-INSAS roadmap, laid out by Indian defence officials at the project's outset, 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.
"We have put in place an action plan to modernise the armed forces in all dimensions," said India's now former chief of army staff Joginder Jaswant Singh back in 2007.

"A project, code-named F-INSAS, has been taken up to train futuristic soldiers, equipped with latest weaponry, communication network and instant access to information on the battlefield. In my view, the next war will be won by the side that is adept at high technology with all-weather fighting capability."

Innovative rifle development

The cornerstone and first stage of the F-INSAS project is the development or procurement of a new standard-issue armament to replace the ageing INSAS (Indian small arms system) rifle.

To replace the INSAS, the Indian Army wants to develop or acquire a new modular, multicalibre suite of weapons. The primary weapon is planned to be a rifle capable of firing 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition with a new 6.8mm under-development. This first stage alone will reportedly cost up to Rs250bn ($5bn).

As well as interchangeable barrels, the new rifle would also incorporate an under-barrel grenade launcher able to launch air-burst grenades, as well as thermal optics and a laser range finder. Other weapons proposed for the system include a close-quarter battle (CQB) carbine and a specialised sniper rifle.

Hi-tech equipment and accessories

In the later stages of the programme, the Indian Army intends to complement its new weapon platforms with a range of high-tech equipment for its infantry soldiers.

This equipment includes a new helmet with mounted thermal sensors and night vision, as well as cameras and chemical and biological sensors. The helmet will have an integrated visor with a heads-up display (HUD) capable of outputting images with the equivalent space of two 17-inch computer screens.

Other proposed accessories include a full battle-suit with a bullet-proof and waterproof jacket, health sensors and even solar charging devices.

This kind of personal energy generation could be used to power the soldier's HUD and sensor systems, as well as a wrist-mounted Palmtop GPS system that will be used to increase battlefield awareness and act as a networked messaging system between battalions and their commanders.

This in a nutshell is India's F-INSAS program

As for the partners involved in the program..

RFI's have been issued for both the AR and the carbine, regarding the other components

One of the major talking points of F-INSAS's early stages was the government's desire to assign the development of the different aspects of the soldier systems to India's own expertise as much as possible, relying on domestic companies and public defence organisations like the Ordnance Factory Board and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) rather than foreign defence contractors from the US or Europe.
"Indian industry has demonstrated its capabilities in the fields of information technology and other core sectors and the army expects it to achieve excellence in defence technology, too," said J.J. Singh's chief of army staff successor Deepak Kapoor in 2007.
Indeed, picture evidence from military events seems to show that Indian companies like Tata Advanced Materials and Tata subsidiary Nelco are working on various parts of F-INSAS equipment and accessories, from night vision goggles and body armour to personal power packs.
It should be noted, however, that no official confirmation of these contracts by either companies or the government has been published.

 

[Ayush]

A private firm, which wants to bid for supply of bulletproof jackets to the state police force, has approached the Bombay high court challenging the government’s move to blacklist it ahead of the fresh bidding process.


MKU Private Limited approached court claiming that the government was deliberately trying to avoid its bid even though it is the lowest.

A division bench of justice S Vazifdar and justice MR Bhatkar on Wednesday posted the company’s petition for further hearing on March 7, after finding that the decision on blacklisting it was yet to be taken.

Government pleader Dhairyasheel Nalawade submitted that during the 26/11 attacks, the bulletproof jackets failed to protect police personnel, and therefore, last year the government floated the tender to procure new jackets.

Nalawade said in November 2012, when technical bids were opened, it was found that only one bidder cleared the ballistic specifications, and therefore extended tenders are invited and a government notification to that effect will be issued on Thursday.

He also informed the court that the special inspector general of police (provision) had on August 3, 2012, forwarded a proposal to the government for blacklisting the petitioner company and a decision on it would be taken in due course.


Firm seeks HC help to bid for bulletproof vests - Hindustan Times
@Dillinger @Koovie this article is one month old..

 

[illusion8]

The Indian Army is in the final stages of choosing a 5.56mm/7.62mm rifle to replace the standard INSAS 5.56mm rifle, the basic infantry weapon. “We want a rifle with new, modern features,” an infantry officer told The Sunday Standard.

The new rifle will be chosen from six offered by five foreign manufacturers— American Colt, Italian Beretta, Swiss Sig Sauer, Czech Ceska, and Israeli Weapons Industry (IWI). The rifle will have two inter-changeable barrels for 5.56 mm and 7.62mm calibres. While 5.56mm will be the primary barrel, the 7.62mm, the same as Kalashnikov calibre, will be used only in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operation sectors of Jammu and Kashmir and the North-east. The two barrels will be issued to the soldier, who would change them in the field according to his peace or operations posting. Otherwise, one of the two barrels will be mothballed and kept in the sector stores for use in times of need. The Indian Army is looking at initially buying 65,000 of these rifles at a cost of Rs 4,850 crore and plans its first induction by the middle of 2014. Through a transfer of technology, the Indian ordnance factories will manufacture another 1,40,000 rifles.

The second weapon for which tenders have been issued is the close quarter battle carbines. Initially, the Indian Army will be buying 43,000 of one of the carbines offered by Beretta, Colt, Sig Sauer and IWI at a proposed cost of Rs 3,200 crore. These will be inducted in early 2014. Another, 1,20,000 carbines of the chosen company will be licence-manufactured by the OFB.

The Indian Army is formulating qualitative requirements for two other weapons—a 5.56mm Light Machine Gun, and sniper rifles—now, and the tender will be issued shortly. The INSAS LMG in use now has a range of 700 metres and weighs 6.23 kg. The requirement for the new LMG is a range up to 1,000 metres. The weapon will be lightweight and be more lethal, officers said. This weapon too will be imported initially and later manufactured in India through technology transfer.

The sniper rifle in use with the Indian Army at present is the 1963-vintage Dragunov. But its ammunition is not manufactured by the OFB in India and needs to be bought from abroad frequently. It has a 800-metre range without a tripod and a fixed sighting system without magnification. The new sniper weapon would have a tripod to provide it stability, have a range of 1,000 metres with a sight variable magnification fitted to provide the sniper better accuracy.

http://newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/article1381326.ece

 

[kaykay]

nice information @illusion8 ....

 

[IND151]

Any future soldier soldier system has various components.


A) Protection:- light BPJ's and camouflage (active or passive). We have grown accustomed to seeing our foot soldiers and the venerable jawan go forth to their duties wearing the ridiculously overweight and cumbersome regulation bpj:-

The narrative seems to suggest that we have no in house and in manufacture certified bpj solutions available. Now many of the posters here will be aware of the following picture.

The above illustrates some of the possible components of our future soldier system:- the bpj and the ballistic helmets have been designed and manufacture by a company called MKU(P) LTD which happens to be an Indian company, with its own established R&D unit in country and production units in Kanpur and Germany.

Let us look at systems that are currently on offer by Indian companies.

The following are some of the products on offer by them:-

Their bpjs have been awarded the NIJ 0101.06 certification by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), USA for a range of advanced soft armour panels and panel configurations. These panels demonstrate enhanced durability, protection and reliability even after prolonged usage and are available within a 7 year warranty.


1) Instavest:-

The vest has a quick release system which is found on the spear cut armor carriers sold by BAE(CIRAS) or DBT(Predator) which are in active use with USSOCOM. Comparable weight characteristics to light weight armor carriers. Its a comfortable fit and I had the opportunity to handle it myself- light as hell even at the level-3a variant.

2) JMU XIVA

Design Features:- Inner waist belt for balanced weight distribution, Front & rear pockets for upgradation of protection levels with Armour Plates, Comprehensive coverage area including upper arm, Enhanced protection at sides and under arms, M.O.L.L.E. compatible, Detachable collar, groin, upper arm & neck.

Protection Level:- NIJ Level III A, Upgradeable to level III and IV with Armour Plates.


Ballistic helmets from MKU:-

Paratrooper Helmet :-

Advanced Combat (ACH)

Keep in mind that the above have been picked from a listing of many more products that MKU offers. These are the sampling from just one Indian MSE, there are many more, these companies have a global reach and are already catering to global demands.

MKU :: Manufacturers of Defence, Armed Forces and Paramilitary Solutions


The above is the protection segment. I will continue my post later with with details regarding home grown solutions and systems on offer through JVs in the area of night vision devices and secured and encrypted personal communication devices, 2 areas which have formed a critical part of any future soldier program being pursued across the world.

@samantk @Ayush @KRAIT @arp2041 @Abingdonboy @Koovie @illusion8 @IND151- comments and contributions would evoke much gratitude from this side.

thanks for info

@Dillinger,

The Indian Army's F-INSAS goals

The overarching goals of the F-INSAS programme, which took shape in 2007 after several years of planning, combine a host of soldier-mounted technologies with the aim of creating a new generation of Indian infantry with better communications, lethality, survivability and situational awareness.

The F-INSAS roadmap, laid out by Indian defence officials at the project's outset, 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.
"We have put in place an action plan to modernise the armed forces in all dimensions," said India's now former chief of army staff Joginder Jaswant Singh back in 2007.

"A project, code-named F-INSAS, has been taken up to train futuristic soldiers, equipped with latest weaponry, communication network and instant access to information on the battlefield. In my view, the next war will be won by the side that is adept at high technology with all-weather fighting capability."

Innovative rifle development

The cornerstone and first stage of the F-INSAS project is the development or procurement of a new standard-issue armament to replace the ageing INSAS (Indian small arms system) rifle.

To replace the INSAS, the Indian Army wants to develop or acquire a new modular, multicalibre suite of weapons. The primary weapon is planned to be a rifle capable of firing 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition with a new 6.8mm under-development. This first stage alone will reportedly cost up to Rs250bn ($5bn).

As well as interchangeable barrels, the new rifle would also incorporate an under-barrel grenade launcher able to launch air-burst grenades, as well as thermal optics and a laser range finder. Other weapons proposed for the system include a close-quarter battle (CQB) carbine and a specialised sniper rifle.

Hi-tech equipment and accessories

In the later stages of the programme, the Indian Army intends to complement its new weapon platforms with a range of high-tech equipment for its infantry soldiers.

This equipment includes a new helmet with mounted thermal sensors and night vision, as well as cameras and chemical and biological sensors. The helmet will have an integrated visor with a heads-up display (HUD) capable of outputting images with the equivalent space of two 17-inch computer screens.

Other proposed accessories include a full battle-suit with a bullet-proof and waterproof jacket, health sensors and even solar charging devices.

This kind of personal energy generation could be used to power the soldier's HUD and sensor systems, as well as a wrist-mounted Palmtop GPS system that will be used to increase battlefield awareness and act as a networked messaging system between battalions and their commanders.

This in a nutshell is India's F-INSAS program

As for the partners involved in the program..

RFI's have been issued for both the AR and the carbine, regarding the other components

thanks for the information