More than 20 local drone manufacturers reportedly participated in the test, showcasing cutting-edge solutions as part of the Him-Drone-A-Thon 2 event, launched in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The trial took place at a mountain pass in Ladakh, which stands at 17,300 feet (5,250 meters), one of the highest in the world.

#AtmanirbharBharat

HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is being organised at Wari La Pass, Ladakh on 17-18 September 2024 at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. The event offers an exclusive platform for over 20 drone manufacturers to showcase a spectrum of drone solutions designed for… pic.twitter.com/jeD2vBZVc0

— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) September 17, 2024

According to reports, the participating drones performed surveillance, logistics, swarming, and first-person view operations, demonstrating their ability to withstand extreme conditions along India’s mountainous borders.

“Drone technology is becoming indispensable in modern warfare, and we are leveraging its potential to not only secure our borders but also position India as a global leader in this field,” an army official noted.

The Indian Army did not disclose the specific drones or manufacturers involved in the demonstration.

‘Year of Technology Absorption’

India has declared 2024 as a “Year of Technology Absorption,” streamlining the development, acquisition, and integration of emerging technologies into legacy systems.

The country seeks to employ autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology to prepare for modern warfare.

New Delhi currently faces increasing tensions with China and Pakistan, stemming from territorial disputes and geopolitical rivalries.

The Him-Drone-A-Thon 2 event provided the Indian Army with an opportunity to identify promising technological solutions, which could be procured to aid border operations.

Its collaboration with the FICCI also fostered a culture of homegrown technological advancement, part of the country’s “Make in India” initiative.

“HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is a forward-looking initiative that reflects the army’s recognition of the immense potential for drones to enhance operational capabilities in difficult terrains,” an army spokesperson said.

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A total of 10 capital acquisition proposals received acceptance of necessity from the council, marking the beginning of the procurement process.

Defence Acquisition Council cleared 10 capital acquisition proposals today, worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore, to enhance defence preparedness of the country.@giridhararamane pic.twitter.com/9RI1Dpvqk7

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 3, 2024

Among the most important defense items that received approval are the Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV), which are expected to modernize the Indian Army’s tank fleet.

The futuristic vehicles will reportedly offer superior mobility and multi-layered protection to withstand the challenges of modern warfare.

Furthermore, the plan to acquire air defense radars for detection and tracking of aerial targets has been approved by DAC.

A Multi-Domain Investment

The multibillion-dollar investment is a strategic move for New Delhi as it pushes to bolster its land, air, and naval capabilities.

Apart from the FRCV, the country will buy Forward Repair Team tracked vehicles to provide in-field repairs during mechanized operations.

India is also making multiple investments in its navy, including the procurement of Next-Generation Fast Patrol Vessels and Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for long-range missions in challenging sea conditions.

For the air force, DAC has greenlighted the purchase of Dornier-228 aircraft to support special missions.

While the council did not disclose the exact number of assets or their costs, it stated that 99 percent of the items will be procured domestically to support the “Make in India” initiative.

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The order builds on an initial agreement signed in 2019 for 72,400 weapons, increasing the service’s SIG716 stock to 145,400. About 10,000 were delivered to the army’s northern command the same year.

The latest procurement’s approval in December 2023 came shortly after a standoff at India and China’s Himalayan border.

Meanwhile, New Delhi revealed that the guns will be utilized for counter-terrorism and related missions in Jammu and Kashmir, where Muslim and Hindu militants continue to clash over territorial claims.

Continued Frontline Support

The SIG716 is a 7.62 NATO-standard assault weapon based on the New Hampshire company’s proven SIG516 design.

It has a 16-inch barrel, an advanced attachment system for modern accessories, and a six-position telescoping stock for enhanced shooting control.

“We are proud to be a partner in the modernization effort of the Indian Army, and prouder still that the SIG716 rifle achieves the Ministry of Defence’s modernization goals with the second largest army in the world,” SIG Sauer President and CEO Ron Cohen stated.

“Since the initial fielding of the SIG716, we have received phenomenal end-user feedback on the performance and reliability of the platform.”

“Throughout this time, we have strengthened and further solidified our partnership with the Indian Ministry of Defence and are honored to earn their continued trust equipping their frontline infantrymen.”

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The country’s Defence Acquisition Council led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently accorded the acceptance of necessity, which is the initial step in the procurement process.

The ALNS Mk-II works by providing army units aboard armored vehicles with “highly-accurate” navigational guidance when traversing paths or following military coordinates.

It boasts high levels of encryption to prevent spoofing – a deceptive practice wherein fake signals are sent to the receiver to mislead the vehicle about its actual location.

According to a statement from the defense ministry, the system is compatible with the existing Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System that uses the Indian Constellation.

It can also work alongside America’s Global Positioning System (GPS) and Russia’s Global Navigation Satellite System.

The ministry has not disclosed the cost of the planned purchase.

Three Modes

The ALNS Mk-II uses an advanced gyroscope that helps measure a vehicle’s orientation and angular velocity, aiding in precise navigation.

It works efficiently, even in areas without distinct landmarks.

The system’s most unusual feature is its ability to operate in three modes: Inertial Mode, Hybrid Mode, and GPS Mode.

In Inertial Mode, the ALNS Mk-II relies entirely on data from inertial sensors, eliminating the need for accelerometers and gyroscopes.

In Hybrid Mode, the system uses data from both an inertial sensor and a GPS receiver to accurately calculate navigational parameters.

Lastly, an armored vehicle with the ALNS Mk-II in GPS Mode relies solely on GPS to function and does not need data from inertial sensors.

The post India to Make Armored Vehicles ‘Spoof-Proof’ With Navigation System Purchase appeared first on The Defense Post.

The vehicle should be able to safely transport various types of ammunition for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

It should also help reduce the risk of fire and other accidents that could lead to unwanted loss of life.

According to the army, which is leading the joint procurement, the potential solution would have to undergo field evaluation trials before official deployment.

The selected vendor will also be required to supply spare parts and other associated services throughout the service life of the winning platform.

An official request for information is expected to be released soon.

Increased Efficiency, Interoperability

An Indian military official explained that each service practices a common explosive segregation strategy.

But when it comes to transporting live ammo, he said the three major branches are individually utilizing their own platforms, risking handling safety requirements.

“This also led to increased logistics costs due to multiple redundancies,” he told local media outlets.

With the common explosives vehicle, the military is hoping for enhanced interoperability, which would contribute to improved operational preparedness.

The vehicle is also expected to boost the functional efficiency of army, navy, and air force units, as well as optimize repair and maintenance processes.

“Procuring a platform jointly for the three services will also lead to reduced inventory, optimize repair infrastructure, and less storage space,” another official said. “There will be an enhanced flexibility as being a common platform.”

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Muslim-majority Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, and the disputed northern territory has suffered an uptick in attacks in the past two months.

The Indian army’s 16 Corps said security forces had launched an operation Monday evening in Doda district.

“Contact with terrorists was established… heavy firefight ensued,” it said in a statement. “Initial reports suggest injuries to our bravehearts.”

The army gave no further details of casualties, and there was no official confirmation of deaths.

But Indian media widely reported five soldiers had been “critically” wounded, and the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported on Tuesday that four later died of their wounds.

The army said “additional troops” had been brought in.

“Operations are continuing,” it added.

The clashes come a day after the Indian army killed three suspected militants in Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday.

India and Pakistan both claim Kashmir in full and have fought multiple conflicts for control of the Himalayan region.

New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of stoking militancy and espionage to undermine each other.

Rebel groups have waged an insurgency since 1989, demanding independence for the territory or its merger with Pakistan.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers, and rebels.

Earlier this month, gunmen killed five soldiers after ambushing an army convoy, and two other soldiers and six suspected militants were killed in separate clashes.

In June, nine Indian Hindu pilgrims were killed and dozens wounded when a gunman opened fire on a bus carrying them from a shrine in the southern Reasi area.

It was one of the deadliest attacks in years and the first on Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir since 2017, when gunmen killed seven people in another ambush on a bus.

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According to an official statement, the armored vehicle got stuck in the Shyok River due to suddenly rising water.

Rescue teams rushed to the location, but the high current caused the rescue mission to fail.

“Indian Army regrets loss of five brave personnel while being operationally deployed in eastern Ladakh,” the Army’s 14 Corps said.

The tank and its crew were participating in military training near the Line of Actual Control that divides India and China.

‘Unfortunate Accident’

The tank involved in the fatal incident was a Russian-origin T-72, according to local media outlets.

It was engaged in fording, a maneuver by amphibious vehicles to cross water obstacles that are usually several meters deep.

It is common for some military vehicles to be fully submerged in the water, but investigations revealed that the sunken T-72 suddenly drifted and lost its track while crossing the river.

Last Saturday, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to express his sympathy for the fallen soldiers.

He called the incident “unfortunate” and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

“We will never forget [the] exemplary service of our gallant soldiers to the nation,” he wrote. “The nation stands firm with them during this hour of grief.”

Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while getting the tank across a river in Ladakh.

We will never forget exemplary service of our gallant soldiers to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 29, 2024

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Called the Sirin Hexadrone, the cutting-edge platform was presented during an integrated small arms firing event for the service’s Western Command.

It features advanced target detection and classification algorithms, which aid in carrying out precision strikes.

Additionally, the drone has encrypted communications to withstand enemy jamming and spoofing attempts.

With a flight endurance of up to 45 minutes, the Sirin can provide continuous surveillance and real-time intelligence gathering.

Its 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) payload capacity also enables it to accommodate an array of armaments — from small arms to grenades and mortars — to adapt to various combat scenarios.

#OnPathToTransformation#GOC #VajraCorps witnessed integrated small arms firing with #HexaCopter and newly inducted weapons. Seamless #absorption of #technology to ensure future battle ready.
@adgpi pic.twitter.com/Zg3vwy2hXn

— Western Command – Indian Army (@westerncomd_IA) May 11, 2024

‘Monumental Leap Forward’

Developed by Ikran Aerospace and Technologies, the Sirin Hexadrone boasts a lightweight design and robust capabilities that reportedly make it an ideal platform for demanding applications.

It operates quietly and efficiently, thanks to its environmentally friendly electric propulsion system.

Its main objective is to reduce soldier fatalities and bolster military capabilities.

The company said that the hexacopter drone pushes the boundaries of aerospace innovation to safeguard India’s sovereignty and ensure peace and security.

It also reportedly represents a monumental leap forward in defense technology, further solidifying its role as a force multiplier on today’s battlefield.

“As a veteran soldier and entrepreneur, my mission has always been twofold: to give back to the organization that shaped me and to innovate in ways that could potentially save lives,” Ikran official Vidul Kelshikar said. “It’s a challenge I wholeheartedly embrace.”

The post Indian Army Introduces Hexacopter Drone Armed With Machine Gun appeared first on The Defense Post.

The potentially 4,800 crore Indian rupees ($580 million) project includes the production of 200 launchers and 1,200 missiles by a Hyderabad-based public sector company and a Pune-based private firm, Asian News International revealed, citing sources.

A majority of the launchers would go to the Indian Army and a smaller number to the Indian Air Force, the outlet added. Similarly, the army would receive 700 missiles and the air force the remaining 500.

Another VSHORAD Project

In parallel, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation is working on a VSHORAD project with Indian private sector partners Adani Defence and I-Comm.

The laser-guided system has already been tested on a tripod and efforts are underway to miniaturize it into a shoulder-fired weapon, according to Asian News International. 

A total of 500 indigenous VSHORAD launchers and 3,000 missiles are expected to be procured by the Indian Army in the coming years, according to the outlet.

To Replace Russian Igla

The projects intend to replace the over three-decade-old Russian Igla-M man portable air defense system, which completed its service life in 2013.

India is also considering reviving a scrapped project to procure a large number of Igla’s latest variant, the Igla-S.

The army and air force bought 96 of the Igla-S as an emergency measure in 2020 to plug a critical capability gap.

The post Indian Army Greenlights Local VSHORAD Development Project appeared first on The Defense Post.

Senior army leaders proposed the initiative during the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi earlier this month.

The proposed force is similar to the aggressor red team concept used by other militaries, in which a unit is tasked with studying how the enemy moves and then represents them in training exercises.

It aims to provide a realistic wargaming experience for soldiers to boost their combat capabilities.

Typically, the Indian Army forms a red team from within the force in all combat training, a practice that reportedly does not challenge troops enough.

“To ensure realistic wargaming and training, the feasibility of creating a tailor-made organization to function as an adversarial force will be explored,” according to the Indian defense ministry.

Army Restructuring

In addition to creating an adversarial force, the Indian Army plans to expand its Army Design Bureau (ADB) by establishing cells at the command level.

The organization will be tasked with developing, inducting, and absorbing future technologies for new army equipment in line with the country’s “Make in India” initiative.

At present, the ADB operates at the headquarters level, which means all technological solutions are centrally located in the capital.

Establishing ADB cells at the command level would enable better brainstorming of new ideas regionally.

Lastly, the army is looking to create test-bed brigades that will be specially tasked with trying out new equipment for the service.

The new formations will help ensure improved efficiency and continuity of weapons trials, according to the ministry.

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