Armed Forces Get Indigenous Equipment
Asia News Agency
Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh Aug. 16 handed over indigenously-developed equipment and systems to the Indian Army. These include Future Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS), new generation anti-personnel mine ‘Nipun’, rugged and automatic communication system with enhanced capabilities, upgraded sights system for tanks and advanced thermal imagers.
State-of-the art high mobility Infantry Protected Vehicles and Assault Boats were virtually handed over by the defence minister enabling the troops deployed along the borders to respond to any challenge in a befitting manner. The equipment/systems have been jointly developed by Indian Army in collaboration with Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Industry, in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to modernise the Armed Forces, under the ‘Aatmanirbharta Bharat Abhiyan’.
Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that the equipment and systems will enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Army and increase their efficiency. It is a shining example of the country’s growing self-reliance prowess, in partnership with the private sector and other institutions, he said.
The defence minister asserted that the infrastructural needs of the Armed Forces are increasing with constantly-changing times. He called for infrastructural development based on latest technology to help the Armed Forces remain prepared to deal with future challenges. He urged the Armed Forces to strive for excellence and continue dedicating themselves towards Nation Building.
The equipment and systems handed over to the Indian Army include Future Infantry Soldier as a System; Anti-Personnel mine ‘Nipun’; Hand Held Thermal Imager (Uncooled); Commander Thermal Imaging Sight for T-90 tank; Downlink Equipment with Recording Facility; Semi Ruggedised Automatic Exchange System Mk-II; Upgraded Radio Relay (Frequency Hopping); Solar Photovoltaic Energy Project; Landing Craft Assault (LCA); Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV); Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (Medium);
On the occasion, the defence minister also unveiled Scales of Accommodation (SoA) 2022, which provides authorisation for construction facilities for operational, functional, training, administrative, living and recreation for the Defence Services. The SoA 2022 is in line with the government policies and vision like Swachh Bharat, Sugamya Bharat, Digital India, Green Buildings, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, Reduction of Carbon Footprint Promotion of Yoga and Fit India.
Rajnath Singh asserted that with the implementation of SoA 2022, there would be tremendous improvement in facilities/infrastructure and specifications commensurate to contemporary requirements and will further improve the working and living conditions for the defence personnel including civilians. He described SoA 2022 as a testament to the hard work and dedication of MES.
Rajnath Singh also launched a series of e-Governance applications to foster transparency, build efficiency and unlock the latent productivity of Military Engineer Services (MES). These include those on budget management, product approval, contracts, scrutiny of works and their status and an electronic cash book. "ERP software is playing an important role in the development of various industries and increasing the efficiency of institutions. The portals and applications launched today will increase the work efficiency of MES and save time. It is a crucial effort towards effective e-governance," he said.
Furthering the 'Digital India' mission, the Raksha Mantri launched 198 video modules which touch upon the wide knowledge base on relevant subjects of latest construction techniques, sustainable technologies, and new trends in infrastructure development. These illustrative videos will be telecast over educational television channel of ‘Vande Gujarat’ under the aegis of Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Research and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N). Rajnath Singh appreciated the fact that these videos will be uploaded on the internet as well and help the people at large.
(Courtesy: Defence.Capital)
