India is a country that believes in peace and prosperity, in economic development and being progressive in general. However, with world politics being unpredictable and hinting towards major armed conflicts, with having Pakistan and China as neighbours, India needs to strengthen it’s Army’s operational readiness in any kind of military conflicts and operation.
Our major threat is from Pakistan promoted terrorist activities due to which counter terrorism operational readiness is of utmost importance. Ministry of Defence has concluded thirteen contracts under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism where procurement of military equipments can be fast tracked.
These contracts, amounting to INR 1981.90 Cr, have been finalised against an overall sanctioned amount of INR 2000 Cr for the Indian Army. These procurements will enhance situational awareness, tactical readiness, mobility and protection for the troops deployed in counter terrorism environments.
Key equipment being procured includes:
Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS) - These systems have integrated technologies to detect, track, identify and neutralise unauthorised drones in the airspace
Low Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR) - Low lying aerials like suicide drones and small aircrafts are the new weapons in the modern warfare, which are difficult to track and can cause much damage. LLLRs are used to these low flying aerial threats.
Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS)- Launchers and Missiles - These are ground based weapon systems that can engage and destroy aerial threats from a short distance and close ranges providing immediate air defence.
Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs) - These are aircrafts controlled from a remote location. These can be used for reconnaissance missions, surveillance and sometimes even offensive operations.
Loitering Munitions, including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) systems - These systems include drones which are equipped with warheads, can loiter over an enemy area to assess targets and then hit with precision, offering flexible launch, operation and recovery.
Various categories of drones - Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, which are sophisticated military grade and can be used for diverse operations.
Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs) - Bullet proof jackets are designed to protect the torso of the person by absorbing the energy of the projectiles, deterring bullets and fragments of blasts.
Ballistic Helmets - These are head wears designed to protect the wearer from direct bullets or fragments of blasts.
Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) – Heavy and Medium - These are armoured vehicles which are designed for rapid movement and deployment in combat areas for engagement.
Night Sights for Rifles - These are operational devices which are attached to the rifles to enhance night time vision. This enhances target visibility and acquisition in low light or night time conditions with accuracy. These can work on various technologies like amplifying available light or thermal imaging.
These emergency procurements of defence equipments reflect the Indian government’s commitment to equip the Indian Army with modern, mission-critical and completely indigenous systems to meet emerging security challenges.
