Indian Army wants indigenous high-tech equipment for J&K terror ops
Faced with an intensifying militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has unveiled a wish-list for indigenously-manufactured high-tech equipment. This includes, sensor-based ballistic body shields, lightweight body armour and a robotic surveillance system. The wish-list was disclosed in a presentation. It's aimed at preparing army personnel, who have suffered losses, against the changing nature of conflict from insurgency to hybrid warfare.
Why does the army needs lightweight body armor?
Currently, the bullet-resistant jackets being used by jawans are heavy and provide insufficient protection. The army is seeking lightweight body armor. It also wants a sensor-based protection system which contains a ballistic helmet, body suit and ballistic shoes. Besides providing protection, the suit would give jawans vital inputs to better deal with a situation. The ballistic shoes will protect a soldier's legs and feet.
Army: Protective gear for troops the need of the hour
"The present and future concepts of conflict and challenges faced by a soldier calls for a lighter battle load," the army presentation said. Protective gear for soldiers is the need of the hour. Army personnel face threats from low, medium and high velocity projectiles, particularly during counter-terrorism. Lightweight body armour should provide protection up to 10m against AK-47 rounds and 5m against 9mm carbines.
Camera-equipped robots to help better plan counter-terror apps
The army has also expressed interest in acquiring a robotics surveillance platform to provide real-time inputs of areas where refugees have taken refuge. This robot which would be fitted with a camera providing improving situational awareness in the day and night. Crucially, it would help army personnel plan counter-insurgency operations before being pressed into action.
