F-INSAS

F-INSAS is India's program to equip the Infantry with state of the art equipment. F-INSAS means Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System.cite web|url=http://www.india-defence.com/reports/3269|title=Indian Army To Invest In F-INSAS (Future Infantry Soldier as a System) Programme|accessdate=2008-05-31|publisher=India Defence]

The F-INSAS program

F-INSAS has been taken up to equip Indian infantry with the latest weaponry, communication network and instant access to information on the battlefield. This program is similar to the future soldier programs of other nations. F-INSAS includes a fully networked all-terrain, all-weather personal-equipment platform, enhanced firepower and mobility for the digitalised battlefield of the future.cite web|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories66.htm|title=Future Indian Army Soldier will be Tech-smart|accessdate=2008-05-31|publisher=India Strategic|author=Gulshan Luthra and Lt Gen Vinayak Patankar|date=October 2007] The weight carried by soldiers will be reduced by at least 50%.citeweb|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/657052.cms|title=Kalam vision: A hi-tech Indian soldier|date=2004-05-03|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=2008-05-31]

The fully integrated Infantry of tomorrow will be equipped with mission-oriented equipment integrated with his buddy soldier team, the sub-unit, as also the overall C4I2 (Command, Control, Communications Computers, Information and Intelligence) system. citeweb|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories66.htm|title=Future Indian Army Soldierwill be Tech-smart|date=2004-10|publisher=Indiastrategic.in|accessdate=2008-06-01]

Timeline

In the first phase, to be completed by 2012, the infantry soldiers will be equipped with modular weapon systems that will have multi-functions.

The Indian Army intends to modernize its entire 465 infantry and paramilitary battalions by 2020 with this program.

F-INSAS equipment

The intention is to equip the soldier (see picture cite web|url=http://media.bharat-rakshak.com/DefExpo08/Users/RajMalhotra/DSC00108.jpg.html|title=Picture of soldier equipped with F-INSAS|date=2008-02-17|accessdate=2008-06-01] ) to ensure a dramatic increase in their lethality, survivability and mobility while making the soldier "a self-contained fighting machine". cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/09/stories/2006050900490900.htm|title=High-tech system to provide Indian soldier with overmatch facilities|date=2006-05-09|accessdate=2008-06-01]

Helmet and Visor

The helmet is an integrated assembly equipped with thermal sensors, video cameras and chemical and biological sensors. The visor is intended to be integrated and to act as a heads-up display monitor equivalent to two 17-inch computer monitors.

Clothing

The personal clothing of this soldier of the future would be lightweight with a bullet-proof jacket. The futuristic jacket would be waterproofed yet breathable. The new attire that will enable the troops carry the extra load and resist impact of chemical warfare. The new uniform will have vests with sensors to monitor their health parameters and provide quick medical relief.

Weapons

The weapons sub-system is built around a dual caliber assault rifle with the second caliber attached to a grenade launcher. The sub-system includes a thermal weapon sight and laser range finder to provide the soldier with range and direction information. The Global Positioning System (GPS) location information, allows the soldier can call for indirect fire accurately.

Accessories

The soldier will equipped with a palmtop to be able to communicate with other soldiers, and will be aware of the battlefield. The palmtop will tell the soldier where others are in relation to themselves. It will also enable them to transfer messages. cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/228312._.html|title=It's possible for us to have military history written without carrying sensitive material|date=2007-10-15|accessdate=2008-06-01]

Thermal imagers, sensors and night vision equipment, currently deployed in weapon systems such as artillery and main battle tanks, will be customized to make them portable for soldiers to carry in the battle ground.

Procurements for program

Procurement requests for the 'open calibre' carbines is valued at around INR44 billion (USD1.1 billion) have been initiated with global manufacturers.cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/systems/jdw/jdw080514_1_n.shtml|title=India seeks carbines to boost future soldier programme|author=Rahul Bedi|date=2008-05-14|accessdate=2008-05-31] The procurement covers night-vision devices, laser designators and detachable under-barrel grenade launchers.

Indigenisation of program

With the intent of to retain its strategic autonomy, self reliance and indigenisation of the program is being emphasized. Indigenous development of many equipment by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) independently as well as with private partnership is being encouraged.

Notes and references

ee also

* Future soldier

External links

* [http://www.janes.com/extract/jdw2007/jdw33800.html Jane's defense weekly confirms F-INSAS]
* [http://media.bharat-rakshak.com/DefExpo08/Users/RajMalhotra/DSC00108.jpg.html Picture of soldier equipped with F-INSAS]
* [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/657052.cms President Kalam's visions for a hi-tech soldier]