Indian Army moves towards ‘wired’ soldiers with F-INSAS
Soldiers of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment parade in new army uniforms earlier this year. (Doordarshan via Neelam Mathews)
India’s soldier modernisation programme is set to proceed, but just how straightforward will its rollout be?
The Indian Army’s ambitious plan to equip more than 300,000 soldiers, around 370 battalions, with the indigenous Futuristic Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS) was unveiled by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 16 August.
The $6 billion soldier modernisation plan will be introduced in phases, till it is fully networked and integrated as outlined. However, its timelines are unknown.
At present, an Indian soldier’s gear includes a ballistic vest, 5kg boots and equipment that weighs, in total, around 30kg.
The new F-INSAS lightweight system includes an AK-203 assault rifle to replace the INSAS weapon. AK-203s will be manufactured under an
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