India May Inaugurate Futuristic Soldier Next Year

In an effort to have futuristic soldiers in place by early 2012, the Indian Army has issued a request for information (RFI) for acquiring an integrated computer and communications system for its infantrymen.

The RFI floated under the army’s Futuristic Infantry Solider as a System (F-INSAS) 2020 programme will include GPS, computers and radio systems, according to the Pioneer.

The systems, which comprise mini-laptops, helmet-mounted pads and wristbands, will help infantry exchange necessary information up and laterally across the chain of command under all climatic conditions.

Initiated in 2007, F-INSAS 2020 aims to increase the soldier’s lethality, survival capacity and mobility by equipping Indian infantry with advanced weaponry, communication network and instant access to information in theatre.

The first phase of the programme involves acquiring and training infantrymen and is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.