Monthly Archives: August 2018

Ahmedabad-based defence technology company Gridbots has introduced the Titan Fortifier, a ground breaking unmanned ground system designed to autonomously deploy anti-tank mines, reported Gridbots.

This innovation marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous robotic warfare capability, positioning Gridbots among the few global firms developing fully autonomous combat engineering systems.

Developed under the Titan series of multi-utility combat robots, the Fortifier variant builds on the proven mobility and navigation suite of the Titan ground platform. It features a hybrid visual and 3D LiDAR-based SLAM navigation system, ensuring precise route planning and obstacle avoidance in all-terrain conditions—ranging from plains and deserts to high-altitude environments.

The autonomous control suite integrates multi-processor batch computing and an onboard NVIDIA GPU for AI-driven perception and operational command logic.

The Titan Fortifier is engineered for independent mine deployment operations without manual control. The system carries up to 50 anti-tank “Brick Mines,” collectively weighing approximately 600 kilograms, and can autonomously distribute them along a pre-mapped or dynamically generated route exceeding 50 kilometres in a single charge. This capability significantly reduces exposure risks for engineers and soldiers during minefield emplacement in contested zones.

The robot uses a modular carriage tray and hydraulic release mechanism to lay mines at pre-determined intervals, with adjustable spacing controlled by onboard mission software. The use of encrypted 5.8 GHz mesh radio links ensures real-time mission monitoring and secure communications between multiple units operating in formation or networked clusters, allowing field commanders to orchestrate complex autonomous minelaying patterns from safe stand-off distances.

Built on the Titan combat vehicle framework, the Fortifier retains the robust chassis fabricated in chromium steel with IP65 sealing for all-weather operation. The system sustains a maximum payload of one tonne, enabling flexibility for different mission packages—mine dispersal, logistics support, surveillance, or combat payload operations. The vehicle offers 12 hours of continuous runtime, automatic battery charging, and hot-swappable LiFePO4 power packs, optimising operational endurance.

Its AI analytics suite, augmented by panoramic 360-degree thermal and optical imaging, provides situational awareness during mine deployment. The fusion of lidar-based terrain mapping and GPS-denied navigation allows the Fortifier to perform with high accuracy under electronic warfare conditions. With a mapping precision of 20 millimetres and docking accuracy of 15 millimetres, the robot demonstrates an exceptional standard in India’s autonomous land warfare systems.

Defence experts view the Titan Fortifier as a force multiplier for combat engineering corps and border defence units, particularly in high-threat or mined terrain scenarios where manual mine emplacement exposes troops to enemy fire. The unmanned operation model enables faster, safer, and more deliberate minelaying during tactical retreats, denial operations, or terrain fortification.

The Fortifier’s introduction complements India’s growing trend in battlefield automation, aligning with the country’s doctrine of integrating robotics and artificial intelligence across land warfare domains. Gridbots’ continuous work on TITAN derivatives—such as the HITMAN autonomous weapon station and the Mine Sweeper variant—reflects its transition from heavy robotics to high-end unmanned combat systems.

Defence insiders anticipate that the Titan Fortifier may eventually be fielded in limited numbers for testing with Indian Army corps under the Combat Engineers Directorate, supporting the country’s broader indigenous unmanned systems initiative.

With such developments, India is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation ground-based automation for defensive and offensive battlefield applications.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

Illustrative      

US intelligence agencies have reportedly identified indicators of an imminent Pakistani intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, with an estimated range exceeding 5,500 kilometres. Such a development, if confirmed, would mark a major evolution in Pakistan’s strategic deterrent architecture, placing it alongside a select group of nations with global-range missile reach.

Preliminary assessments suggest Pakistan’s current missile infrastructure, centred on the Shaheen and Ababeel series, may have undergone extensive upgrading to support longer-range propulsion stages and improved payload configurations.

Satellite imagery and telemetry analysis reportedly point to test preparations at missile complexes in Balochistan or the Sindh interior, both possessing reinforced launch infrastructure suitable for heavy-lift ballistic stages.

A range capability surpassing 5,500 km would extend Pakistan’s reach beyond South Asia to encompass West Asia, parts of Europe, and East African corridors. This expanded envelope indicates a doctrinal shift from purely regional deterrence against India to a broader strategic posture possibly influenced by emerging power alignments and technology partnerships.

Analysts note similarities in stage design concepts reportedly reminiscent of North Korean Hwasong architecture, though direct transfer linkages remain unverified.

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) reports earlier in 2025 had already highlighted Pakistan’s experimentation with extended re-entry vehicle (RV) materials and multi-stage liquid-solid propulsion hybridisation, suggesting the pursuit of intercontinental delivery potential. Such initiatives likely stem from a combination of national prestige ambitions and deterrence enhancement in light of India’s Agni-V and Agni-P deployments.

The reported U.S. intelligence assessment underscores rising concern in Washington over the South Asian nuclear balance and Islamabad’s potential collaboration networks. Sources indicate intensified monitoring by both the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office and allied European assets to establish any foreign technology inflow, particularly from China or North Korea.

This has also compelled renewed consultations within the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) framework, despite Pakistan’s non-membership, to ensure export compliance vigilance among partner nations.

If the test proceeds, it would fundamentally reshape regional deterrence geometry, compelling India to recalibrate its missile readiness thresholds and prompting diplomatic reassessments by Gulf and Central Asian states. The strategic reverberations could also trigger wider U.S.–China competitive posturing, as Washington interprets Islamabad’s move as an indirect extension of Beijing’s influence in South Asian missile development.

Experts warn that the debut of a Pakistani ICBM would not only escalate security anxieties but might also accelerate multilateral debates about missile proliferation beyond conventional threat theatres. The implications for crisis stability in South Asia, already strained by sub-conventional tensions and arms modernisation cycles, are likely to be profound.

Based On OSINT Report

Renewal of the bilateral framework is a gambit shrouded in ambiguity

EVEN as the ink is still drying on the Major Defence Framework Agreement between the United States and India, the choice of the venue for signing this compact, on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) recently, itself speaks volumes.

The exercise comes against the backdrop of recent strain in India-US ties over trade and tariff issues

In a unique air coordination exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, including the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30 MKI, are operating with the US strategic bomber “B-1 Lancer” as part of a four-day drill being held from November 10 to 13.

Though the Russian-made jet has earlier taken part in bilateral and multilateral exercises involving US platforms, this is the first time it is integrating and operating alongside a US strategic bomber — making it a first-of-its-kind engagement.

The IAF on Wednesday released pictures and details of the exercise underway in southern India. Along with the Sukhoi-30 MKI, French-origin Mirage-2000 fighters were also seen flying with the B-1 bomber in the images shared. The US Air Force has deployed only the B-1 Lancer for the exercise.

“The Indian Air Force and United States Air Force are engaged in a bilateral exercise from November 10-13, aimed at fostering mutual learning and enhancing interoperability. The US Air Force is participating with the B-1B Lancer,” the IAF posted on X.

The exercise comes against the backdrop of recent strain in India-US ties over trade and tariff issues.

The B-1 Lancer is a long-range heavy bomber used by the US for deep-strike missions. It was last seen in India during the Aero India show in Bengaluru in February this year, and had also participated in the 2023 edition of the event.

Unlike its earlier visits for the air show, this exercise marks an operational collaboration — underscoring the growing ability of the IAF and the US Air Force to coordinate and operate together.

The US has designated India as its “Major Defence Partner”.

MILITARY AVIATION AIRPOWER

Military Literature fest Magazine :final

BATTLE OF NAMKACHU 20 – 21 Oct 1962 (Maj Gen Harvijay Singh, SM)

India ‘ultimate swing state’ in geopolitics, shift in global power balance depends on its alignment with power centres: CDS

Opinion of medical board in determining disability cannot be junked unless there is evidence to the contrary: HC

Quad navies begin ‘Malabar’ exercise

Security personnel and Naxalites exchange fire in Chhattisgarh forest

ISRO successfully tests main parachutes for Gaganyaan’s crew module

2-day air exercise in region from today

Pak issues NOTAM, puts forces on alert

Click link below to open magazine

MILITARY AVIATION :AIR POWER

Military Literature fest Magazine :final

In 1962, India adopted a Forward Policy against the Chinese. It was Defensive initiatives to safeguard the territorial integrity of India. To circumvent the Chinese expansion into the disputed areas, Indian Army was to “go as far as practicable … and be in eff occupation of the whole frontier”. 

In NEFA (North East Frontier Agency), Assam Rifles was tasked with setting up posts all along the McMahon Line.

Problems Faced in Implementation of the Policy: There were no roads. No modern military equipment, what little available was useless at the Himalayan heights, Army was not ready to conduct combat ops in narrow River valleys and over 7000 feet deep gorges.

By 20 July 1962 under the Forward Policy, 34 posts (8 in Kameng, 7 in Siang and 11 in Lohit Frontier were established in NEFA).

These were manned largely by Assam Rifles, incl one at Dhola, a little South of Namka Chu River on 4 Jun 1962, under the guidance of Capt Mahabir Prasad of 1 SIKH.

Slowly following Chinese recce and troops build up. Indian Army took up hurried defences along the Namka Chu River in the Tawang Sector. Ironically these troops from the 7 Infantry Brigade/4 Infantry Division were very fresh in the high-altitude area, had walked many Kms from the road H, were at lower heights than the Chinese and very close to the river. There were large gaps between the battalions. The area was thickly wooded. All to their disadvantage.

On night of 19/20 Oct, herds of Yaks crossed over Namka Chu R; the Chinese (PLA) were ascertaining the depth of water at their selected crossing places, detonating mines and breaching wire obstacles with the help of yaks.

By 5 AM on 20 Oct, PLA crossed the R on foot through gaps avoiding the guarded Bridges (narrow log bridges made by the herdsmen). Tele lines were cut. PLA contacted defenses of 7 Inf Bde units on a broad front from the defender’s rear. This was a smart and well-rehearsed tactical manoeuvre by the enemy against a thinly defended border.

Indian troops were taken by surprise when assaulted from the flanks and rear.  2 RAJPUT and 1/9 GORKHA deployed at Bridge IV, III and area between Bridge III and II fought gallantly but were soon over-powered. 

Brigadier Dalvi, the Brigade Commander and his party withdrew towards Serkhim area through the Dhola pass. Enroute, he was separated from most of the others and was finally left with only Captain Talwar of 17 Para Field Regiment and a few Other Ranks.   On 22 Oct they ran straight into a Chinese company near Serkhim and were captured. 

By AN of 20 Oct, Chinese had driven back Indian troops from Bridges I to V from Namka Chu, Tsangle, Khinzemane and Tsangdhar. Brunt of the attack was borne by RAJPUTs, GORKHAs and Assam Rifles. 4 GRENADIERs and 9 PUNJAB had not been attacked.

Deciding to pull back all troops to line Hathungla -Chutangmu just after mid-day, GOC 4 Infantry  Division spoke to COs of 4 GRENADIERs and 9 PUNJAB ordering them to withdraw to Hathungla. The battalions commenced their withdrawals but could not reach Hathungla, which was occupied by the Chinese early in the morn 21 Oct.  Realising that the Div Tac HQ at Ziminthang would soon be attacked, Gen Prasad ordered its withdrawal to Tawang. 

Units of 7 Inf Bde were overrun, giving stiff resistance to PLA. Tac HQs 4 Inf Div at Zimithang withdrew on 21 Oct to Tawang and subsequently to Dirang Dzong.

Terming India to be the “ultimate swing state” in the ongoing global geopolitical competition, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Anil Chauhan, said that the global balance of power can shift should it choose to align with the existing or the emerging centres of power and that is the current importance of India geopolitically.

“India will also be a kind of a stabilising force which can protect trade, data portion and balance rival parts in the Indian Ocean region. So I believe that India must pursue a wholehearted national strategy which balances both continental security and its maritime ambitions,” he said while speaking at the Military Literature Festival in Chandigarh on Sunday.

Gen Chauhan underscored the centrality of the Indian Ocean in the global order, which is the world’s primary maritime highway linking the largest manufacturing hub of East and Southeast Asia with the biggest energy producers of the Middle East and the fastest growing consumer markets of South Asia and Africa. the market of the future.

“India’s Indian Ocean strategy should leverage its peninsular geography, island depth, strategic outposts and diplomatic standing to achieve regional stability and contest external forces,” he said. “India stands at the confluence of Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific. Its population, technological prowess and rapid economic growth position is the driver of global demand and innovation. Growing partnerships and inter-dependency, multi-aligned foreign policy allows us to engage with competing blocs,” he added.

Delving on contemporary battlefield scenario, the CDS said that the nature of warfare and warfare itself is changing, with multi-domain operations, integrated deployment of multi-capabilities across land, sea, air, space, cyber and cognitive domains expanding the aperture of the strategy.t

“Future battlefields are not going to be recognised by service boundaries and integration, rapid decision-making and seamless exploitation of information are now keys to victory. “India’s joint doctrine for multi-domain operation recognises that no domain can be siloed and no service can operate in isolation,” he remarked.

Glimpses of what lies in the future were actually visible to a large extent during Operation Sindoor in May this year. These operations were entirely different from the kind of wars fought earlier and had set new benchmarks for conducting war in the future, he said.

“In Operation Sindoor, the action was multi-domain and integrated, with a combination of kinetic as well as non-kinetic missions executed in a distanced kind of environment, which are networked. And to some extent, in this particular operation, we also used artificial intelligence to understand future courses of action,” the CDS said.

Gen Chauhan said that technology, long range weapons and precision strike capability have reduced the relevance of geography in the context of warfare. With long-range bombers and missiles, you can target things at a vast distance. Warfare is extended towards space that provides a total amount of transference.

Similarly, cyber and digital warfare operate in a kind of borderless, interconnected digital domain, where distances, terrain and boundaries are of no consequence at all. Attacks can originate anywhere in the world to target any kind of a command system. Cognitive warfare, cognitive operations target the human mind and transcend geography by occupying not ground, but perceptions. They influence beliefs, erode morale, incite unrest, manipulate leadership and affect visions, he added.

The major impacts of these technological developments on warfare, the CDS said, are the death of distance because weapons now have a global reach, the demise of surprise and the disappearance of offensive manoeuvre.

“Surprise is no longer an element, because you can see everything today. Probably, deception may be more important than surprise. The disappearance of offensive manoeuvre is because today anything that moves is visible, it can be tracked. If it is tracked, you can actually hit that,” he said.

Dismissing a bunch of about 40 appeals filed by the Central Government against disability benefits granted to soldiers by the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ruled that opinions made by medical boards in such cases should ordinarily prevail unless these are contradicted by cogent medical evidence.

Stating that the benefit of reasonable doubt must be extended to the claimant, a division bench comprising Justice Sanjay Parihar and Justice Sanjeev Kumar held that that the onus of proof largely lies with the authorities and the claimant shall not be called upon to prove the conditions of entitlement, except in case where claims are filed 15 years after discharge from service.

The bench said that defence personnel suffering from disabilities due to service conditions, including those arising within 10 years after retirement, may qualify for disability pension if the disease is found attributable to service factors.

In a detailed 260-page judgement, the bench made a detailed analysis of the pensionary provisions from the Entitlement Rules, 1982 to the comprehensive framework of 2008, which classified cases of death or disability into five categories ranging from casualty from natural causes to that in war.

The interpretation of different provisions was the crux of the petitions. The bench observed that the Pension Regulations for the Army, 1961 and the Entitlement Rules for Casualty Pensionary Awards to the Armed Forces Personnel, 1982 represented one part, whereas Pension Regulations for the Army, 2008 and Entitlement Rules for Casualty Pensionary Awards to the Armed Forces Personnel, 2008 formed second part. Some of the petitioners were covered by the first set of rules whereas others were covered by the second set of rules.

Observing that the presumption that a person shall be deemed to be in sound physical and mental condition, if no note of any disease suffered by him is made at the time of his entry into service was now not available under the new rules of 2008, the bench said that indisputably, when an individual is enrolled in military service he is subjected to thorough medical examination so as to determine whether he is fit for military service.

If during examination, no physical or mental disability is noted or recorded, it would not be inappropriate or illogical to say that the disease that occurred or manifested after his entry in service is due to military service unless of course the medical opinion states to the contrary, the bench observed.

The bench further said that while medical examination at the time of entry may not determine certain hereditary or congenital diseases which may manifest later, these would not debar personnel from disability benefits unless a causal connection with military service is ruled out by the medical boards.

Under the 2008 rules, the entire issue of attributability and aggravation has been left to be determined by the medical experts, the bench observed. However, from a reading of the entire set of new rules, it becomes abundantly clear that one-line opinion sans reasons given by the medical authorities is not determinative of the fact whether the injury or death is either attributable to or aggravated by military service, the bench said.