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In This Issue >> LEAD STORY Photograph: ADGPI / Twitter Page 3 The Ultimate Arm – Infantry

Indian history of warfare is heavily dominated by the infantry. History abounds with exemplary bravery of Infantry men. The magnitude of contribution in various wars conveys the indispensability of Infantry. Lt General Dushyant Singh (Retd) Page 5 The Infantry and its Regimental System The various infantry regiments are rooted in an identity based on ethnicity and geographical grouping together of soldiers from similar backgrounds and who speak the same or similar language or dialects Lt General Pradeep Bali (Retd) Page 6 Role of Infantry – Chinese Aggression in Ladakh Not many would be aware of the risks and tribulations, the soldiers face in difficult areas of Ladakh including in the Siachen Glacier area and the Saltoro range aside from the biting cold and India maintains one of the largest infantry in the world due to the unresolved land borders and the internal strife of insurgency and terrorism inhospitable terrain Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 8 The Dire Need for Indian FICV Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) Infantry: Future Trajectory Page 8 FICV for Indian Army and Restructuring

The geopolitics of South Asia and expansionist neighbours necessitates India to maintain a large standing army with primarily a ground holding role. It is therefore logical that the bulk of this army comprises of Infantry, which can effectively hold The FICV were earlier planned to be ground, physically defend territory and restore any adverse situation. inducted into the Army in year 2025 but looking at the current state of affairs, induction may be prolonged easily by few more years  Lt General Pradeep Bali (Retd) adversary. Along the western borders, the prises of Infantry, which can effectively Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) IB extends from the Rann of Kutch till hold ground, physically defend territory ndia, the largest democracy in Akhnoor, with false claims by Pakistan and restore any adverse situation created Page 10 the world, is a responsible and respected in the Sir Creek area. Further north till locally. Infantry has the ability to operate Inducting New Light Tanks country in the international comity of Siachen is the hotly contested Line of Con- on varied terrain and can be deployed in The strategic prudence lies in exploiting nations. It has no extra-territorial ambi- country’s own bandwidth to equip our trol (LoC) and finally the Actual Ground Siachen as well as Sir Creek depending on armed forces with indigenous light tank tions and is not a revisionist power, only Position Line (AGPL) at the Glacier itself. the contingency. Added to this is the com- Icommitted to ensuring peace and tranquil- In sum, India has largely unsettled borders mitment of the army on internal security which will transmit a far stronger message of indigenously equipped self-reliant nation lity on its borders and defending its territo- where mostly an uneasy situation prevails duties, mainly for counter-insurgency and Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) rial integrity. Unfortunately, the geo-politics which flares up unexpectedly. In recent counter-terrorism. This once again is an of South Asia and expansionist and revi- years and months, the ongoing tensions infantry-centric deployment. Plus sionist neighbours, make it imperative for along the LoC have been overshadowed by To be a great power India needs to The M134D Dillon Aero Gatling India to actively safeguard its territory. the highly tense situation along the LAC in invest not only in arms and services other Gun System 7 SP’s Correspondent Along the northern borders, from Ladakh. than the Infantry, but also in its navy and Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh to Diphu Pass This state of affairs necessitates India air force. However, the unresolved land Loitering Munitions - Meeting in Arunachal, stretches the Line of Actual to maintain a large standing army with borders and the internal strife of insur- the Challenge of Time-Sensitive Targets 9 Control (LAC), with areas of differing per- primarily a ground holding role. It is there- gency and terrorism, aided and abetted News in Brief / Appointments 11 ceptions and unfounded claims by our fore logical that the bulk of this army com- by inimical neighbours, can only be taken

5/2020 SP’s Land Forces 1 >> LEAD STORY

Indian Army just celebrated the In the next article, the au- On January 26, 2020, Chief the army has been given the Infantry Day on October 27. This thor Lt General Dushyant Singh of the Army Staff, General go-ahead for priority purchase was the day in 1947, soon after (Retd) traces the saga of valour Naravane stated that Army is of a light tank which is suit- independence, when troops of and sacrifice of the Indian Infan- making efforts to push it’s 10 year- able for mountains and 2S25M Indian Infantry landed in Srinagar try and suggests that the mod- old plan to acquire 2,600 Future Sprut-SDM1 of Russian origin to defend India from the invad- ernisation of the Infantry should Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV) has been short listed. It appears ing tribals who were supported be taken on priority. for the Indian Army at a cost of that due the churning in Ladakh, by the Pakistan Army. Thus this In another article, Lt General around `60,000 crore (about $8 modernisation of infantry includ- issue is dedicated to the brave Bali explains the Regimental Sys- billion) by 2026-27.Thus there ing mechanised infantry may be soldiers of the India Infantry who tem and how the various infantry are articles by Lt General P.C. accelerated and hope that it is have made the ultimate sacri- regiments are rooted in an iden- Katoch and by Lt General J.K. not shelved as soon as situation fices while bravely defending tity based on ethnicity and geo- Sharma (Retd) on the twists and returns to normal. India’s borders and are currently graphical grouping together of turns of the decade old FICV As usual this issue winds up facing the China’s PLA on the icy soldiers from similar backgrounds programme which is the failure with the News and Appointments. heights of Ladakh. and who speak the same or simi- of the process of modernisation Happy Reading! There are a host of articles lar language or dialects. through indigenisation. on Indian Infantry including the In another article on the in- The requirement of inducting

EDITORIAL mechanised infantry. The lead fantry, Lt General Katoch (Retd) armour on the Northern Fron- article by Lt General Bali (Retd) traces the evolution of infantry tiers is indisputable as stated by explains why India has to main- and the role it currently is expect- Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) tain a large standing army with ed to play. While analysing the in his article about Light Tanks. primarily a ground holding role situation in Ladakh he feels that Given the dynamics of threat because of large unsettled bor- China may wage a limited war and the diplomatic, political and ders like the LAC and the LOC. on India and therefore the Indian military negotiations to minimise It is therefore logical that the Army needs to be constantly on the same, may have given us the bulk of this army comprises of the alert and absolutely not trust strategic space to rearm the In- Jayant Baranwal Infantry. their neighbour. dian Army. It also reported that Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Photographs: Rafael, defense.gov care of by deploying the Infantry in large ties, psychological and information opera- numbers. Modernisation of our armed tions. A multi-domain unit would integrate forces and economic prudence in defence diverse functions, using space-based com- matters, both point towards reducing the munication and surveillance capabilities, manpower in military uniform and invest- absorb information from “non-organic” ing more in platform and net-centric sys- intelligence platforms, disrupt enemy sensors tems. These two-conflicting state of affairs and communications with electromagnetic and requirements create a paradox which attacks, and conduct information operations needs to be reconciled if not fully resolved. creating or countering internet-based propa- The future trajectory and restructuring of ganda and deception. Such a unit would be the Infantry would be a most pertinent step able to operate more effectively and indepen- in this direction. dently and bring to bear greater force on its task. Further, all this should be achieved by Restructuring of Infantry reorganising existing establishments, rather The first step that may be taken, concerns than by new accretions. one of the Central Armed Police organisa- tions namely the Assam Rifles which comes Modernisation of Infantry under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Various endeavours are presently underway other is Rashtriya Rifles which is a Coun- to enhance the Lethality, Mobility, Battle ter Insurgency Force under the Army. Both Field Transparency and Survivability of the these are mainly populated by officers and Infantry, which need to be highlighted. Pro- troops from the Infantry. These forces should curement of higher capability rifles, LMGs, have a permanent establishment with their sniper rifles and third and fourth genera- own committed cadre of personnel, who are tion ATGMs, are some of the steps in this permanently seconded from the Infantry by direction. Light strike vehicles, specialist the process of lateral induction, and func- vehicles and all-terrain vehicles will con- tion under the Ministry of Home Affairs. siderably enhance mobility. Survivability of This will not only reduce the overall strength the individual soldier is being met through of the infantry, but also obviate the involve- ballistic helmets and superior quality bullet ment of the army in internal security duties proof jackets as well as improvement in the to the detriment of its primary task of con- personal kit. The individual infantryman, ventional operations along the borders. As properly equipped, would be an asset with the Rashtriya Rifles units will retain the unique and valuable abilities. Considerable same recruitment pattern as infantry regi- improvement in situational awareness and ments, synergies will be easier. Thus, the battlefield transparency is being achieved country will have a top-notch counter insur- through increased scaling and procurement gency force while freeing regular infantry (Top and Above) Modernisation of Indian Infantry is underway with induction of latest armaments of night sights and authorisation of mini units from such commitments. like ATGMs and UAVs UAVs and RPAs to Infantry Battalions. New A second aspect is a reworking of infan- generation of communication equipment try deployment on the Western borders. needs to expand exponentially. This expan- futuristic units. While the bulk of the person- and upgraded surveillance radars will go Along the mountainous terrain of the LoC, sion would not be de-novo in terms of man- nel in RR battalion are from Infantry regi- a long way in giving a boost to the combat deployment of foot infantry is a pre-requisite. power but by conversion of a large number ments it has officers and troops from support- capabilities of the Infantry. However, in the plains and desert sectors on of Infantry battalions to a mechanised role to ing arms, Engineers, Signals and EME as well. Modernisation is most often associated the western front, there is a definite need of meet the requirements of mobile defence on The concept of a multi-domain unit would be with equipment. There has to be a greater restructuring the ground holding forces. From the western borders. In this part of the bor- to integrate personnel from combat support realisation of how to use existing resources Akhnoor till Rann of Kutch, the Infantry and ders, deployment of foot infantry is a drain on arms into operational combined arms units. in a modern way. None of the above is overly supporting arms are deployed in positional manpower resources and quite incongruous Branches of the army traditionally seen dependent on procurement of new tech- defence, in ground holding role, using mainly in the 21st century. Mechanisation has to be as support elements will have equal status nology. It is rather a reimagining of how artificial as well as natural linear obstacles. integral to the infantry and mechanised units alongside Infantry, the major kinetic arm of resources can be deployed and existing units This appears somewhat inconsistent with the not treated as adjuncts of armoured forces. the army. An infantry battalion will there- reorganised to make the infantry more lethal. avowed aim of a punitive deterrence capabil- Battle plans have to be drawn up accordingly. fore also have sub-units of platoon size from As the Indian army evolves and read- ity against our western adversary. With the A considerable shift in the thinking of com- the Engineers equipped with light plant and ies itself for the conflicts and challenges of requisite force differential to realistically oper- manders would be needed for optimal utilisa- field engineering equipment, from Signals the future, its main component the Corps of ationalise this aim, there is a definite need to tion of mechanised infantry. equipped with jammers, communication, Infantry, has to move apace in reinventing shift from positional to mobile defence, with An area which needs serious consider- surveillance and cyber warfare equipment, itself. How far and how successfully can this a punitive capability to inflict heavy damages ation in the future is the concept of multi- along with an EME element for maintenance be achieved will depend on the mental mobil- on the enemy. Logically this requires a far domain infantry units. Though the Rash- and repair cover. Such units would be equally ity and flexibility of its commanders. SP greater mechanisation of the Infantry then at triya Rifles was raised for counter-insurgency engaged in confronting adversaries before present. Thus, among all the regiments of the operations, its structure and organisation is hostilities break out and in no war no peace The author is Ex Corps Commander, 33

www.spslandforces.com Infantry, it is the mechanised Infantry which an excellent example on which to base such situation, via intelligence gathering activi- Corps, and DG, Perspective Planning.

2 SP’s Land Forces 5/2020 >> Infantry Special The Ultimate Arm – Infantry Indian history of warfare is heavily dominated by the infantry. History abounds with exemplary bravery of Infantry men. Infantry units have won 61 Victoria Cross, 808 Military Cross and 54 Battle Honours pre- independence. Post-independence 17 PVCs, 149 MVCs, 47 Ashok Chakras and 208 Kirti Chakras have been awarded to Infantry. The magnitude of contribution in various wars conveys the indispensability of Infantry.

Photographs: Wikipedia, ADGPI / Twitter

The Battle of Saragarhi in 1897 is known for the bravery shown by The Instrument of Accession by the ruler of J&K allowed the Indian Infantry to land Indian Infantry in Srinagar on October 27, 1947

 Lt General Dushyant Singh (Retd)

The least spectacular arm yet without them you cannot win a battle, indeed without them you can do nothing — nothing at all.” — Field Marshal Montgomery

Ancient Epoch “I Shriman Inder Mahander Rajrajeswar Maharajadhiraj Shri Hari Singhji, Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir State, in the exercise of my sovereignty in and over my said State do hereby execute this, my Instrument of Accession...” signed on October 26, 1947 and was accepted by the Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten on October 27, 1947. Within minutes of the acceptance of the instrument of accession at 0500 hrs, on October 27, 1947, Lt Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai Commanding Officer of 1 SIKH with two companies took off from Safdarjung Airport in a Dakota aircraft piloted by Wing Com- mander K.L. Bhatia. 3 hours 55 minutes later landed on a rough surfaced airfield of 600 meters at Srinagar. Wave of six aircrafts air landed the troops of 1 SIKH. It was the first Indian Army Unit to set foot in Jammu and Kashmir. It is by far the fastest mobilisa- tion of troops at least in the history of Indian Army. Even before Lt Col Dewan could regroup his unit, he was sucked into the bat- tle with the Pakistani troops and Razakars who were menacingly close to entering the Srinagar town. What followed was a saga of grit, guts, and sacrifices hitherto unparal- leled in the history of warfare. This fateful day of October 27, 1947 is remembered by the entire Indian Army Infantry fraternity as the Infantry day to commemorate and honour our brave infantry soldiers who gave the supreme sacrifice to protect our country. History of warfare and that of Infantry are synonyms with each other. In the western history, Spartans and Roman Legions were essentially Infantry men and constituted the majority of the Army. During Sun Tzu era (sixth century BC) Chinese Army probably had only horsed cavalry and foot soldiers. In the Indian context, mention of Kshatriya (warriors) is found in Rig Veda written in 2000 BC. Even in Chandragupt’s Army out of the 6,50,000 strong around 6,00,000 were Infantrymen. Whichever way one looks at, the role of Infantry was much more evolved in India than anywhere else in the world.

Contemporary Era In modern history of warfare too, the Infan- try has remained the primary arm of warfare

5/2020 SP’s Land Forces 3 >> Infantry Special

Illustrations: SP Guide Pubns world over. The pre-eminence of Infantry can be appreciated by the scale of participa- Western Sector tion of Infantry in various wars. Infantry • With 2,150 km of border, the two sides differ over the boundary line that separates Jammu and Kashmir from Xinjiang province of China accounted for 1,42,962 of the 1,91,701 • India accuses China of illegally occupying Aksai Chin, and some other parts of the Ladakh region deaths among Army ground battle casu- • The 1962 war saw fierce fighting between the two sides here alties during WW II. Further the Infantry • Tense standoffs occasionally take place, and in summer months, the two sides send deep accounted for 6,61,059 of 8,20,877 Army patrols to assert their respective claim over boundaries ground casualties of all types. If history is Middle Sector Eastern Sector any indicator, even in the current wars in • The 1,140 km long boundary is contentious, and Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, the scale of • The 625 km in this sector are the least controversial of the is historically referred to as the McMahon Line, employment and casualties of Infantry are three. Himachal Pradesh and which Chinese do not accept because the McMahon following a similar pattern. Uttaranchal abet the boundary. Line was agreed to by Tibetan representative. China Indian history of warfare is also heavily Both sides do not have much Claims the whole of Arunachal Pradesh, around disagreement over this area 85,000 sq km, as its territory dominated by the infantry. There are mul- • The two sides fought fiercely in this sector in 1962, titude of examples of classic battles by the but a better prepared Chinese had the advantage Infantry. The Saga of Saragarhi of 1897, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now in Pakistan was China Arunachal an archetypical battle of Last Stand. Defended India Pradesh by only 21 soldiers of 36th SIKH Regiment Sticking Points (now 4 SIKH) under the fiery Havildar Ishar Singh repelled attacks after attacks by over India and China have a total boundary of around 4,050 km, divided into three 1000 tribal army until all breathed their last. sector. The States of Jammu and Kash- Sikkim Doklam Tri-Junction Such was their valour that all of them were mir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, • The present standoff, in the tri-junction awarded the Indian Order of Merit (Equiva- Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh share of Bhutan-India-China is taking place lent of the Victoria Cross). Similar is the nar- their borders with China in this sector rative of Rezangla fought by Major Shaitan Singh, and his C Company of 13 KUMAON in Pre-eminence of Mountainous Terrain Along the Borders 1962. It was a do or die battle of last stand by the indomitable Ahirs of 13 KUMAON. 114 and rarified oxygen content conditions. Brig Indian soldiers out of 120 were martyred but Deepak Sinha an established Defence Expert not before, they decimated 1,300 Chinese associated with Observer Research Founda- soldiers. 57 years later once again the brave tion has said that “while technology, espe- Situational Lethality Infantrymen of the Indian Army have seized cially ICT, Artificial Intelligence and robotics Awareness Rezangla and other dominating heights on may have transformed warfare… its impact the Kailash range by their dare devil action on forces deployed and required to fight in out-maneuvering the Chinese troops during mountains has been minimal. Infantry with the current face off with China. The dragon its all weather, all terrain mobility, surviv- Communication Training has been effectively checkmated a befitting ability, and flexibility is an ideal arm suited revenge of the current Galwan clash and for combat in mountainous and jungle ter- 1962 Rezangla Battle. History abounds with rain in India. The Kargil war fully validates exemplary bravery of Infantryman. Major this dimension. Somnath Sharma, Hav Abdul Hamid, Hony Captain Bana Singh, Captain Batra or Cap- Internal Security Situation tain Manoj Pandey the list is endless. Infantry J&K conflict, NE Insurgencies, and threat units have won 61 Victoria Cross, 822 Mili- of DAESH and AQ in the Indian Sub-Conti- Mobility Survivability tary Medals, 808 Military Cross, and 54 Battle nent, will continue to dominate the Internal Honours. 8,993 awards have been awarded to Security situation in the country demanding infantry soldiers pre-independence. Post-inde- hybrid response including physical neutrali- pendence 17 PVCs out of 21 (81 per cent), sation of such threats especially in the bor- 149 MVC out of 218 (68 per cent), 47 Ashok der regions of the country. As on date Infan- Making the Infantry Future Ready Chakras out of 83 (55 per cent), 208 Kirti try, remains heavily committed in Counter Chakras out of 458 (45 per cent) have been Insurgency and Counter Terrorist opera- awarded to Infantry. 2,196 Infantrymen were tions. There are 65 RR Battalions besides aim being to enhance the “lethality, surviv- the next 20 year time horizon. It is hearten- awarded out of 4,099 (54 per cent) awards. fiveI nfantry Divisions deployed along the ability, resiliency, and readiness” of the basic ing to note that the Army has made a 10 year Infantry battle casualties post-Independence LC / IB management in Punjab & UT of J&K. tactical ground combat unit — the infantry plan with near term requirements being met during all wars and CI/CT operations until Similarly, three Infantry Divisions are com- squad.” India needs to take similar steps. in the first five years and futuristic capabil- September 2020 have been 25,387. The mitted in the NE. These requirements are ity development in the next five years. Some magnitude of contribution in various wars not going to end in a hurry. Modernisation of Infantry of the salient inductions being planned are conveys the indispensability of Infantry. Lessons from ongoing wars in various Being the least spectacular arm, devoid of related to upgrading the lethality, survivabil- parts of the world also suggest the continu- optical publicity due to lack of large weapon ity, situational awareness, mobility and train- Relevance of Infantry for India ation of Infantry as the primary force in platforms such as tanks, guns and missiles, ing. Modern assault rifles ex import, 3rd gen Wars in the future will be technology driven, warfare. While technology was at display Infantry has remained an understated com- ATGMs, mini UAVs, RPAs, modular BPJs, bal- non-contact and in the grey zone with blur- in Iraq and Afghanistan in the initial stages bat entity. Moreover, it was always sidelined listic helmets, all-terrain vehicles, and vertical ring of lines between peace and war. Should of the war as time elapsed and intensity of in procurement of weapons and equipment, wind tunnels are a few examples. In the next the adversary decide on conventional war attacks by Taliban, AQ and ISIS increased as the bigger weapon platforms of other arms five years high end technologies such 5th gen- fighting it will be characterised by hybrid commitment of Infantry by the US and its and services are always on higher priority eration missile systems, robotics, and AI based activities ranging from cyber war, informa- allies grew at an alarming pace. At one time, and consume the limited capital defence bud- battlefield enablers would be the focus. tion war, non-contact rocket/missile battles US had over 1.5 million boots on ground get of India. It is a pity that Infantry Battal- causing mass destruction and casualties. Lt in Iraq and Afghanistan and bulk of these ions are constraint to fight a war with 5.56 Parting Thoughts General D.S. Hooda, former Northern Army forces were Infantry or Special Forces. It was INSAS Rifle.T he INSAS is no match to the Tri-Service joint warfare fully integrated Commander, while agreeing with the pre- due to this stark reality that US Secretary weapons of other countries. Fortunately the with other components of war will be an eminence of cyber, electronic warfare (EW), of Defense in 2018 established the Close Army has taken due cognizance and steps indispensable condition to achieve victory information dominance, and non-contact Combat Lethality Task Force (CCLTF). The are being taken on a war footing to address in future conflicts. However, these wars nature of war, cautions against overlook- the state of affairs of the infantry. will continue to remain infantry centric in ing the human, social, and political dimen- the Indian Scenario. Moreover, only when sions from warfare. Wars in the future will Infantry was always Recommended Reforms the Infantry physically secures the objec- have to be fought in an integrated manner A Rand study has predicted that future wars tive and hoists the tri colour that victory is with primacy of technology and information sidelined in procurement of are likely to be of four types, namely counter- deemed complete. Encountering devastat- dominance. However, Infantry will remain terrorism, gray-zone conflicts, asymmetric ive enemy fire, unsurmountable terrain, indispensable for final physical securing of weapons and equipment, fights, and high-end fights. As per Brook- hazardous weather condition, spurs the objectives. as the bigger weapon ings Study by Edward G. Miller, Revolution in adrenaline in the invincible Indian infantry India will remain involved in mountain Military Affairs is likely to take place in four warriors to achieve the impossible – need warfare due to bulk of our frontiers being platforms of other arms major categories. The first is sensors, second the nation be reminded of victorious attacks along inhospitable jungle terrain, hostile computer and communications systems, by the Infantry of virtually unassailable fea- weather conditions, super high, and high and services are always third major weapons platforms and fourth tures like Tiger Hill, Pt 4875, Tololing, Pt altitude areas. Barring the stretch between are other types of weapons systems and tech- 5203. No other country in the world has Sir Creek to Akhnoor (2,300 km), rest of the on higher priority and nologies. In other words, modernisation and ever achieved such a feat. SP LC/AGPL and the Mac Mohan Line (5,115 combat preparedness programme of Infantry km) is inhospitable mountainous terrain consume the limited capital must focus on developing its capability to fight Lt General Dushyant Singh (Retd) is Ex with some of the stretches being perma- in the four domains that is counter terrorism, Corps Commander 11 Corps, Ex Chief of nently snow clad with altitudes ranging defence budget of India grey zone, asymmetric and high-end fights Staff Eastern Command, Ex Commandant

www.spslandforces.com upto 5,000 m, under subzero temperatures by harnessing the emerging technologies in Army War College and Ex IG (Ops) NSG.

4 SP’s Land Forces 5/2020 >> Infantry Special The Infantry and its Regimental System The various infantry regiments are rooted in an identity based on ethnicity and geographical grouping together of soldiers from similar backgrounds and who speak the same or similar language or dialects. Based on the recruit composition, the class composition of the infantry regiments can be Single-Class, Fixed-Class or All-India Class.

Photographs: PIB  Lt General Pradeep Bali (Retd) vices, the bulk is from the infantry and they carry out primarily infantry operations. “Without Fear, without Pity, without Remorse!” Another area where the infantry of the — Infantry, the Ultimate Indian army has earned fame and distinction internationally is in the United Nations Peace- he major component of keeping Operations across the globe. Once armies’ world over and down the again, the composition of our contingents centuries has been the Infantry. deployed on these missions has been mainly Simply put infantry is a military from the infantry. India has the distinction specialisation that engages in com- of being one of the largest contributors for Tbat on foot though it may also use various peace keeping operations and its soldiers have modes of transportation. The infantryman earned great respect and acclaim while pro- bears the main brunt of warfare and there viding a leadership role in quelling turbulence is no denying that battles and wars are ulti- and restoring normalcy in foreign countries. mately won by infantry by capturing, hold- The orthodoxy of force projection con- ing and defending territory. The infantry siders naval power as the main instrument suffers the highest casualties by far, experi- for it. However, India’s intervention in Sri ences the maximum stress and discomfort Lanka was a primarily infantry operation – physical, mental and psychological. carried out by battalions of different infan- The Indian army traces its roots to the try regiments. Again, India’s assistance forces raised by the British Presidencies and to Bhutan against Chinese aggression at which evolved through a series of nomen- Doklam in 2017, was provided by infantry clatures like the sepoy regiments, the native battalions. These two examples from oppo- infantry and finally adopted regimental site ends of the sub continent, from a tropi- identities. These were all amalgamated into cal to a Himalayan battlefield, demonstrate the British Indian Army in the 19th century the great flexibility of the infantry making post 1857. The Indian Army succeeded the it the most useful weapon in varied climes British Indian Army after independence and geographies. This suppleness comes in 1947. Post the Second World War, this from the approach of the infantryman who army had been considerably reduced in is willing to bring his soldiering skills to bear numbers and was further depleted due to its on the task at hand and fight with his unit partitioning between India and Pakistan. At anywhere and anytime. this juncture the major portion of the army comprised of several infantry regiments, The Ultimate Motivation each consisting of a number of infantry What makes a soldier fight and stake his battalions. While some new regiments were life in mortal combat? The simple answer also raised at this time, the major expansion is “Naam, Namak and Nishan”. “Naam” is of the army took place post 1962. the good name of the unit and regiment, “Namak” is the loyalty and fidelity to the Class Based Composition (Top) The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment Marching Contingent (Above) The Kumaon Regiment nation and the unit, “Nishan” is the emblem The British moulded the British Indian army or flag of the unit. All three are the essence somewhat on the pattern of British and ing across different states and its all-power- tions. The valour and gallantry displayed by of the regimental system, which has stood European land forces. Ethnic groups like ful impact and effect on the soldier, is amply various battalions of different regiments dur- the test of time in numerous wars and con- the Sikhs, Rajputs, Kumaonis, Garhwalis, illustrated by a few examples. The Punjab ing these battles is indeed legendary and will flicts. Simply put, the regimental system is Gurkhas, Dogras, Assamese were recruited Regiment draws its troops from the states remain the motivational beacon of our army the greatest motivator in the Indian army into infantry battalions which were part of of Punjab, Himachal, J&K and Haryana, yet for posterity. The leadership and bravery of and especially in the infantry. The unique- regiments deriving their names from these the over-arching identity of these soldiers is Maj Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of ness of regimental accoutrements, badges, ethnic groups and communities. Thus the “Punjabis”. The Madras regiment is popu- the Param Vir Chakra for the battle of Shela lanyards and shoulder flashes, imbibe a various infantry regiments are rooted in an lated by recruits from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Teng, the awe-inspiring bravado of Major young soldier with the martial traditions of identity based on ethnicity and geographical Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana, yet their Shaitan Singh at Rezang-La, the raw cour- the regiment. The most desirable traits in a grouping together of soldiers from similar collective identity is “Madrasis”. Similarly age of CQMH Abdul Hamid at Khem Karan, unit and an individual soldier are those of backgrounds and who speak the same or the Bihar Regiment is populated not only by the valour of Lance Naik Albert Ekka in the Esprit-de-Corps, bonding, cohesion, motiva- similar language or dialects. In a multi lin- troops from the state of Bihar but also from battle of Hilli in Bangladesh and the death- tion and izzat. All these stem from the regi- gual and multi cultural country like ours Jharkhand and Orissa. This is a fine point defying heroism of Capt Vikram Batra on the mental system, which is the backbone of this composition seeks to arrive at a work- whose subtlety has to be understood in the icy heights at Kargil, are but a few examples the infantry and the Indian army. able system. The names of the Regiments right perspective and not mixed up with the of the guts and glory which have been the How the regimental system raises a sol- are not to be mixed with or mistaken for the narrow understanding of political identities hallmark of the Indian Infantry in battle. dier to deeds of great daring and valour in political divisions and boundaries of various based on regional and sub-regional bound- Different parts of India have been the line of duty, is best illustrated by this states of the union of India. Based on the aries and linguistic identities. embroiled in insurgency and afflicted by the quote from the military historian Phillip recruit composition the class composition of scourge of militants and terrorists. Some of Mason, “Men may come to the colours for the infantry regiments can be Single-Class, Gallantry and Fortitude our states in the North East and Jammu & pay, but it is not for the pay alone that they in which all recruits are from a particular Post-independence the first clarion call to Kashmir, have been severely affected by indig- win the Victoria Cross”. ethnic or geographic group like Dogras, battle was answered gloriously by the infan- enous as well as foreign instigated unrest, While the character of war is evolving, Sikhs, Jats, Garhwalis; Fixed-Class in which try of the Indian army on October 27, 1947, requiring the deployment of the Army. The the nature of war remains unchanged. Simi- recruitment is in a fixed percentage from when 1 Sikh landed at Srinagar airfield to counter insurgency operations carried out larly, while the infantry is re-equipping and two or more ethnic or geographic groups like defend Kashmir from the Pakistan army, with great success in these areas are pri- re-organising as per the requirements of Punjab, Rajputana Rifles, Rajputs, Kuma- masquerading as tribal invaders and indulg- marily infantry-centric. Various units of the the modern day battlefield, to play a more onis and Grenadiers; All-India Class - these ing in loot, pillage and mayhem. Incidentally, infantry as well as troops serving with the potent role in the enhanced lethality of war, are regiments raised post-independence and this day is celebrated as the Infantry Day. two para-military forces tasked with counter the essence of its soldiering remains moored contain a heterogeneous mix from all over Indian army has fought four wars with insurgency, the Assam Rifles and the Rash- in the regimental system and this imbibes it the country, examples are Guards, Para- Pakistan including the limited war in Kar- triya Rifles, have distinguished themselves with a unique sense of identity. In the ulti- chute Regiment and Mechanised Infantry. gil and one major war with China in 1962. in these operations. While the Assam Rifles mate analysis it is this sense of identity and A better understanding of the regimen- Infantry, rightly called the Queen of battle, and Rashtriya Rifles do have a percentage of belonging that generates the camaraderie so tal system, with a class composition spread- has been the prima donna in all these opera- officers and soldiers from other arms and ser- very essential to the profession of arms. SP

5/2020 SP’s Land Forces 5 >> Infantry Special Role of Infantry – Chinese Aggression in Ladakh Not many would be aware of the risks and tribulations, the soldiers face in difficult areas of Ladakh including in the Siachen Glacier area and the Saltoro range aside from the biting cold and inhospitable terrain. Still, Indian Infantry men gave a lesson to PLA soldiers they had not bargained for in a bloody hand-to-hand combat and again by occupying the ridgeline south of Pangong Lake beating the PLA patrols in reaching these heights.

Photographs: ADGPI, SpokespersonMoD / Twitter  Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) stood little in a nation like India whether in peace, no war no peace, or war. One exam- istory is proof that the evo- ple of this peculiarity can be gauged from lution of military forces began the example of Delhi High Court ordering with the infantry. There being no Delhi Government to cover the insurance firearms in ancient times, infan- of over 29,000 lawyers earning lakhs and try was armed with weapons like crores of rupees and the Centre granting Hwhat the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) free insurance to doctors combating Covid- soldiers recently used to attack Indian 19 including doctors earning `5-6 lakhs troops on the night of June 15-16 in Gal- every month in private hospitals while the wan area and later attempted intrusions army soldier guarding the nation pays for south of Pangong Tso and Chushul heights his own insurance. – clubs, iron rods, swords, machetes, spears The biggest folly when discussing spe- and the like. The English began using the cialisation is to miss out the infantryman – term ‘Infantry’ around 1570s describing perhaps legacy of the yore in describing him soldiers who marched and fought on foot. as simply ‘Bhoop Singh’. But more than that The term was derived from the French is the reason that despite his multiple skills infanterie and Italian infanteria. But the and specialisation, the infantry soldier does individual-soldier term ‘infantryman’ was not indulge in self-aggrandisement, which not coined until 1837. is a rare virtue. That is why the immortal With the advent of gunpowder on the saying that says, “When it was victory, the scene, the infantry began converting to Cavalier claimed it outright, the Gunner firearms. It was Chinese alchemists experi- boasted of his calibre, but the Infantryman menting with life-lengthening medicines stood silent with victory at his feet.” around 850 AD that led to the discovery The infantry has become a far more of gunpowder when playing with saltpe- sophisticated outfit in recent years since ter (potassium nitrate) someone mixed it military technology, techniques and tactics with sulfur and charcoal. This resulted in have advanced. The infantryman of today the gunpowder emitting smoke and flames must be able to handle different weap- that burned hands and faces of those ons (using, cleaning and maintenance), conducting the experiment. Gunpowder radio and communications equipment, fixed on arrow with a tube of gunpowder surveillance and monitoring equipment, that ignited and would propel itself across navigating and handling navigation equip- enemy lines (called ‘flying fire’) was used by ment; administering medical aid to himself China’s Sung dynasty against the Mongols. and his colleagues during battle (battle- The psychological effect of this new tech- field nursing assistant – BFNA), and even nology on opponents was immense. Read- modes of transport amongst other things, (Top and Above) Infantry operates in a wide range of inaccessible terrain which includes mountainous ers may, however, note that ‘Agni Baan’ (fire terrain and snow-clad high altitude areas that he must learn to use so that it becomes arrow) finds mention in the epics of Mahab- second-nature to utilise them in a danger- harata and Ramayana scripted in 3067 BCE Its empire at its greatest extent in 1030 CE The emergence of tanks on the battlefield ous situation. and 5th Century respectively, which proves included Ceylon, the Andaman and Nicobar during the World Wars saw cavalry being The infantryman must have good fitness that such technologies existed in India in islands and briefly parts of southeast Asian replaced by armoured units but infantry levels; excellent communication skill; abil- ancient times and did not come from China. islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali, and the continued to remain the predominant ity to think on his feet and stay cool under More gunpowder-based weapons were southern part of the Malay peninsula. But force. Look around any army of any coun- pressure; capacity of taking and following invented by the Chinese but interestingly these overseas conquests were only possible try in the world and you would find that orders from superiors; ability for teamwork; gunpowder technology remained within because of Naval Infantry that the Cholas Infantry remains the largest component self-discipline; confidence; initiative, and China till the 13th century, when it was raised and established. The Chola Navy was of every army. This is because Infantry knowledge of local language and customs passed to foreign lands through the ancient the zenith of ancient India sea power that is the primary tool of warfare. They hold where warranted. Communication skills silk trade route to Europe and Islamic coun- played a vital role in the expansion of the ground, close with the enemy and destroy are even more important in insurgency ties. By 1350, rudimentary gunpowder empire including for conquest of the Ceylon them. They operate in all terrain, they’re areas and interacting with civilians for cannons were commonplace in the English islands and naval raids on Srivijaya – cour- flexible, stealthy, are hard to beat and they winning the hearts and minds of the popu- and French militaries, which used the tech- tesy the Naval Infantry. are the only weapon in the toolbox that lation, as also humanitarian relief during nology against each other during the Hun- The Napoleonic era wars like the War can shift and completely dislocate enemy disasters. dred Years’ War. The Ottoman Turks also of the Third Coalition (1805), War of the infantry in a defensive position. No mat- There are times, especially in combat employed gunpowder cannons with aban- Fourth Coalition (1806–1807), Gunboat ter how hi-tech the modern battlefield zones, where the work can be dangerous and don during their successful siege of Con- War (1807–1814) and Peninsular War gets, no matter how powerful the aircrafts, indeed life-threatening, and an infantry sol- stantinople in 1453. Cannons shattered the (1808–1814) witnessed infantry, cavalry drones and the robots become, mission of dier must be prepared to work under these myth of invincibility of fortress walls. But and artillery forming the basic triad but the Infantry will continue to close-in and conditions in order to carry out his role. The it was only in the middle of the 15th cen- infantry remained largest in numbers. destroy the enemy, by close quarter’s vio- work of an infantry soldier is predominantly tury that gunpowder started getting used in lent combat in any war and then physi- conducted outdoors, such as patrols and handguns that created a new class of infan- cally hold the ground. training. As front line troops, there is a great try soldier of modern armies. The infantry has become Therefore, the primacy of Infantry will importance on maintaining an extremely remain forever because nations will con- high level of physical fitness, as he is expected Primacy of Infantry a far more sophisticated tinue to need ‘Boots on Ground’. Due to the to carry out demanding work under high The Chola Dynasty of South India was intrinsic nature of their work, infantry sol- stress levels and so he must have the endur- one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the outfit in recent years diers will continue to be sought. For moun- ance to still do the job. This requires extreme world’s history; 843 CE to 1279 CE. Cholas tains and high altitude, the infantry is sim- dedication and self-discipline. had a robust military with four elements, since military technology, ply indispensable. comprising the cavalry, the elephant corps, Risks and Tribulations several divisions of infantry and a navy. techniques and tactics The Infantryman Statistics show that the infantry typically There were regiments of bowmen and What armies mean to a nation and what bore brunt of the military in warfare as swordsmen where the swordsmen were the have advanced their contribution is in defending the measured in terms casualties, deprivation

www.spslandforces.com most permanent and dependable troops. nation, and under what conditions is under- or physical and psychological stress, be it in

6 SP’s Land Forces 5/2020 >> Infantry Special

the two world wars collectively or individu- Infantry is the most easily delivered forces of small reconnaissance sub-units or ambushing infantrymen the combat ally in the 10 deadliest battles of the 20th to ground combat areas on foot, by vehi- sniper teams which gather information advantage of surprise, concealment Century: Battle of Stalingrad; Battle of Mos- cles, sea or air transport. Infantry can also about the enemy, reporting on charac- and superior firing positions, and causes cow; Battle of the Somme; Operation Bagra- be inserted directly into combat through teristics such as size, activity, location, confusion. The enemy does not know tion (Belorussian offensive to clear German amphibious craft, by air for air assault using unit and equipment. These sub-units are what it is up against, or where they are forces from Belorussian SSR and eastern parachutes (airborne infantry) or through adept in stealth and ability to operate for being attacked from. Poland during World War II); Battle of Gal- helicopters in airmobile role. They can periods of time within close proximity of l Counter Insurgency and Counter lipoli; Battle of France; Battle of Kolubara; operate in a wide range of terrain inacces- the enemy without being detected. Terrorism. This is a task being per- Tet Offensive; Operation Market Garden, sible to military vehicles and can operate l Pursuit Operations. The aim of such formed in our country over past decades, and; Six-Day War - Third Arab-Israeli War. with lower logistical burden as compared to operations is the destruction of withdraw- of which readers are well aware. Same goes for the US and Chinese offen- other forces, which is vital in mountainous ing enemy forces which are not capable of l Behind Enemy Lines. Operations sives in Vietnam as also India’s wars with terrain and high altitude areas. building their strength to the point where behind enemy lines can be undertaken Pakistan and China, Kargil Conflict and the By virtue of being in contact with the they are effective. Infantry traditionally by infiltrating infantry units, paratroop- never ending counter insurgency and coun- enemy, infantry has greater local aware- have been the main force to overrun these ers (airborne infantry), helicopter inser- ter terrorist operations. ness at ground level inherent to their pres- units in the past, and in modern combat tion and Special Forces inducted though Not many would be aware of the risks ence in the battlefield since they can more are used to pursue enemy forces in con- multiple means for multiple tasks like and tribulations the soldiers face in difficult easily recognise, adapt and respond to local stricted terrain like urban areas where sabotage, capture of an air head or areas of Ladakh including in the Siachen conditions, weather, and changing enemy they can be ambushed. objective in depth like an important Glacier area and the Saltoro range aside from weapons or tactics. This is vital for engaging l Defence. Holding defences offers height or pass, disrupting enemy logis- the biting cold and inhospitable terrain, like: enemy positions, infiltration and counter advantages to the infantry as they can tics and the like. soldiers sharing same habitat with dead col- infiltration operations, maintaining area use the terrain and constructed fortifi- l Attack. Attack is a basic role of the league for 3-4 days because weather and vis- control, defending ground and holding it cations to advantage, reducing exposure infantry, which along with defence, ibility conditions does not permit air evacu- after capture, taking enemy prisoners and to enemy fire compared to troops in the forms the main stance of the infantry ation; individuals and even snowmobiles war material. open. Effective defence repels enemy on the battlefield. Advancing to close in swallowed up by crevasses that suddenly Infantry undertakes a number of tasks attacks and prevents enemy penetration with and destroy the enemy while under open along a beaten route – some bodies which may be summarised as under: of own defensive positions. enemy fire is naturally hazardous with recovered next summer with skin peeling off; l Patrolling. This is the most common l Raids. Infantry sub-units can be tasked high number of casualties. But this must soldiers buried in avalanches; patrols caught infantry mission, which are a constant to quickly mobilise, infiltrate, enter and be done with all means employed to sup- in sudden snowstorms-blizzards causing feature. Patrols cover areas of possible neutralise enemy forces when appropri- press enemy fire. Successful attacks rely chilblains even in eyes; limbs lost due to frost enemy activity to locate the enemy and ate combat intelligence indicates to secure on sufficient force, preparative recon- bite and the like. The brunt of these casual- destroy them when found. Patrols are a location, rescue or capture high-profile naissance, battlefield preparation and ties and injuries are borne by the infantry. used not only on the front-lines, but targets. This could be done by a ‘Ghatak cohesion throughout the attack is para- in rear areas where enemy infiltration Platoon’, group of Ghatak Platoons or in mount to success. Attack by infiltration What Infantry Does and/or insurgents are active. conjunction with Special Forces. too pays handsome dividends if surprise Infantry traditionally relies on moving l Reconnaissance and Intelligence l Ambush. Infantry can lie in ambush during infiltration is maintained. on foot during combat but may also use Gathering. Surveillance operations are for enemy forces before attacking at mounts, military vehicles or other vehicles. often carried out with the employment a vulnerable moment. This gives the Continued on page 11... The M134D Dillon Aero Gatling Gun System

Photograph: Dillon Aero  SP’s Correspondent l Demonstrate satisfactory on-time deliv- ery, conformance to standards and after The Company: Dillon Aero sales product support by Dillon Aero. Dillon Aero’s M134D is the only fully tested, qualified, and combat-proven 7.62mm International Sales Gatling Gun system available in the market Dillon Aero has built and delivered over today. Supplied to U.S. Special Operations 6500 M134D weapon systems, to over 35 Forces from 1989 onwards, the M134D countries worldwide. is designed, produced, and supported by In India, Dillon Aero has entered into an ISO 90001:2008 certified company. a partnership with Max Aerospace to With the family name (and hard-won com- develop, sustain and provide after-market pany reputation) affixed to every delivered support for these products to the Indian weapon, personal pride and commitment to military. Max Aerospace is an established excellence is clearly evident in every prod- and fully licensed company with expertise uct that is delivered. in Airborne weapons systems for over two The M134D Gatling is a proven weapon system used in over 35 countries The M134D weapon benefits from decades. The plan is to produce the weapon world-class product support, including effectively eliminated all previous shortcom- Aero’s Mini-guns are mounted on US DoD system, in India under “AatmaNirbhar design-engineering, system installation ings and have improved M134D’s reliability, Aircraft, since the Vietnam war. Conversely, Bharat”, to provide self-sufficiency to the and operator training. Moreover, product ease of use, maintainability & durability and the knock-off copy of the products, is yet to Indian armed forces. warranty is also ensured for end-to-end operational effectiveness. be combat proven. Moreover, since 2015, reliability, maintainability and operational Dillon Aero is the SOLE and EXCLUSIVE Conclusion effectiveness. Additionally, Dillon Aero’s Replica of the Mini Gun manufacturer authorised by US Military to The question that the end user needs to ask, extensive and dedicated vendor base has Recent “knock-off” copies of the M134D, do supply Mini Gatling gun system. Such con- do we want to put our soldiers at risk with a been delivering for the past 25 years. not come close to meeting customer’s expec- tracts signify: system that has proven, time and again to Dillon Aero’s many patented improve- tations viz workmanship, performance and l Dillon Aero’s commitment, to timely be ineffective and a company that is unable ments to the Vietnam War era’s 7.62mm end-to-end system support. delivery. to support such sales? Gatling Gun, include upgrades to the weap- l Confidence in Dillon Aero’s brand, prod- The most important decision a cus- on’s Feeder/ De-linker, Gun Bolts, Top Cover & Sales of Mini Gatling Gun System to uct, and company. tomer, therefore, needs to make is to choose Blade Safing Sectors, Gun Rotor, and Ammu- US Military l That Dillon Aero’s pricing is fair and between systems manufactured by Dillon nition Magazines. These enhancements have It is important to note that ONLY Dillon reasonable. Aero or buy replicas. SP

Off late, sales of Mini Gatling gun replicas to international customers by the other company, have not gone well. A few of such sales are: Country Problems or Issues Result Multiple The replica manufacturer has attempted demonstrations around the The replica manufacturer takes its own ammunition for such demonstrations. Once their guns Demonstrations world, but they have continuously had performance problems with locally are purchased, the recipient country perforce has to purchase the compatible ammunition from manufactured ammunition. select vendor to ensure operational availability of the weapon system. Indonesia The replica guns have not been able to successfully fire using local The Indonesian MoD cancelled a large contract, with this replica manufacturing company. The ammunition. All attempts to rectify the defect have ended up with multiple Indonesian MoD has since then witnessed a successful demonstration of Dillon Aero system. This jams and misfeeds. is followed by a new contract released to Dillon Aero, in December 2019. Turkey Turkey has been having trouble in firing with local ammunition. Effectively, Many of the weapon systems are lying idle and not being put into operational use. the guns are not firing well and the support from the replica manufacturing company has been very minimal. Poland All units that were delivered by the replica manufacturer failed visual and Polish MoD has now contracted Dillon Aero to “fix” the problems and bring the defective guns back firing inspection. into working condition. The Polish MoD has cut all ties, with the replica manufacturing company.

5/2020 SP’s Land Forces 7 >> Infantry Special The Dire Need for Indian FICV

Photograph: L&T  Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) upgrade the existing vintage fleet of BMP II. Questions are being raised on this and n January 26, 2020, The rightly so. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Firstly, the BMP II design is vintage. The General Manoj Mukund Nara- upgradation programme has been going vane stated that Army is making on since the last 15 years in parts. At one efforts to push it’s 10 year-old time the sighting, at other the Fire Control Oplan to acquire 2,600 future infantry com- System and now the Power Pack. Secondly, bat vehicles (FICV) for the Indian Army at a an extremely important aspect of the metal cost of around `60,000 crore by 2026-27. fatigue of the vintage equipment is being He further mentioned that Army have held ignored in totality. No amount of up-gra- interactions with the stakeholders on pro- dation makes the equipment either con- gressing the procurement case expeditious- temporary or enhances it’s life. Thirdly, it is ly. The Chief also said that a fresh RFI stands being done at the cost of a modernisation prepared already which will be shared with programme perceived 30 years back and the industry in some time from now. Soon the Indian Army has been working over the after, it was lapped up by the Ordinance Fac- same for the last 12 years. tory Board that OFB and DRDO are jointly The events of the past 8-10 years in the developing an FICV. The nation and the progress of the FICV programme clearly armed forces, particularly the Mechanised brings out another failure in the process of Infantry being the affected arm would attri- FICV developed by L&T modernisation through indigenisation. The bute special significance and unique sanc- Expression of Interest (EOI) was issued to tity to this being stated by the COAS on or the FICV Project, under make process, was After over 30 years, since the perceived as many as ten DDP empanelled vendors as close to Republic Day and shall be taken to launched in 2008 to have world class ICV need and 12 years in the works, with on- early as 2015. It implies that Indian Private it’s logical end. However, ten months down made in India having futuristic technolo- and-off rumours of the project being shelved- Industry with the support of R&D including the line, there is neither any sight of the RFI gies like 3rd generation Fire control system, progressed-shelved, the vacillations in the DRDO has the wherewithal to design and nor the progress as mentioned by the COAS fully night enabled, greater protection and MoD has manifested in seriously undermin- develop FICV for the Indian Army. However on the FICV programme. higher power to weight ratio. ing the capability of the Army. The matter is it has now been learnt that the RFI which The thought process of mechanised war- The project has been mired in contro- now even more frightening as the belliger- was earlier finalised and about to be issued fare in it’s real sense was brought about by versies and delays since then. It was kick- ent neighbours continue to modernise their in May/June this year is not going to be the Father of Mechanised Infantry, General started as a major modernisation project of mechanised forces with latest state of the art issued in the near future. The emergent need Sunder Ji as a follow up to the Krishna Rao the Indian Army’s mechanised forces when technologies. China has enhanced strength of having a contemporary ICV, the need for Committee Report (still a secret document). it was accorded the Acceptance of Necessity of armoured resources by seven to eight times which has been felt many years back is not The fifty odd Mechanised Infantry Units of by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in the Tibet Autonomous Region bordering going to see the light of the day, not only in the Indian Army were to be always equipped in October 2009. However, the Expres- India in the last couple of years and Pakistan the 2027-32 plan but even in the distant with state of the art Infantry Combat Vehi- sion of Interest which was issued in 2010 is bolstering its forces by quick modernisation future. The modernisation programme of cle (ICV), and thence second generation was retracted in Dec 2012 due to perceived of its tanks and ICV’s fleet. LAP in Tibet has Indian Army thus becomes casualty as in BMP II (Russian origin) was inducted. Ironi- inconsistencies in the evaluation process for deployed ZBD-04 also popular as WZ502, many other cases to procedures and lapses cally the mechanised infantry continues to selection of Development Agencies. Subse- which is equivalent of BMP III of Russia, there-in. The third largest army of the world be equipped with the same ICV of vintage quently, with a view to address the crtical which has a main armament of 100mm and with hostilities on both fronts shall con- technologies of the 1980’s in night fighting, window of 2027-32, a new timeline for a coaxially mounted 30mm cannon with tinue to fight under-equipped, handicapped armament, protection and power pack. induction was planned and a fresh EOI was enhanced protection and power pack. though, but never deterred physically with With the objective of replacing the issued to ten DDP empanelled Indian Ven- A poor man’s solution is now being pro- bountiful of moral courage as has been the vintage ICV’s at the end of the service life, dors in July 2015. moted by the MoD/CDS with the proposal to story again and again. SP FICV for Indian Army The FICV were earlier planned to be inducted into the Army in year 2025 but looking at the current state of affairs, induction may be prolonged easily by few more years. How are we ensuring a level playing field and encouraging the private sector who has invested heavily in the FICV project these past years without financial support from government, but is being kept in limbo?

Photograph: Indian Army  Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) curement Procedure 2008 ‘Make’ pro- cedure for developing “high-tech, com- he Infantry Combat Vehicle plex systems” through Indian industry. (ICV) is a potent and formidable l Expression of Interest (EoI) was sent to weapon platform vital for Mecha- Mahindra Defence Systems, Tata’s, L&T nised Infantry. Our vast frontiers and OFB in 2009 based on their com- and rogue neighbours like China mercial bids. FICV project was to be put Tand Pakistan heightens the need for ICVs on fast track looking at production of providing the infantry with: collective troop 3,000 FICVs to replace the upgraded cross-country mobility over land and water; BMPs at a cost of $10 billion. firepower, and; protection from enemy fire. l However, follow up of the first EoI was India’s Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle stunted because of “perceived inconsis- (FICV) project is classic example of how to tencies” in evaluation of EoI responses stonewall military modernisation by delay- between the Integrated Project Man- ing projects through bureaucratic machi- agement Team (IPMT) and MoD. MoD nations, political considerations and unac- scrapped the process saying it would countability, which is apparent from below: restart in nine months but took three l In late 1990s, DRDO began developing years before the project was restarted in ICV ‘Abhay’ as pre-technology demon- 2015. strator to replace Russian BMP-II, roll- l With change of government in 2014, ing out the pre-production prototype in Bharat Forge, Punj Lloyd, Force Motors 2005. and Ashok Leyland were included in l Project FICV was to be on private-public the FICV project through fresh accep-

www.spslandforces.com partnership basis under Defence Pro- BMPs crossing water obstacle tance of necessity (AoN) approved by

8 SP’s Land Forces 5/2020 >> TECHNOLOGY / MUNITIONS Loitering Munitions - Meeting the Challenge of Time-Sensitive Targets

Mini Harpy loitering munition during launch Mini Harpy loitering munition ROTEM quadcopter

n modern battlefields, spotting watches, and waits for its target to reveal dual-homing capabilities - utilizing anti- is relevant for units up to the battalion level. the enemy in time and acting on real- itself, then pounces just at the right time. radiation and electro-optical seekers. Lightweight, compact, and affordable, time information has become a critical Loitering munitions can stay in the Weighing 40 kilograms, the Mini Harpy Rotem enables individual soldiers to put capability. The precise location of the relevant area of combat operations for an is vehicle-lunched, like the Harop. With a eyes in the sky over the next hill, beyond the enemy in modern combat is not always extended time, and use sensitive electro- broadened capability spectrum, Mini Harpy line of sight, and strike the enemy as soon as Iknown, even if the general area of their optic or anti-radiation sensors to cover can utilize all sensors simultaneously. By targets appear. activities is. and acquire an entire area in which enemy employing the radiation-sensors, day, and The Rotem provides tactical field units Persistent surveillance of a broad area, activity is known to be happening. night electro-optics sensors at the same with a new advantage against adversaries. timely detection, and quick engagement Ground forces can operate loitering muni- time, Mini Harpy enables the user to cover If it does not receive an attack authoriza- of the enemy, immediately upon a target tions from a distance, further back behind the broader areas, and look for targets more tion, the Rotem can fly back and retrieved emerges are imperative to dominate the frontline, or operate them on the frontline, effectively, rather than searching for them safely, have its battery replaced, and imme- modern battlespace. Such missions are the using portable tablet-based controls. through a straw. With the anti-radiation diately deploy on a new mission. It carries specialty of Israel Aerospace Industries sensor cueing the camera on-board. The electro-optical day and night sensors. (IAI) loitering munitions. A Legacy of Loitering Munitions Mini Harpy carries a warhead with eight IAI’s loitering munitions don’t just hover These weapons are designed to operate In the 1980s, IAI pioneered the loitering kilograms of explosives. It can strike targets in the sky. Like alert hunters, they ensure in complex arenas and to detect moving munitions field with its development of the within one-meter accuracy. Its operating that ground forces are monitoring the right targets on foot or in a vehicle immediately. Harpy platform, as a method to overcome range is 100 kilometers, enabling ground area, waiting to detect and pounce on tar- Having a loitering munition in the sky with intelligence gaps on enemy activity. units to extend operations deeper into a hos- gets as soon as they appear. By empowering the right sensors is the most efficient way to Later, the larger Harop platform was tile area or employ offensive weapons from the tactical and operational level, Loitering deal with such adversaries. born. In recent years, IAI has continued to far back if needed. munitions enable ground forces and special IAI’s family of loitering munitions is the act as a trailblazer in the area, introducing IAI’s Rotem quadcopter munition is the operations elements to arrive at the battle- ideal match for the time-critical, elusive, and several loitering platforms that serve the second tactical loitering solution offered by field with game-changing advantage, by evasive fleeting enemy targets of the modern tactical level. IAI, designed for employment by the ground overcoming intelligence gaps and dealing battlefield.T hese loitering munitions resem- Among others These include the elec- forces and the individual soldier at the small effectively with the elusive ‘disappearing’ ble an alert hunter on the prowl, patiently trically-powered Mini Harpy, equipped with unit level. With a range of 10 kilometers, it enemy.’ SP

MoD. Multiple foreign firms showed ing for any government funding. But According to Hari Mohan Chairman OFB, There is lot of talk about level playing interest for joint ventures (JV). A sec- MoD obviously wanted to ensure OFB is ‘Mark-I’ will be ready in 3-5 years whereas field being ensured for the private sector, ond EoI was issued in July 2015 to 10 one DA, negating both DA’s going to pri- its sequel Mark II can take up to a decade in which is labeled pure rhetoric by the pri- vendors. Two Development Agencies vate industry. Delayed projects are never its development. vate players. How are we encouraging the (DAs) were to be shortlisted to build of consequence to the bureaucracy. On June 2, 2020, MoD placed an order private sector who has invested heavily in prototypes but the project was log- The EoI issued in 2009 laid down the on the OFB to upgrade Russian-origin the FICV project past years without finan- jammed in bureaucratic bottlenecks, FICV to be: operable by three-man crew; BMP-2/2k ICV ‘Sarath’ for the Army at cial support from government but is being corporate rivalry and controversies. carry seven additional soldiers with com- the cost of 1,094 crore ($145 million). kept in limbo? This also indicates that the OFB’s offer to partner DRDO as design bat loads; provide protection against This upgrade is to be carried out at Ord- claim to corporatise the OFB is unlikely to partner was not accepted on objections 14.5mm calibre weapons; amphibious; nance Factory, Medak. BMP-II Sarath was go beyond cosmetics. of private industry since DRDO will be air-transportable; 18-20 tonne maximum observed during rehearsals for DefExpo finally responsible for technology eval- weight; fire power to include grenade 2020. Whether ‘Sarath’ is planned as sub- The Bumpy Road Ahead uation and approval. launcher, co-axial machine gun, capable stitute for FICV is not known. Hopefully Satellite images of July 2020 showing Chi- l In mid-2017, US offered US-India-Israel of firing anti-tank missiles (fire and forget this is not the case but if it is, then the nese T-15 / ZTPQ light tanks in Eastern trilateral production of FICV under the type), and; minimum 50 per cent indig- MoD has circumvented earlier objections Ladakh was wakeup call for India having India-US Defence Technology and Trade enous content. by private industry that OFB should not rushed T-72 / T-90 tanks to halt China’s Initiative (DTTI). Simultaneously, media News reports of March 18, 2020 now be allowed to team up with DRDO since aggression in Eastern Ladakh; these being reported FICV project likely to be taken reveal that the OFB and DRDO are to con- DRDO is finally responsible for technology heavier and more suited for plains and des- up by the Defence Procurement Board jointly develop FICV, named ‘Mark-I’. evaluation and approval. erts. India reportedly is now scouting for (DPB) but many issues hampered this. light tanks but how many years or decades l In February 2018, independent expert Current Challenges before Army will get them? Last year Army monitors (IEMs) found evaluation pro- After over 30 years since Meanwhile, fate of the FICV project remains invited proposals from domestic and foreign cess for selecting Development Agencies unknown. But it would not be surprising firms for designing a future ready combat (DAs) to produce FICV prototypes cor- the perceived need and 12 if MoD restarts the process afresh with a vehicle (FRCV) ostensibly to replace the rect but Development Agencies (DAs) third EoI, implying setback of few more T-72 tanks. But looking at the FICV project, were still not selected from respondents years in the works, with years. The FICV were earlier planned to be FRCV could take another 25-35 years? to the second EoI. Instead, MoD sent the on-and-off rumours of the inducted into the Army in year 2025 but Lack of strategic sense and jingoism proposal back to the Army to study pos- looking at the state of affairs induction may has become the bane of India, which was sibility of shifting it under the ‘Make II’ FICV project being shelved- be prolonged easily by few more decades. reflected even in the Chief of Defence Staff category. BMP-II has no night fighting capa- (CDS) talking of marching into Pakistan l In DPP-2016, new sub-category, Make- progressed-shelved, these bility. It was hoped that the FICV will at Occupied Kashmir (POK) whenever gov- II (industry funded) was introduced, least commence replacing the BMP-II by ernment wants but also saying maintain- as was the Strategic Partnership (SP) vacillations have seriously 2017, with phasing out of BMP-II com- ing just 10 days ammunition reserves is model. But Mahindra Defence Systems, mencing 2018. In 2017, MoD awarded sufficient. Finally, if the present Chinese Reliance Defence and Engineering and undermined the capability `2,400 crore contract to upgrade 693 aggression too does not wake us up into Titagarh Wagons had already submit- of the Army BMP-2s with night fighting capabilities modernising our military speedily in holis- ted their plans for the FICV as required but whether upgrading of all BMP-II has tic fashion, we probably will continue to under Make II category – without ask- been completed is not known. remain in the same state. SP

5/2020 SP’s Land Forces 9 >> MOUNTAIN WARFARE Inducting New Light Tanks

The strategic prudence lies in exploiting country’s own bandwidth to equip our armed forces with indigenous light tank which will transmit a far stronger message of indigenously equipped self-reliant nation

Photographs: Wikipedia, Rosoboronexport  Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) The requirement of ne of the mainstream inducting armour on the media, during the mid of July reported that “The government, Northern Frontiers is amid border tensions with China, has given the approval indisputable. Given the Oto the Army for emergency procurement of lightweight tanks that can be deployed in dynamics of threat and high-altitude conditions.” It also reported the diplomatic, political that the army has been given the go-ahead for urgent purchases amid signs that Bei- and military negotiations jing intends to keep the border hot. Appar- ently the Indian Army has opted for 2S25M to minimise the same, Sprut-SDM1, an upgraded version of BDM2 with T-90 Turret System of Russian origin may have given us the which essentially is a tank destroyer to be the new light tank in it’s inventory. strategic space to re-arm

Utilisation of Light Tanks ourselves Light tanks have been exploited in practi- cally every operation since independence in India. Stuarts and Sherman tanks were used gun which can be inducted in the same areas. in the battle of Kohima in 1944. In 1948 Further, alight tank of 35 tonne category these came very handy in the battle of Zojila vis-a-vis 18T tank gives a huge advantage to push back the Pakistani forces. In 1962 in the high altitude terrain of Ladakh/Tibet. AMX-13 were used in the battle of Gurung That, for the limited employability in the care- Hill and also deployed in Bombdila and Dar- fully mapped ‘Go’ and ‘No Go’ Areas can be rang. In Bangladesh war AMX-13 and PT-76 tackled with already inducted T-72 and T-90 turned the tables in the battle of Garibpur. tanks in the interim till a light tank is inducted. Indian Army continued to maintain As discussed earlier that there would be a three regiments of light tanks through requirement of minimum 10-12 Regiments the 80’s and a regiment till late 90’s. The and in due course replacement, upgrades importance of light tanks has been flagged and life cycle support. An off the shelf pur- time and again including in the Krishna chase, especially now having developed our Rao Committee Report (1976) with Gen- own tank and with huge Defence Industrial eral Sunderji as one of the members of that base, is a strategic blunder. Instead strategic Committee. Despite many studies and papers prudence lies in having our own light tank including by the Perspective Planning Direc- developed in next one to two years, since now torate on the need of having light tanks for we have the experience of developing one. our Northern borders and Rann of Kutch as (Top) AMX-13 Light Tank (Above) Sprut-Sdm1 Light Amphibious Tank The option could be to use the K9 Vajra hull well as part of the Armoured Division, the with added armour protection with 105mm mandarins felt otherwise and continued to because we didn’t have them. With our focus support of airborne landing operations. rifled boreT urret gun system with 1000HP vacillate. And now that China has deployed mainly on the Western adversary and hence Currently Russia is the only country in the tweaked engine, under license production for T-15/36T category tanks, the sanction has concern was to match him with tank to tank world to operate this half tank with merely high altitude, which would maximum weigh come for emergency purchases. instead of building capability. As a result we 24 tanks in service. No other country in the 33-35 tonnes. This would be a light tank in The broad concept of employment of light continued to buy medium and heavy tanks. world has evinced any interest in the same the true sense. The disadvantage of not hav- tank revolves around its superior mobility Deployability of light tanks, however, is across so far, for various reasons including short- ing missile is easily offset with proliferation of (Strategic, Operational and Tactical), versatil- the border with China i.e. entire Northern comings of limited armour protection. Its other fire support measures including mis- ity, enhanced manoeuvrability (small turn- Borders to include Ladakh, Sikkim Plateau front arc withstands only 12.7mm round siles with Mechanised Infantry operating in ing radius, high power to weight ratio and and in RALP (Rest of Arunachal Pradesh). hits. All-round protection is limited to conjunction. Even if it is required with T-90 low nominal ground pressure), and lethal On the Western Front light tanks give a stra- 7.62mm fire.T he protection was reduced to Turret Weapon System, to have the advan- firepower. While strategic mobility advantage tegic advantage in the Rann of Kutch and give it with amphibious capability. tage of missile, the tank weight will be max of light tank certainly provides strategic flex- also as part of the Recce Regiments for flank Sprut-SDM1 is a vintage technology cur- 38 tonnes. Except for a marginal increase in ibility, however it is the superior agility which protections. One of the studies had recom- rently not in regular production. Since only weight, the light tank will have all the advan- enhances the ability in inter and intra valley mended up to 12 Regiments of light tanks to 24 pieces have been inducted ever since its tages of T-90 albeit a little lesser protection. movement in high altitude terrain. be inducted over a period of 5-7 years. inception, speaks for itself of the confidence Given the terrain and the operational in the equipment of the manufacturing Conclusion history, light tanks have not been inducted Options and Capabilities country. Therefore, an endeavour to offload Indigenous production will ensure smooth after AMX and PT-76 were phased out, not There are limited numbers of light tanks, an old product to friend in need will have induction, controlled time lines and life cycle because they were not required but only both tracked and wheeled, in the inventory complex issues of delivery schedule as the support with singular and huge advantage of foreign armies available to be picked up equipment is not in regular production. Fur- of future upgrades and variants. Also the off the shelf. Amongst the more advanced ther, the Indian Army is likely to be saddled equipment is contemporary and not vintage Sprut-SDM1 is a vintage are the USA Project MPF Light Tank, Chinese with issues of quality control and not only like Sprut-SDM1. It will also give a desired ZTQ-105 / Type 15, which is deployed oppo- life cycle support but future upgrades as well. boost to the indigenous industry. technology currently not site Ladakh and the Russian Sprut-SDM1. The amphibious capability provided by The requirement of inducting armour on The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 manufactured by reducing the protection is undesirable in a the Northern Frontiers is indisputable. Given in regular production. Volgograd Tractor Plant Joint Stock Com- light tank in the current scenarios. More so, the dynamics of threat and the diplomatic, Since only 24 pieces have pany, is a modernized version of the previous as now we have adequate number of Infantry political and military negotiations to mini- Sprut-SDM1. It is unified with the chassis of Combat Vehicles (BMP-2) with augmented mise the same, may have given us the strate- been inducted ever since the BMD 4M airborne combat vehicle of 80’s firepower (Anti-tank missiles and cannon). gic space to re-arm ourselves. To do that with vintage and uses some fire control elements Even with limited armour protection but with vintage, substandard, unpopular equipment its inception, speaks for of the T-90MS. It is officially referred in Rus- its firepower and the infantry stick (man- which in a way has been rejected by the forces sia as a self-propelled anti-tank gun, or tank power) is of immense value, in rushing and of the producing (selling) country and oth- itself of the confidence destroyer and not a light tank. occupying key terrain features and creates ers, would be an extremely regressive step. As mentioned earlier, according to the tank killing areas exploiting full range of the Instead strategic prudence lies in exploiting in the equipment of the Media, Indian Army has picked up 2S25M missile basis in those terrains. So the emergent this bandwidth to equip our armed forces Sprut-SDM1 Tank Destroyer (light tank) need is reconcilable with superior operational with indigenous light tank which will trans- manufacturing country. for the emergency purchases. Russia has strategy and tactics. For a Tank destroyer we mit a far stronger message of indigenously

SP www.spslandforces.com been using this so called light tank only in already have Self Propelled (SP-K9 VAJRA) equipped self-reliant nation.

10 SP’s Land Forces 5/2020 >> News in Brief / appointments

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh programmes. The modified features the Man- APPOINtMENTs releases DRDO Procurement ual will go a long way to facilitate participa- Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Manual 2020 tion of industry in various R&D projects. Also Ministry of Defence, India Jayant Baranwal present were included Secretary Department appointed V.L. Kantha Rao, Deputy Managing Editor of Defence Research & Development and a 1992 batch IAS officer of Neetu Dhulia Chairman DRDO Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, Secre- MP cadre, as the next Direc- Senior Editorial Contributor tary (Defence Finance) Gargi Kaul and other tor General (Acquisition) in Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) senior officials of Ministry of Defence. the defence ministry. Rao Senior Technical Group Editor was working as an Additional Secretary Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Flight Testing of DRDO’s Laser in the Department of Defence Produc- Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Guided ATGM tion in the Ministry of Defence before Principal Correspondent The indigenously developed Laser Guided his appointment as DG (Acquisition) was Ayushee Chaudhary To encourage more participation of Indian Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was suc- confirmed by the Appointments Com- Contributors industry, including Start-ups and Micro, Small cessfully test fired on October 1, 2020 defeat- mittee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime India & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Defence ing a target located at longer range. The test Minister Narendra Modi. As Director General V.P. Malik (Retd), Lt General Vijay Research & Development (R&D) for achiev- was conducted from MBT Arjun at Ahmed- General (Acquisition), Rao will supervise Oberoi (Retd), Lt General R.S. Nagra (Retd), ing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Defence Minister nagar. The ATGM employs a tandem HEAT all Capital Procurement of the Indian Lt General S.R.R. Aiyengar (Retd), Rajnath Singh released a new version of warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour Major General Ashok Mehta (Retd), armed forces through the Acquisition Major General G.K. Nischol (Retd), Defence Research and Development Organ- protected armoured vehicles in ranges from Wing of the defence ministry. Brigadier S. Mishra (Retd), Rohit Sharma isation (DRDO) Procurement Manual 2020 1.5 to 5 km. It has been developed with mul- The Appointments Com- (PM-2020) on October 20, 2020. Speaking tiple-platform launch capability and is cur- Chairman & Managing Director mittee of the Cabinet also Jayant Baranwal on the occasion, Rajnath Singh said, “The rently undergoing technical evaluation trials named Rao’s successor in new DRDO Procurement Manual will facili- from 120mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun. This Executive Vice President the Department of Defence (Planning & Business Development) tate the indigenous Defence Industry by sim- Laser Guided Missile has been developed by Production. Sanjay Jaju, Rohit Goel plifying the processes and ensure their partici- Armament R&D Establishment, Pune in asso- who was hitherto Joint Sec- Manager – HR & Admin pation in design and development activities. ciation with High Energy Materials Research retary in the same department, has been Bharti Sharma The PM-2020 will help towards realising Laboratory, Pune and Instruments Research promoted as Additional Secretary. Sanjay Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of & Development Establishment, Dehradun. Assistant Manager – HR & Admin Jaju is a 1992 batch IAS officer ofT elan- Pooja Tehlani ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.” The PM-2020, will Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratu- gana cadre. Deputy Manager – Circulation facilitate faster execution of R&D projects/ lated DRDO for this successful trial. SP Rimpy Nischal Group Research Associate Survi Massey Role of Infantry...Continued from page 7 Design Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht l Miscellaneous. Miscellaneous tasks Indian Army led by the low stance of Beijing after the Galwan clash include winning the hearts and minds and Indian occupation of heights south Group Director – Sales & Marketing of local population to denude public sup- Infantry will give the PLA of Pangong Lake, what Xi Jinping has in Neetu Dhulia port base of terrorist and insurgents, as mind remains ambiguous as his ambition Deputy Director – Sales also disaster relief operations. But here a a bloody nose but Xi may of world domination has surpassed that Rajeev Chugh mention must be made about operations of Mao Zhedong. The current PLA intru- SP’s Website in urban areas. Urban combat poses still wage a limited war on sion in Depsang is in the same area where Sr. Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish unique challenges to the combat forces. PLA had made a 19-km deep intrusion in Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma It is one of the most complicated of India – perhaps on a wide 2013 (after Xi came to power) and stayed Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal operations an infantry unit undertakes; put for three weeks before withdrawing. on behalf of SP Guide Publications Pvt front, including in Ladakh Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this the infantry that can enter a city, and Since 2014, Xi rehearsed the PLA on a life- publication may be reproduced, stored in a systematically clear the buildings, which sized land model of Ladakh inside China. retrieval system, or transmitted in any form may be booby trapped. In such an envi- No doubt the Indian Army spearheaded or by any means, photocopying, recording, ronment, infantry and civilian casualties the brutal attack. The premeditated assault by the infantry will give the PLA a bloody electronic, or otherwise without the prior are usually quite high. was an attempt to intimidate the Indian nose but Xi may still wage a limited war on written permission of the publishers. troops and build some confidence of PLA India – perhaps on a wide front, including Printed in India China’s 2020 Aggression in India troops who were without any battle expe- in Ladakh, conflict may even happen dur- by Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd The Chinese aggression in May-June 2020 rience. But that night PLA learnt a lesson ing winters. © SP Guide Publications, 2020 in Eastern Ladakh took India by surprise. that they had not bargained for. PLA had Mountains, especially high altitude, Subscription/ Circulation There is no denying that it was a national assembled large number of troops but were favour the defender. Pakistan has made Annual Inland: `600 • Overseas: US$180 Email: [email protected] level intelligence failure despite all the attacked by troops of 16 Bihar in retali- scores of attempts since 1984 to capture our [email protected] national level resources available with the ation, joined by other Army patrol in the posts on the Saltoro Range in the Siachen Letters to Editor NSA, including R&AW and NTRO. The area. No shots were fired but the close quar- Glacier area but has failed miserably in each [email protected] Joint Intelligence Committee was required ter battle continued through the night. Our of these attempts. The advantages of opera- to brief the Cabinet Committee for Security troops suffered 20 killed but the enemy suf- For Advertising Details, Contact: tions in winters are: poor visibility; reduced [email protected] (CCS) of enemy build up, forward move and fered some 111 casualties of which foreign flying days-hours for surveillance sorties [email protected] even the new road PLA built four kilometers media confirmed at least 44. China never on account of weather; lowered guard of SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD short of Galwan, but it failed as had hap- confirmed how many PLA were killed that defender in times of snow storms; terrain Corporate Office pened during the Kargil intrusions in 1999. night but there has been plenty of discon- permitting, use of skis or snowmobiles for A 133 Arjun Nagar, Opp Defence Colony, Questions were raised in some quarters tent within China on this count. faster induction and taking detours to avoid New Delhi 110003, India why the PLA intrusions were permitted in The surprise aggression by China did detection, and; higher helicopter carriage Tel: +91(11) 24644693, 24644763, the first place by a formation that was pre- give the PLA sizeable intrusions in areas capacity because of low temperatures. 24620130 Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 dominantly infantry. But many would not of Pangong Lake, Gogra-Hot Springs and Initiative pays handsome dividends in dif- Email: [email protected] know that the Division responsible for East- a major one in the area of Depsang. Had ficult terrain and difficult weather, as can be Representative Offices ern Ladakh is responsible for a frontage of the Army been allowed, it would have been seen from the initiative taken by our troops Bengaluru, INDIA 800 kilometres while China had set its eyes possible to dislodge the enemy from the in capture of Bana Post on Saltoro Range Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) on Ladakh since the times of Mao Zhedong. intrusion areas in mid-June itself. But gov- in Siachen glacier area in 1984 and recent 204, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kalyan Nagar, To top this, ITBP is deployed in the show ernment chose to deny any intrusions had occupation of heights south of Pangong Lake, Bengaluru 560043, India. window to patrol the Line of Actual Control taken place. This gave China the opportu- Chushul and Kailash Range. Infantry units, Tel: +91 (80) 23682204 (LAC) and it is not under command of the nity to brand India aggressor and put the their Ghatak Platoons, cluster of Ghatak Pla- MOSCOW, RUSSIA Army. They send their reports through their onus of disengagement on India, implying toons and Special Forces can pay handsome LAGUK Co., Ltd, Yuri Laskin own channels all the way up without shar- our troops should retreat in own area. dividends. If Xi Jinping goes for a limited war, Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. ing it with the Army. Ironically, this opera- Once again the infantry scored on August he would most likely test all his latest weap- Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762, tional anomaly has still not been righted 29-30 by occupying the ridgeline south of onry; hypersonic platforms, swarm drones, Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260 because of politics and bureaucratic advice. Pangong Lake, heights around Chusul and precision guided munitions (PGMs), E-bombs www.spguidepublications.com India is without a National Security Strat- the Kailash Range dominating all areas and the like. Tanks in the open may be the www.spslandforces.com egy (NSS) and has not undertaken a strate- up to the Spanggur Gap. PLA patrols were first ones to be targeted. China will suffer RNI Number: DELENG/2008/25818 gic defence review (SDR). Had an SDR been beaten in the race in reaching some of these enormous casualties but Xi is a cold-blooded conducted, the reason why Army had been heights. This action had made the PLA ner- monster devoid of human feelings. Ultimately, asking for an additional Division in Eastern vous since these heights dominate PLA loca- it is the infantry that can be counted upon to Ladakh, would have been understood. tions including their camp at Moldo. Multiple finally deliver the objectives. MEMBER / PARTNER OF While skirmishes between the ITBP and talks at the ministerial, diplomatic and mili- Let us pay homage to the brave Infantry- PLA had begun in May 2017, it was on June tary level talks have seen no breakthrough. men who laid down their lives in service of 15-16 that the PLA attacked the patrol of The PLA has consolidated and is not likely to the nation and celebrate Infantry Day on Colonel Suresh Babu, Commanding Officer withdraw. The Depsang intrusion apparently October 27 as the Infantry is ready to teach of 16 Bihar without warning in Galwan has not even been discussed yet. the PLA another lesson a thousand times area with spiked clubs, iron rods and swords China has been practicing war on mul- more severe than the clash at Galwan on using specially trained troops inducted for tiple fronts and despite the somewhat mel- June 15-16. SP

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