INTRODUCTION

The Indian Army is the largest military service in the Indian Armed Forces consisted of about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 960,000 reserve troops. Indian Army is currently the second largest army in the world. The primary mission of the Indian Army is defence and national security of the Republic of India from external aggression and threats while maintaining peace and security within its borders. The Commander-in-Chief of the Army is the President of India, while the Chief of Army Staff, is a four star commander and commands the Indian Army.

HISTORY

The Indian Army was introduced when India gained independence in 1947 by the British. The Indian Army inherited most of the infrastructure and details from the British Indian Army. The Indian Army has fought four wars with the neighboring Pakistan Army over the Kashmir issue, while fighting another one with the army of People’s Republic of China. Apart of these involvements the army has taken part in major operations such as Operation Vijay, Operation Cactus, and Operation Meghdoot. The Indian Army also has taken part in the United Nations peacekeeping missions throughout the world.

PRESENT

The Indian Army is currently in the modernization period where it has invested largely in the manufacturing of indigenous equipment. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed various equipment ranging from small arms, radars, artillery to the main battle tanks like the Arjun.

The Indian Army currently operates T-90S, T-72M1, T-55, and Vjiayanta main battle tanks.

The Indian Army currently operates more than 200 helicopters in addition to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Army Aviation operates closely with the Indian Air Force.

FUTURE

The Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System (F-INSAS) is one of the key futuristic Indian Army’s principal modernization program from 2012 to 2020 which could change the Indian Army drastically. By 2012, the infantry soldiers will be equipped with modular weapon system that will have multi-functions. The Indian Army plans to modernize all of its 465 infantry and paramilitary battalions by 2020.

India also plans to overhaul its armoured vehicles by inducting 1,657 Russian-origin T-90S main battle tanks, 248 Arjun MBT and develop and induct the Arjun MKII variant. The majority of the T-72 MBT fleet is also being upgraded while the army has recently ordered 4,100 French origin Milan-2T anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

Two new infantry mountain divisions with 15,000 soldiers each are also being raised along with an artillery brigade. The Indian Army also plans to develop and induct 155mm indigenous artillery gun within next three and a half years. The Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) has obtained a firm order to deliver 114 HAL Light Combat Helicopters to the Indian Army.

You can view the Indian Army Pictures on the Indian Military Photos page.