Army to unveil futuristic Rambos next year

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Come 2012, the Indian Army will have among its ranks quite a few high-tech and all-terrain infantrymen. They will have the ability to fight in a network-centric environment and will carry a weight — of weapons and other equipment — almost 50 per cent less than what they shoulder at present.

They will be the Futuristic Infantry Solider as a System (F-INSAS). The Army on Wednesday floated a global tender (request for information) for acquiring an integrated computer and communications system for its infantrymen. The systems — including mini-computers or laptops along with GPS and radio systems — will be part of the F-INSAS programme.

India has embarked upon on a similar programme called F-INSAS 2020, by when each soldier in its 3.75 lakh-strong infantry will be covered. The entire process is likely to cost more than $3 billion. The F-INSAS programme was first announced in 2007. The first phase of acquiring and training infantrymen is likely to be over by the end of 2011.

Faced with rapidly-changing warfare and the advent of information technology, countries like the US have made their infantry soldier self-sufficient, or “one-man armies.”

The futuristic soldier will have a more lethal but lighter rifle, lighter but stronger bulletproof jacket and lighter boots, besides ultra modern gadgets to increase his efficiency in war and reduce chances of casualty.

Sources said computers similar to the ones for which the tender has been floated are now in use by the US Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have proved their real-time worth vis-à-vis the ability to accept and present by command, control, communications, computers and intelligence tools, among others.

GPS, radio systems and computers — in the form of mini-laptops, helmet-mounted pads or wristbands — will enable soldiers to exchange pertinent information up and laterally across the chain of command under all environmental and climatic conditions.

Moreover, the Army wants to acquire systems which allow the soldier knowledge of what is happening around him and his location on the battlefield with respect to the enemy and his own troops.

The main objective of the F-INSAS programme is to enhance the soldier’s lethality, survival capacity and mobility.

Hi-tech Armoury

Helmet

Fitted with thermal sensors, video cameras besides chemical and biological sensors. Visor to function as a display monitor like two small computer monitors.

Clothing

To be lighter, waterproof but breathable besides resistant to chemical warfare. Also have sensors to monitor the health of soldier in order to provide immediate medical assistance.

Weapons

DRDO is developing a multi-calibre rifle and grenades. The rifle will be fitted with thermal weapon sight and laser finder to provide the soldier with range and direction information.