11 Feb 11. 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. (Source: armytechnology.com)

11 Feb 11. Vuzix will deliver its first volume shipments of Tac-Eye LT displays to the US Air Force over the next three months. The Tac-Eye LT is a wearable display solution for viewing computer data or video from a variety of video sensors. The system mounts to any standard issue ballistic eyewear or helmet, and connects to any laptop or computer system. The Tac-Eye display can also stream video from tactical cameras, unmanned aircraft and robots, unattended sensor systems and some radio devices. Vuzix president and CEO Paul Travers said the Tac-Eye would help increase the airmens’ situational awareness, decrease their carried combat load, and increase their safety while on the battlefield. The contract awarded under the USAF battlefield air operations kit programme is valued at about $3m. (Source: airforcetechnology.com)

14 Feb 11. Iraqi soldiers have conducted a live-fire exercise using 60mm and 81mm mortar systems to test their mortar skills at Destiny Range in Ninewa province, Iraq. US Soldiers of 1st Squadron facilitated the training, which was part of an Iraqi training programme to build IA capability to conduct national defence operations. Within the live-fire exercise, Iraqi mortar crews applied their knowledge to deliver fire on targets more than 1,000m away. US instructors taught the Iraqi mortar unit leaders the basics of firing and manoeuvring mortar systems, calculating distance and trajectory, and communicating with forward observers. US Staff Sergeant Damion Cunningham said the training would help Iraqi soldiers to effectively use indirect fire systems to support infantry units in the battlefield when artillery was unavailable.
“It’s very important to teach these guys how to use mortars for them to support their companies and battalion-level efforts,” he added. (Source: armytechnology.com)

10 Feb 11. Ukraine markets mobility upgrades for Russian rocket launchers
Ukraine’s KrAZ has upgraded a range of its baseline cross-country military trucks to operate most of the range of multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) developed by Russia’s Splav Scientific Production Concern. Splav’s MRLs have found international favour in a range of variants, the most widely deployed of which is the Russian 40-round 122 mm 9K51 BM-21 ‘Grad’ in service with 60 countries (including locally developed versions). (Source: Jane’s, IDR)

Feb 11. DAGIR on the right path. Uncooled Thermal Image Surveillance system moves into gear. DAGIR, the Qioptiq surveillance system, utilises state-of-the-art, low power uncooled IR camera technology to provide a flexible solution to mobile surveillance requirements. DAGIR has been taken on the road (literally). Its IR camera technology and modular construction proves a winning combination either mounted in a fixed location or on a vehicle to provide border and coastal surveillance, homeland security, infrastructure protection or force protection. DAGIR flexibility allows the user to add a number of optional items including; colour d