A little serious post today.

In a short thread I'll try to explain in layman's terms why "Operation Sindoor" is nothing less than a marvel. It was India's first major introduction to the 21st century advanced warfare on a massive scale. And India triumphs with flying colours. Making fun of the failure of Pakistan and the shabby performance of Chinese & Turkish platforms is one thing. But, Pakistan is really, really a strong adversary. A "near-peer" enemy in many fields. And exactly why, it needed grit & determination to outwit a powerful enemy.

Let's talk about the recent FICV concepts we witnessed during the metal cutting ceremony of AAP-Wh & Tr. We will discuss only what we can reduce from those photos only. So, first let's look at the early FICV concept released by TASL. This is important to explain the new concepts. The FICV was based on the WhAP but the hull was modified accordingly. You can identify the opposite position of the engine & driver in two platforms. Movements of the tracks would provide water jets. However, both have the same 30mm turret with 2×ATGM, co-ax MG, LWS & optics.

Stryker thread- origin, requirements, and concerns in Indian context

First, what's our requirement?

The only released RFI is for 198 AFV for the Recce & Support role
Transportability: Il-76 & C-17
Must be amphibious
Engine: minimum 25Hp/T


While it was almost certain that one of the four Indian companies, engaged in 8×8 AFV projects, would be selected. But then came the bolt from the blue. According to the reports, the total requirement is of 530 and army eyes Stryker as the preference!

theprint.in/defence/india-…

History of Arjun tank development- long thread

The first GSQR for an Indian Main Battle Tank dates back to the late 1950s, which couldn’t be materialised, and the Indian Army ended with the procurement of the Centurion, Vickers Mk. 1, and T-54 in the coming decades. However, one might be surprised to find none of the tanks then, with services, could meet all the requirements of the original GSQR. After the 1971 war, the army decided to go full throttle with the design, development and manufacture of an indigenous design.

Unlike the UAV which anyhow can be put into services, the Stryker is rather a much complex thing. Here's a thread, if you don't mind a long one.

First, what's our requirement?
198 AFV for Recce & Support
Transportability: Il-76 & C-17
Must be amphibious
Engine: minimum 25hp/T

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/status/1745781860129476870

While at least four indigenous designs (TAS, L&T, MDSL & KSSL) will compete, reportedly Stryker is also offered to India. And here comes the question, what variant actually will be pitched?

During the visit of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Stryker ICV-D and ICVVA1-S were showcased.

India's Cancelled Fighter Jet Programs - which could change the course of future

Ground Attack Fighter-I (1965)

Transonic, two engine platform to be powered by M.45, short range strike platform..but soon there was requirement of better capability Ground Attack Fighter -II (1966)

It was to be powered by two R.11F-300, supersonic platform with air-to-air defence as well. Ordnance carriage on eight under wing stations as well as internal bay! However, lack of necessary infrastructure led an alternative.

Procurement of armoured vehicles by the Indian Armed Forces

#IndianArmy 1300 MDSL Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (Rs. 1056 cr). to be equipped with MMG, AGL, ATGM

4.75T GVW category
1T payload (400 kg cargo)
215 hp engine
D+3P/D+5P
STANAG I/II

pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa… #IndianArmy 27 BF M4 (Rs. 177.95 cr)

GVW: 16T
Payload: 2.7T
Crew: 2+8
Engine: 450hp
STANAG III

google.co.in/amp/s/theprint…

A long thread on Russian weapons used in the 2022 Russia-Ukraine War
(please share if you like)

The list is based on reports, images and videos published etc

Ballistic/Cruise Missiles:

Iskandar (ballistic)
Kh-101/555 (ALCM, subsonic)
Kalibr (LACM) SPH:

Akatsiya (152 mm)
Msta-S (152 mm)
Gvozdika (122 mm)

Defence Budget- India vs China

Acc to SIPRI the defence budget of India and China in 2020 stands (current value) at Bln $72.88 and Bln $252.3 (for the official value please see third and fourth tweet). But this huge humongous gap wasn't started in one day. Now, this thread is based on data shown only by SIPRI, not necessarily match official one , to avoid complexities. Acc to various sources, Chinese defence budget in 2021 officially stands at CNY 1.35 Trillion (~Bln $209). Please check next tweet for official Indian data.

When Indian test pilot taught a lesson to German legends

India's first indigenous fighter jet (and also first from Asia) HF-24 was designed by HAL. The design was much ahead of that time and India earned an incredible achievement soon to be faded away . At first German legend Wilhelm Messerschmitt was offered to lead the joint design team . He had made Bf 109- second most produced fighter aircraft ever, Me 209- the fastest of that time and Me 262- world's first jet fighter. But he refused the offer.

#1971War

Chachro Raid

Whenever history will look at the finest behind enemy lines operations, the Chachro Raid will find a glorious place in it. It was a daring Surgical Strike conducted by 10 PARA SF 80 km deep inside Pakistan, strating the mission on Dec 5 The objective was to strike deep inside Chachro and create a chaos there. It was a strategically important stronghold for Pakistani Army. A hammer strike there would cut off supply line to Pak Army. To complete their mission,the forces travelled over 500 km !

On the 193rd Gunners Day #IndianArmy here are some majestic artilleries made in India in medival age.

Malik-i-Maidan

Weighing over 55T it was the largest cannon of the world ! Made in Ahmednagar captured by Bijapur and then Aurangzeb...had extraordinary metallurgy Jaivana

Made during reign of Jai Singh II it was the largest cannon on wheels ! Weighing over 50T had a range of more than 35 km.

Many people can't understand why double hump Bacterian camels, soon to be inducted into Indian Army to help patrol India-China border, is an advantage rather burden. They can carry 170 kg of load easily for 12 km even at 17000 ft of elevation. By the way, yes, PLA of China too used animal for patrolling
abc.net.au/news/2019-08-1…
deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-othe…
businessinsider.com/china-has-yak-…
gizmodo.com.au/2019/08/why-ch…

Here is a thread on images from tank battles in 1965 war

#Breaking

#IndianArmy statement - Thread

At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing. It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

Debunking Fantasy created around MM Alam

PAF Squadron Leader MM Alam (11 Sqn) is claimed by Pakistan to be only Ace of the continent who shot down five IAF Hunters over Sargodha in a matter of minutes four of which he shot down in a mere thirty seconds.

But there are problems On 7 Sep, 1965 #IAF conducted six daring strikes against PAF stronghold Sargodha. The mission ended into a success with a heavy blow to PAF which they couldn't recover in that war. IAF lost five aircrafts but Pakistan claimed 10 and tried to fantacise as a deceive victory.

So Sunday Special , here is the thread one of our friends asked for.
Current and near future helicopters of Indian Armed Forces.
#IndianArmy #IAF #IndianNavy
Pic courtesies to their owners

ALH Dhruv ALH-WSI Rudra

MMRCA 2 and some questions

1) Do the #IAF can afford the huge financial support they need ?
There's no doubt that it will take huge cost even if spanned for several years. 2) Accepting that IAF will have the capability to afford even 20+ Bln USD , will not investing lion share of this into indigenous development (rest for stop gap mesure procurement) will lead to a better future for IAF than procuring foreign jets ?

Thread - BVRAAM of #IAF- future

Astra Mk 1: 110 km
Astra Mk 2: 160 km
SFDR: 340 km
BrahMos AAM:400-500 km
CCM: 40 km India recently ordered (range according to Rosobornexport )

R-27R1: 75 km
R-27ER1: 100 km
R-27T1: 80 km
R-27ET1: 80 km
R-73E (SVV-AE): 30 km
R-77 (RVV-AE): 80 km

India has recently tested (Sputnik report)

RVV-MD: 40 km
RVV-SD: 110 km
RVV-BD: 280 km (range by Degael)

Sad story of India's first attempt to have indigenous anti tank missile for #IndianArmy - a brief thread

DRDO Anti Tank Missile

The very first anti tank developed by DRDO was a first generation MCLOS Wire Guided Missile . It had a 106 mm warhead and range was 1.6 km. In 1959 a study on feasibility of a first gen ATM was proposed at a budget of Rs. 6 lakhs. Wind tunnel testing was started at IISC, Bengalore. Full set of force and momentum test was completed by 1961. It had a speed of 250-300 fps. Requirement was of a 2 km range missile.

Did you know that an Indian company made famous warships for British Navy ?

HMS Trincomalee was made by Wadias in the then Bombay #Mumbai in 1816 , which still does exist and currently is a museum. Two more famous war ships were made by Jamsetjee Bomanjee Wadia for Royal Navy . He made HMS Minden . And it is related to #US ! Francis Scott Key wrote poem "Defense of Fort M'Henry", on that warship. It is the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner" - the national anthem of the US. Amazing isn't it?
Now let's talk about another ship.