New Weapon Systems Of The Army

Why in the News?

Recently, the Defence Minister handed over several new defence systems, including the F-INSAS, the Nipun mines, and the Landing Craft Assault (LCA), to the Army.

Key Points:

About F-INSAS System

• F-INSAS stands for Future Infantry Soldier As A System.
• Conceived in the 2000s, F-INSAS is one among many soldier modernisation programmes across the world
• It is 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:
  • AK-203 assault rifle
  • Magazine-fed
  •  Select-fire assault rifle
  •  Multi-mode hand grenade

Image Source: First Post

Nipun Mines

• • Nipun mines are indigenously designed and developed anti-personnel mines.
  • They are 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: DRDO.

• Utility:

• • Anti-personnel mines are meant to be used against humans as against anti-tank mines that are aimed at heavy vehicles.
  • The mine will provide protection to the troops on the borders and is more potent and effective than the existing anti-personnel mine in its arsenal.

Image Source: Hindustan Times

Landing Craft Assault (LCA)

• • LCA is meant to serve as a replacement for the boats with limited capabilities currently in use in the Pangong Tso lake. 

• Key Features:

• • It has been indigenously developed by Goa-based Aquarius Shipyard Limited.

  • Better launch, speed and capacity to operate across water obstacles in eastern Ladakh. 

Image Source: The Economic Times

News Source: The Indian Express