F-INSAS, Nipun mines, LCA — the new systems of the Army

The Government handed over two new weapons – the Nipun mines, the Landing Craft Assault (LCA) and the F-INSAS system to the Army.

F-INSAS system:

• F-INSAS stands for Future Infantry Soldier As A System, a programme for infantry modernisation aimed at increasing the operational capability of the soldier.
• As part of the project, soldiers are being equipped with modern systems that are lightweight, all-weather-all-terrain, cost-effective and low maintenance.
• The full-gear of the F-INSAS system includes an AK-203 assault rifle, which is a Russian-origin gas-operated, magazine-fed, select-fire assault rifle with range of 300 metre.
• It also includes a ballistic helmet, ballistic goggles, a bulletproof jacket, elbow-pads, and knee pads.
• It is being made at Korwa near Amethi in a Russia-India joint venture.
• It looks to transform the soldiers deployed in the border areas into 'a self-contained fighting machine'.
• F-INSAS also includes a hands-free head-set which will help enhance the operational capabilities of an infantry soldier and improve communication effectively.
• The project was conceptualised in the early 2000s by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in line with the targets of the Army’s Infantry Soldier Modernisation Programme with an aim to optimise the soldier’s performance across the full spectrum and duration of a military operation.
  
  

Nipun mines:

• Nipun mines are indigenously designed and developed anti-personnel mines, termed by the DRDO as ‘soft target blast munition’.
• These mines act as the first line of defence against the infiltrators and advancing enemy infantry.
• Anti-personnel mines are meant to be used against humans as against anti-tank mines that are aimed at heavy vehicles. They are smaller in size and can be deployed in large numbers.
• These mines are developed with the joint collaboration of the Armament Research and Development Establishment, a part of DRDO and an Indian firm.
  
  

Landing Craft Assault:

• The Landing Craft Assault (LCA) is a replacement for the boats with ‘limited capabilities’ operating in Pangong Tso lake.
• The LCA is much more versatile and has overcome the limitations of launch, speed and capacity.
• The LCA is touted to be the replacement for boats for carrying personnel in battle operations.
• These lightweight assault carriers can carry up to 35 troops.
• It has enhanced the capability to operate across the water obstacles in Eastern Ladakh.
• LCA has been indigenously developed by M/s Aquarius Ship Yard Limited, Goa.