These will enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Army

A wide range of indigenously developed equipment and systems were handed over to the Indian Army by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday.

These include the Future Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS), new generation anti-personnel mine ‘Nipun’, rugged and automatic communication system with enhanced capabilities, upgraded sights system for tanks and advanced thermal imagers.

Apart from this, he also virtually handed over state-of-the art high mobility Infantry Protected Vehicles and Assault Boats to enable the troops deployed along the borders to respond to any challenge in a befitting manner, said the Ministry of Defence.

In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the modernization of the Armed Forces under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan," the equipment and systems have been jointly developed by the Indian Army in cooperation with Defence Public Sector Undertakings, the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO), and the industry.

While addressing the gathering, Singh assured the audience that the systems and equipment will enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Army and increase their efficiency. It is a shining example of the country’s growing self-reliance prowess, in partnership with the private sector and other institutions, he said.

According to the Defence Minister, the military's demands for infrastructure are growing as a result of constantly-changing times. He also urged infrastructure development based on latest technology to support the Armed Forces in staying ready to face future challenges.

Singh also announced the launch of Scales of Accommodation (SoA) 2022, a number of e-Government applications, and 198 educational video modules during the event. He praised MES as a significant and responsible Ministry of Defence organisation, referring to it as the "behind the scenes characters" that support the frontline soldiers.