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Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: All about F-INSAS, Nipun mines, LCA — the new systems handed over to the Army” published in Indian Express on 16th August 2022.
What is the News?
The Defence Minister has handed over several new defence systems including the F-INSAS, the Nipun mines, the Landing Craft Assault (LCA) to the Army.
What is the F-INSAS system?
F-INSAS stands for Future Infantry Soldier As A System. It is a programme for infantry modernisation aimed at enhancing the operational capability of the soldier.
Under this programme, soldiers are being equipped with modern systems which will be lightweight, all-weather-all-terrain, economical and would require low maintenance.
The full gear of the F-INSAS system includes an AK-203 assault rifle and a multimode hand grenade. Apart from this, soldiers are also provided with ballistic helmets and ballistic goggles for protection against small projectiles and fragments, along with a bullet-proof vest.
— F-INSAS also comes with hands-free, secured advanced communications set for real-time exchange of information with the command post and fellow soldiers for enhanced situational awareness.
What are Nipun Mines?
Nipun mines are indigenously designed and developed anti-personnel mines termed by the DRDO as ‘soft target blast munition’. These mines are meant to act as the first line of defence against infiltrators and enemy infantry.
Developed by: Armament Research and Development Establishment, a Pune-based DRDO facility, and Indian industry.
Note: 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.
What is the Landing Craft Assault?
The Landing Craft Assault(LCA) is meant to serve as a replacement for the boats with limited capabilities currently in use in the Pangong Tso lake.
Developed by: Goa-based Aquarius ShipYard Limited.
Features: It has better launch speed and capacity to operate across water obstacles in eastern Ladakh. Similar vessels are already in operation in the Indian Navy.
