Army to Upgrade Mechanized Infantry: Night-Fighting Gear, Anti-drone Weapons

New Delhi: India’s mechanized infantry is on the limit of a large transformation with the military establishing an energetic rhythm to prepare its imperative battle arm with a scope of new native capacities going from futuristic vehicles, missile frameworks, and night-battling stuff to loitering weapons, anti-drone weapons, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) stages, authorities following the military’s modernization said on Sunday.

The extensive guide for its modernization looks to change the motorized infantry into a more deadly, nimble, and coordinated force fit for conveying a quick and compelling reaction in the fight, expressed one of the authorities referred to above, asking not to be named.

The Indian Army’s motorized infantry units, equipped with the solid Soviet-time BMP-II land and/or water capable battle vehicles, have played a pivotal impact in reinforcing the military’s battle act against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army during the ongoing, tense standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

The flexible battle arm brings to fight a safeguarded infantry part straightforwardly upheld by the capability of its indispensable battle vehicles.

Framing the center of the overarching capacity upgrade plan – dovetailed with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” methodology – is the supplanting of the BMP-IIs with 480 locally evolved futuristic infantry combat vehicles (FICVs) for which government endorsement will be looked for in practically no time, said a subsequent authority, who likewise asked not to be recognized.

“The military will look for the defense acquisition council’s acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the FICVs at the earliest. We are at the same time chasing after modernization plans for tracked and wheeled vehicles. A couple of endorsements have previously come,” the subsequent authority added.

The defense acquisition council (DAC), led by the defense minister, is India’s peak weapons obtainment body, and under the country’s protection procurement rules, its AoN is the first step towards purchasing or developing military equipment.

The military has previously gotten endorsements for the Nag missile system (NAMIS) for observation and backing battalions (13 Nag missile carriers and 293 rockets), 177 infantry battle vehicles, and 105 wheeled armored battling vehicles to supplant Soviet-origin BRDM surveillance vehicles and 1080 anti-tank guided rockets said a third authority on the state of secrecy.

Additionally, on the mechanized infantry’s list of things to get are wheeled infantry battle vehicles for standard brigades and light armored multi-purpose vehicles with upgraded versatility and protection for reconnaissance platoons that as of now utilize the Maruti Gypsy.

The modernization drive will upgrade the motorized infantry’s portability and adequacy, and help India’s abilities along the northern borders with China, said previous Western Army commander lieutenant general (retd.) RP Singh.

“Injecting contemporary technologies at a swift pace will help exploit the capabilities of this man-machine combination…otherwise the arm is just a battle taxi. Even Pakistan is upgrading its mechanized forces. We can’t be left behind,” Singh added.

“A threat cum capability-based modernization approach is being sought after with the securing of contemporary, versatile, and niche technology, which is interoperable with other battle arms. The modernization drive is totally in sync with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat drive,” the third authority said.

Ability improvement of existing military equipment with overhauls for night fighting, lethality, and ISR frameworks shapes a significant component of the modernization exertion.

“Enhanced night fighting capacity is the main concern. The emphasis is on a comprehensive solution for the gunner’s main sight, commander panoramic sight, fire control framework, automatic target tracker and laser range finder. The new gear will enhance the night vision capability of the driver and commander too,” said a fourth authority.

Upgrading the capability of mechanized infantry units is covered under the arrangement, and is a work underway.

This is being done through third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missiles, canister-launched loiter munition systems integrated on the BMP-II chassis, anti-drone capability, and integrated surveillance and targeting systems, the officials said.

“ISR capability is being strengthened with mini unmanned aerial vehicles, see-through armor for better situational awareness, autonomous combat vehicles, and artificial intelligence-based integrated surveillance, detection, and engagement systems,” said the first official.

India’s mechanized powers – the automated infantry and reinforced corps – are additionally drafting swarm drone frameworks carrying out offensive missions in hostile areas with scores of drones working in arrangements to recognize, encompass and strike targets.