Source : Times Now
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| Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed over Futuristic Infantry Solider (F-INSAS) system to the Indian Army |
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, handed over the new anti-personnel mine Nipun and Futuristic Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS) to the Indian Army. Both the systems have been manufactured indigenously by Indian firms. Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Lt General Harpal Singh were also present on the occasion.
During the ceremony, Army’s F-INSAS soldier gave a briefing to Rajnath Singh on his new weapon systems and aids including the AK-203 assault rifle. The AK-203 assault rifles are planned to be manufactured in Amethi in a joint venture between Indian and Russian entities.
During the event, Singh handed over multiple Indigenous weapons to the Indian Army, including anti-personnel land mine Nipun, Landing Craft Attack for operations in Pangong lake, infantry combat vehicles and many other systems.
Army prepared to tackle any threat: E-in-C
Speaking during the ceremony, Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Engineer-in-Chief, Indian Army said that various decisions have been taken by the government to promote Make in India in defence. “Different policy decisions have been taken by the Government of India to help promote indigenisation of weapon systems for the Armed Forces. Many new equipments inducted by the Army in this direction including mines, personal weapons and infantry combat vehicles,” he said.
Singh further said that the Indian Army is prepared to tackle any threat whether it is western desert or the high altitude locations in Ladakh sector. The induction of indigenous systems may be viewed on the backdrop of government’s push to indigenous manufacturing in defence sector. This is in line with PM Narendra Modi’s call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which has further translated into Ministry of Defence’s initiatives towards self-reliance in defence.
