Indian Armed Forces: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Combined military forces of India}}

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{{Infobox national military

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|''List''

| headerstyle=background:#b0c4de

| style=text-align:center;| [[Munitions India Limited]] (MIL)<br />[[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]] (AVNL)<br />[[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]] (AWEIL)<br />[[Troop Comforts Limited]] (TCL)<br />[[Yantra India Limited]] (YIL)<br />[[India Optel Limited]] (IOL)<br />[[Gliders India Limited]] (GIL)<br />[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL)<br />[[Bharat Electronics Limited]] (BEL)<br />[[Bharat Earth Movers Limited]] (BEML)<br />[[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] (BDL)<br />[[Mazagon Dock Limited|Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited]] (MDSL)<br />[[Goa Shipyard Limited]] (GSL)<br />[[Cochin Shipyard Limited]] (CSL)<br />[[Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers]] (GRSE)<br />[[Mishra Dhatu Nigam]] (MDN)<ref name="mod.nic.in">{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/product&supp/welcome.html |title= Ministry of Defence, Govt of India|website=mod.nic.in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704170459/http://mod.nic.in/product%26supp/welcome.html |archive-date=4 July 2012}}</ref> }}

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The '''Indian Armed Forces''' are the [[armed forces|military forces]] of the [[India|Republic of India]]. It consists of three professional uniformed services: the [[Indian Army]], [[Indian Navy]], and [[Indian Air Force]].<ref name="iaf1">—{{cite web|title=Indian Armed Forces |url=http://knowindia.gov.in/myindia/myindia_frame.php?id=6 |website=Know India Portal |publisher=NIC, GoI |access-date=17 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925101556/http://knowindia.gov.in/myindia/myindia_frame.php?id=6 |archive-date=25 September 2015 }}<br />—{{cite web|title=CIC Order|url=http://www.rti.india.gov.in/cic_decisions/CIC_LS_A_2010_001190_M_42637.pdf|website=Right to Information|publisher=CIC, GoI|access-date=17 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925104102/http://www.rti.india.gov.in/cic_decisions/CIC_LS_A_2010_001190_M_42637.pdf|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> Additionally, the Indian Armed Forces are supported by the [[Central Armed Police Forces]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reportmysignalpm.blogspot.com/2011/07/central-police-forces-and-state-armed.html |title=Report My Signal- Professional Matters: The Central Police Forces and State Armed Police |publisher=Reportmysignalpm.blogspot.com |date=12 July 2011 |access-date=17 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330232403/http://reportmysignalpm.blogspot.com/2011/07/central-police-forces-and-state-armed.html |archive-date=30 March 2012 }}</ref> [[Indian Coast Guard]] and [[Special Frontier Force]] and various [[Jointness and integration in the Indian military|inter-service commands and institutions]] such as the [[Strategic Forces Command]], the [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] and the [[Ministry of Defence (India)#Integrated Defence Staff|Integrated Defence Staff]]. The [[President of India]] is the [[Commander-in-Chief|Supreme Commander]] of the Indian Armed Forces but the executive authority and responsibility for national security is vested in the [[Prime Minister of India]] and their chosen [[Cabinet Committee on Security|Cabinet Ministers]].<ref name=majeed-roi-2>{{citation|last=Majeed|first=Akhtar|chapter=Republic of India|pages=180&ndash;207, 185|title=Constitutional Origins, Structure, and Change in Federal Countries|series=A Global Dialogue on Federalism, Volume I|editor1-last=Kincaid|editor1-first=John|editor2-last=Tarr|editor2-first=G. Alan|location=Montreal & Kingston|publisher=McGill-Queen's University Press for Forum of Federation and International Association of Centers for Federal Studies|year=2005|isbn=0-7735-2849-0|quote=...the executive authority is vested in the prime minister and in their Council of Ministers. (p. 185)}}</ref><ref name=dam-3>{{citation|last=Dam|first=Shubhankar|chapter=Executive|title=The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution|editor1-last=Choudhry|editor1-first=Sujit|editor2-last=Khosla|editor2-first=Madhav|editor3-last=Mehta|editor3-first=Pratap Bhanu|location=Oxford and New York|page=307|year=2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-870489-8|quote=Executive power, ordinarily, is exercised by Prime Minister.}}</ref><ref name=nsingh-india>{{citation|last=Singh|first=Nirvikar|chapter=Holding India Together: The Role of Institutions of Federalism|editor1-last=Mishra|editor1-first=Ajit|editor2-last=Ray|editor2-first=Tridip|pages=300&ndash;323, 306|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2018|isbn=978-0-19-881255-5|title=Markets, Governance, and Institutions: In the Process of Economic Development}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ABOUT THE MINISTRY {{!}} Ministry of Defence |url=https://www.mod.gov.in/about--ministry |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=www.mod.gov.in}}</ref> The Indian Armed Forces are under the management of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] of the [[Government of India]]. With strength of over 1.4&nbsp;million active personnel,<ref name="Press Information Bureau">{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%2520ID%2520:148814)|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=15 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915111743/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A148814%29|archive-date=15 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html|title=20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant in Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament|work=News18|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> it is the [[List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel|world's second-largest military force]] and has the world's largest [[volunteer military|volunteer army.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://inspire99.com/indian-army-largest-volunteer-army-in-the-world/|title=Indian Army : Largest Volunteer Army in The World|date=16 October 2014 |access-date=10 March 2023}}</ref> It also has the [[List of countries by military expenditures|third-largest defence budget]] in the world.<ref name=SIPRI-2019B>{{cite web | url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/fs_2020_04_milex_0_0.pdf |title=Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2019 |publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]] |first1=Nan |last1=Tian |first2=Aude |last2=Fleurant |first3=Alexandra |last3=Kuimova |first4=Pieter D. |last4=Wezeman |first5=Siemon T. |last5=Wezeman |date=27 April 2020 |access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> The Global Firepower Index report lists it as the fourth most-powerful military.<ref>{{cite news |title=2020 Military Strength Ranking |url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing.asp |access-date=18 June 2020 |work=Global Fire Power (GFP) |language=en}}</ref>

 

 

=== Ancient to medieval era ===

[[Indian maritime history]] dates back 5,000 years.<ref>[http://india.gov.in/myindia/facts.php Interesting facts about India] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206014250/http://india.gov.in/myindia/facts.php |date=6 December 2007 }} and [http://pubweb.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp/indus/english/2_5_01.html Maritime trade with the west] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611152017/http://pubweb.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp/indus/english/2_5_01.html |date=11 June 2008 }}</ref> The first tidal dock is believed to have been built at [[Lothal]] around 2300 BC during the [[Indus Valley civilisation]] period, near the present day port of [[Mangrol, Kathiawar|Mangrol]] on the Gujarat coast.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1345150.stm|title=SOUTH ASIA – Indian seabed hides ancient remains|website=bbc.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430013122/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1345150.stm|archive-date=30 April 2008|date=22 May 2001}}</ref> The [[Rig Veda]] written around 1500 BC, credits Varuna with knowledge of the ocean routes and describes naval expeditions. There is reference to the side wings of a vessel called ''Plava'', which gives the ship stability in storm conditions. A compass, ''Matsya yantra'' was used for navigation in the fourth and fifth century AD. The earliest known reference to an organisation devoted to ships in ancient India is in the [[Mauryan Empire]] from the 4th century BC. Powerful militaries included those of the: [[Maurya Empire|Maurya]], [[Satavahana dynasty|Satavahana]], [[Chola Empire|Chola]], [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]], [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] and [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] [[empire]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/history.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310172325/http://indiannavy.nic.in/history.htm|url-status=dead|title=History of the Indian Navy|archive-date=10 March 2010|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> Emperor [[Chandragupta Maurya]]'s mentor and advisor [[Chanakya]]'s ''[[Arthashastra]]'' devotes a full chapter on the state department of waterways under ''navadhyaksha'' ([[Sanskrit]] for [[Management|Superintendent]] of ships) {{Ref|Kautilya}}. The term, ''nava dvipantaragamanam'' (Sanskrit for "sailing to other lands by ships," i.e. exploration) appears in this book in addition to appearing in the Vedic text, ''Baudhayana Dharmashastra'' as the interpretation of the term, ''Samudrasamyanam''.

 

{{Main|Military operations of India}}

 

 

In 1961 tensions rose between [[India]] and [[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Portugal]] over the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese-occupied]] territory of [[Goa]], which India claimed for itself. After Portuguese police cracked down violently on a peaceful, unarmed demonstration for union with India, the Indian government decided to invade and initiated [[Operation Vijay (1961)|Operation Vijay]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 December 2017|title=On This Day In 1961, Here's How India Liberated Goa From 450-Year-Old Portuguese Rule|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/on-this-day-in-1961-here-s-how-india-liberated-goa-from-450-year-old-portuguese-rule-335926.html|access-date=24 April 2021|website=IndiaTimes|language=en-IN}}</ref> A lopsided air, sea, and ground campaign resulted in the speedy surrender of Portuguese forces. Within 36 hours, 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule ended, and Goa was annexed by India.

 

== Overview ==

 

The Indian armed force are split into different groups based on their region of operation. The Indian Army is divided administratively into seven tactical commands, each under the control of different [[Lieutenant General]]s. The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional [[Command (military formation)|commands]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Indian Air Force Today|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=13|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921003625/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=13|archive-date=21 September 2013}}</ref> Each command is headed by an air officer commanding-in-chief with the rank of air marshal. The Indian Navy operates three [[Command (military formation)|commands]]. Each command is headed by a [[Flag Officer|flag officer commanding-in-chief]] with the rank of [[vice admiral]]. There are two joint commands whose head can belong to any of the three services. These are the [[Strategic Forces Command]] and the [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]. The lack of an overall military commander has helped keep the Indian Armed Forces under civilian control, and has prevented the rise of military dictatorships unlike in [[Military coups in Pakistan|neighbouring Pakistan]].<ref name="Economist">{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21574458-india-poised-become-one-four-largest-military-powers-world-end?spc=scode&spv=xm&ah=9d7f7ab945510a56fa6d37c30b6f1709|title=Know your own strength|newspaper=The Economist|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402083831/http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21574458-india-poised-become-one-four-largest-military-powers-world-end?spc=scode&spv=xm&ah=9d7f7ab945510a56fa6d37c30b6f1709|archive-date=2 April 2013|date=30 March 2013}}</ref>

Between April 2015 and March 2016, India allocated $40&nbsp;billion to Defence Services, $10&nbsp;billion to Defence (Civil Estimates) and another $10&nbsp;billion to the Home Ministry for [[Paramilitary forces of India|Paramilitary]] and [[Central Armed Police Forces|CAPF]] forces – a total allocation for defence and security of about $60&nbsp;billion for the financial year 2015–16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rupe-india.org/61/rising.html|title=Aspects of India's Economy Remembering Socialist China, 1949–1976|website=rupe-india.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiabudget.nic.in/ub2015-16/eb/stat02.pdf|title=Indian Expenditure Budget Vol. I, 2015–2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318162819/http://indiabudget.nic.in/ub2015-16/eb/stat02.pdf|archive-date=18 March 2015|access-date=16 June 2015}}</ref> In 2016–17, the contribution to the Home Ministry has been increased from $10&nbsp;billion to $11.5&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/rpELLMPvJG0oVf6bLWnlGN/Union-Budget-201617-MHA-gets-Rs7738312-crore-a-2456-h.html|title=Union Budget 2016–17: MHA gets Rs 77,383.12 crore, a 24.56% hike|last=PTI|date=29 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719042112/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/rpELLMPvJG0oVf6bLWnlGN/Union-Budget-201617-MHA-gets-Rs7738312-crore-a-2456-h.html|archive-date=19 July 2016}}</ref>

 

 

=== Personnel ===

 

==== Women in the armed forces ====

As of December 2021, the percentages of women serving across all ranks in the Army, Navy and Air Force are 0.59%, 6.0% and 1.08%, respectively. Women may serve at any rank in the Army and Air Force, but may only serve in the Navy as commissioned officers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Representation of Women In Defence Forces|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1780096|website=Press Information Bureau of India|date=15 August 2021|accessdate=11 December 2021}}</ref>

 

 

=== Branches ===

 

{| class="wikitable" width=900 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0

! colspan="5" | Central Armed Police Forces and Others<ref name="IISS 2012" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf|title=MHA Annual Report 2016–2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200948/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

|-

|-

|-

|-

| [[File:ITBP Logo.svg|25px]] [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]]||89,432 || || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] || India-China Border<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://itbpolice.nic.in/itbpwebsite/Aboutus_new/history&role/htmnav.html|title=Home &#124; Indo Tibetan Border Police, Ministry of Home Affairs|website=itbpolice.nic.in|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref>

| [[File:National Security Guard-India.svg|25px]] [[National Security Guard]] ||12,000<ref name=":0" /> || || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] ||On Special duty in India

|-

|-

|-

| [[File:NDRF Logo.png|25px]] [[National Disaster Response Force]] ||13,000 || || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] || Area prone to Disaster in India

|-

|-

| [[File:SPG LOGO.svg|25px]] [[Special Protection Group]] ||3,000<ref name=":0" /> || || [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]] || [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]]

| [[File:Emblem of India.svg|15px]] Civil Defence || ||500,000<ref name=":0" /> || ||

|-

|-

|}

 

 

[[File:Arjun MK1A MBT.webm|thumb|right|Indian Army's [[Arjun (tank)|Arjun Mark 1A]] tank.|249x249px]]

 

 

=== Doctrine, corps, field force ===

[[File:PIC18Y6S (cropped).jpg|thumb|Indian Army [[Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher]].|251x251px]]

 

 

==== Mountain Strike Corps ====

{{Main|Army Aviation Corps (India)}}

[[File:Hindustan ALH Dhruv, India - Army AN1546730.jpg|thumb|Indian Army's [[HAL Dhruv]] helicopter.|250x250px]]

 

=== Modernisation ===

{{Main|Indian Navy}}

 

 

=== Ships ===

{{Main|List of active Indian Navy ships}}

 

 

The Indian navy operates two aircraft carriers- the first is the {{INS|Vikramaditya}}, a modified {{sclass|Kiev|aircraft carrier|0}} ship,<ref>{{cite web|title=After 5-year delay, Navy gets INS Vikramaditya|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-17/india/44161814_1_ins-vikramaditya-viraat-warship|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119062107/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-17/india/44161814_1_ins-vikramaditya-viraat-warship|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 November 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> and the indigenous {{INS|Vikrant|2013}}. The navy also operates one {{sclass|Visakhapatnam|destroyer|0}}, three {{sclass|Kolkata|destroyer|0}}, three {{sclass|Delhi|destroyer|0}} and three {{sclass|Rajput|destroyer|0}} guided-missile destroyers. The ''Rajput''-class destroyers will be replaced in the near future by the next-generation {{sclass|Visakhapatnam|destroyer|4}} (Project 15B destroyers). In addition to destroyers, the navy operates several classes of frigates such as three {{sclass|Shivalik|frigate|5}} (Project 17 class) and six {{sclass|Talwar|frigate|0}} frigates. Seven additional {{sclass|Nilgiri|frigate|0||2019}} (Project 17A-class) frigates are on order. The older {{sclass|Brahmaputra|frigate|0}} frigates will be replaced systematically one by one as the new classes of frigates are brought into service over the next decade. Smaller littoral zone combatants in service are in the form of corvettes, of which, the Indian Navy operates the {{sclass|Kamorta|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Kora|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Khukri|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Veer|corvette|5}} and {{sclass|Abhay|corvette|5}} classes. Replenishment tankers such as the ''Jyoti''-class tanker, the {{sclass|Aditya|auxiliary ship|4}} and the new {{sclass|Deepak|fleet tanker|0}} fleet tankers help improve the navy's endurance at sea. These tankers will be the mainstay of the replenishment fleet until the first half of the 21st century.

 

=== Exercises ===

 

=== Modernisation ===

=== Modernisation ===

{{Main|Future of the Indian Air Force}}

[[File:HAL Tejas LSP7 during a maiden firing of Astra Mk1 missile.webm|thumb|[[HAL Tejas]] firing [[Astra (missile)]]]]

 

India is also in an ambitious collaboration programme with Russia to build [[Fifth-generation jet fighter|fifth-generation]] fighter aircraft, called [[FGFA|HAL/Sukhoi FGFA]] which will be based on the Russian [[Sukhoi Su-57]] fighter. Earlier in 2013, the two sides completed the preliminary design of the FGFA and are now negotiating a detailed design contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=India to customise Russia's FGFA planes|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/india-to-customise-russias-fgfa-planes/article5075134.ece|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003180837/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/india-to-customise-russias-fgfa-planes/article5075134.ece|archive-date=3 October 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=30 August 2013|last1=Radyuhin|first1=Vladimir}}</ref> Although there is no reliable information about the Su-57 and FGFA specifications yet, it is known from interviews with individuals in the Russian Air Force that it will be [[Stealth aircraft|stealthy]], have the ability to [[supercruise]], be outfitted with the next generation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles, and incorporate an [[AESA radar]].

 

 

To protect IAF assets on the ground, there has been a search for short-range surface-to-air missile. India has begun deploying six [[Akash (missile)|Akash]] surface-to-air missile (SAM) squadrons in the northeast to deter Chinese jets, helicopters and drones against any misadventure in the region. The IAF has started taking delivery of the six Akash missile squadrons, which can "neutralise" multiple targets at a {{convert|25|km|mi}} interception range in all weather conditions, earmarked for the eastern theatre. The IAF has already deployed the first two Akash squadrons at the Mirage-2000 base in Gwalior and the Sukhoi base in Pune.<ref>{{cite news|title=With eye on China, India deploys Akash missiles in northeast|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/With-eye-on-China-India-deploys-Akash-missiles-in-northeast/articleshow/40645978.cms|work=The Times of India|date=22 August 2014 |access-date=24 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824014404/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/With-eye-on-China-India-deploys-Akash-missiles-in-northeast/articleshow/40645978.cms|archive-date=24 August 2014}}</ref>

 

Based in [[Chakrata]], [[Uttarakhand]], SFF is also known as the ''Establishment 22''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm |title=Welcome chushigangdruk.org – Hostmonster.com |website=chushigangdruk.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183849/http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm |archive-date=17 January 2016 }}</ref><ref>The SFF became morle famous within the administration as the "Establishment 22" because its first Inspector General (IG) Major Gen. [[Sujan Singh]], a [[Military Cross]] holder and a legendary figure in the [[British India Army]]. Singh commanded the [[22nd Mountain Regiment]] during [[World War II in Europe]] and a [[Long Range Desert Squadron]] (LRDS) in [[north Africa]].</ref> The force is under the direct supervision of the [[Research and Analysis Wing]], India's external [[intelligence agency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813 |title=Bollywood Sargam – Special: Tibetan faujis in Bluestar |website=bollywoodsargam.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502133625/http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813 |archive-date= 2 May 2013 }}</ref>

=== Special Protection Group ===

{{Main|Special Protection Group}}

{{Main|Railway Protection Force}}

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) was established under the ''Railway Protection Force Act 1957''. The RPF is charged with providing security for Indian Railways.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/pdf/RPF.pdf |title=Railway Protection Force |publisher=Indianrailways.gov.in |access-date=9 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015213916/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/pdf/RPF.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref> It has a sanctioned strength of 75,000 personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-2014/railway-budget-2014/RPF-may-find-getting-4000-women-recruits-tough/articleshow/38040374.cms|title=RPF may find getting 4,000 women recruits tough|website=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183847/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-2014/railway-budget-2014/RPF-may-find-getting-4000-women-recruits-tough/articleshow/38040374.cms|archive-date=17 January 2016}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}}

 

=== National Disaster Response Force ===

{{Main|National Disaster Response Force}}

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a specialised force constituted "for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster". It is manned by persons on deputation from the various [[Central Armed Police Forces]]. At present it has 12 battalions, located in different parts of India.<ref>{{cite web |title=NDRF Units {{!}} NDRF – National Disaster Response Force |url=http://ndrf.gov.in/ndrf-units |website=ndrf.gov.in}}</ref> The control of NDRF lies with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which is headed by the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]].

 

== Special Forces ==

The [[Special Forces of India]] are Indian military units<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Commandos Set Free|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20120423.aspx|access-date=18 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194410/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20120423.aspx|archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref> with specialised training in the field of special operations such as" Direct action, [[Hostage rescue]], [[Counter-terrorism]], [[Unconventional warfare]], [[Special reconnaissance]], [[Foreign Internal Defence]], [[Personnel recovery]], [[Asymmetric warfare]] and [[Counter-proliferation]]. The various branches include,

 

* '''Ghatak Force''':[[Ghatak Force|Ghatak Platoon]], or Ghatak Commandos, is a special operations capable infantry platoon. There is one platoon in every infantry battalion in the Indian Army. Ghatak is a Hindi word meaning "killer" or "lethal". They act as shock troops and spearhead assaults ahead of the battalion. Their operational role is similar to [[Scout Sniper Platoon]], [[STA platoon]] of the US Marine Corp and the Patrols platoon of the British Army. A Ghatak Platoon is usually 20-men strong, consisting of a commanding captain, 2 non-commissioned officers and some special teams like marksman and spotter pairs, light machine gunners, a medic, and a radio operator. The remaining soldiers act as assault troopers. Most undergo training at the Commando Training Course in [[Belgaum|Belagavi]], Karnataka. Often, other specialised training like heliborne assault, rock climbing, [[mountain warfare]], demolitions, advanced weapons training, close quarter battle and infantry tactics are also given. Members of the platoon are also sent to the High Altitude Warfare School and Counterinsurgency and Jungle Warfare School.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Army pulls in 'Ghatak Commandos' near LOC|url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=1763|access-date=18 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130918110452/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=1763|archive-date=18 September 2013}}</ref>

 

[[File:Indian Marine Commandos prepare to enter a hatch during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.jpg|thumb|right|MARCOS prepare to enter a hatch during VBSS training during RIMPAC 2022]]

* '''Marine Commandos (MARCOS)''': [[MARCOS|Marine Commandos (MARCOS)]] is an elite special operations unit of the Indian Navy.<ref>{{cite web|title=INS Abhimanyu |url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-abhimanyu |access-date=18 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024172117/http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-abhimanyu |archive-date=24 October 2013 }}</ref> It is specially organised, trained and equipped for the conduct of special operations in a maritime environment. The force has gradually acquired experience and a reputation for professionalism over the two decades it has been in existence. Now it is one of the finest Special Forces units in the world and among the few units qualified to jump in the water with a full combat load. The MARCOS are capable of undertaking operations in all types of terrain, but are specialised in maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the [[Jhelum]] River and [[Wular]] Lake.<ref>{{cite web|title=CROCODILES OF WULLAR |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special/166-Crocodiles-Of-Wullar.html |access-date=18 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008144813/http://bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special/166-Crocodiles-Of-Wullar.html |archive-date=8 October 2013 }}</ref> To strengthen its capabilities to carry out special operations, the navy is planning to procure advanced Integrated Combat System (ICS) for the MARCOS. The Navy wants the ICS for effective command, control and information sharing to maximise capabilities of individuals and groups of the MARCOS while engaging enemies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Who are MARCOS|url=http://joinindianforce.wordpress.com/tag/marcos/|access-date=18 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303163131/http://joinindianforce.wordpress.com/tag/marcos/|archive-date=3 March 2014}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}} The individual equipment required by the navy in the ICS includes light weight helmets, head-mounted displays, tactical and soft ballistic vests along with communication equipment. The group-level gear requirements include command and control and surveillance systems along with high speed communication equipment.

* '''Garud Commando Force''': The [[Garud Commando Force]] is the Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was formed in September 2004 and has a strength of approximately 2000 personnel.{{update inline|date=June 2017}} The unit derives its name from Garuda, a divine bird-like creature of Hindu Mythology. Garud is tasked with the protection of critical Air Force bases and installations; search and rescue during peace and hostilities and disaster relief during calamities.<ref name="PIB Sep 07">{{cite press release | title = Constitution of Commando Force | publisher = Press Information Bureau, [[Government of India]] | date = 18 December 2003 | url = http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=262 | access-date = 25 July 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150904084047/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=262 | archive-date = 4 September 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Garuds are deployed in the Congo as part of the UN peace keeping operations.

 

=== Nuclear weapons ===

{{Main|India and weapons of mass destruction|Nuclear Command Authority (India)|Strategic Forces Command}}

 

[[Dassault Rafale]],

[[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]], the [[Dassault Mirage 2000]], the [[MiG-29]] and the [[HAL Tejas]] capable of being armed with nuclear tipped bombs and missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/india/aircraft/index.html |title=India Aircraft Special Weapons Delivery Systems |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904074343/http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/india/aircraft/index.html |archive-date=4 September 2010 }}</ref> Since India does not have a nuclear first use policy against an adversary, it becomes important to protect from a first strike. This protection is being developed in the form of the two layered [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|Anti-ballistic missile defence]] system.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

| '''[[Agni-III]]''' || [[Intermediate-range ballistic missile]]{{nbsp|2}} || 3,500–5,000 </tr>

|-

 

|-

 

| '''[[Surya missile|Surya]]''' || Intercontinental ballistic missile and MIRV || 12,000–16,000 || Unconfirmed </tr>

| '''[[Sagarika (missile)|Sagarika (K-15)]]''' || [[Submarine-launched ballistic missile]] || {{cvt|700|km|mi}} || Operational<ref name="India_triad" />

|-

|-

| '''[[K-5 (ballistic missile)|K-5]]''' ||[[Submarine-launched ballistic missile]]|| 5,000 || Under Development<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keck |first1=Zachary |title=India's First Ballistic Missile Sub to Begin Sea Trials |url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/07/indias-first-ballistic-missile-sub-to-begin-sea-trials/ |website=The Diplomat |date=30 July 2013}}</ref>

 

'''HELINA:'''

The HELINA is a variant of the NAG Missile to be launched from a helicopter.<ref name="drdl-projects">{{cite web

|title=DRDL: Areas of Work

The Ballistic Missile Defence Program is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered [[ballistic missile defence]] system to protect India from [[ballistic missile]] attacks.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/04/asia/AS_GEN_India_Missile_System.php |title=India expects to use missile interception system as a weapon, top scientist says |work=International Herald Tribune |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311004546/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/04/asia/AS_GEN_India_Missile_System.php |archive-date=11 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/03/stories/2006120312940100.htm |title=India developing new missiles Towards destroying hostile missiles |date=3 December 2006 |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629092610/http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/03/stories/2006120312940100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=29 June 2013 }}</ref>

 

 

PAD was tested in November 2006, followed by AAD in December 2007. With the test of the PAD missile, India became the fourth country to have successfully developed an anti-ballistic missile system, after the [[United States]], [[Russia]] and [[Israel]].<ref>{{cite press release | title = Development of Ballistic Missile Defence System: Year End Review | publisher = [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] | date = 28 December 2007 | url = http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=34262 | access-date = 26 January 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080105043512/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=34262 | archive-date = 5 January 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> On 6 March 2009, India again successfully tested its missile defence shield, during which an incoming "enemy" missile was intercepted at an altitude of {{convert|75|km|mi}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/06/asia/AS-India-Missile-Defense.php |title=India successfully tests missile interceptor |work=International Herald Tribune |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310002406/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/06/asia/AS-India-Missile-Defense.php |archive-date=10 March 2009 }}</ref>

 

 

India is reported to have procured a squadron of [[S-300VM|S-300V]] systems which are in use as an anti-tactical ballistic missile screen.<ref name=BR-2>{{cite news|title=Strategic Air Defences in a Nuclear South-Asia|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today/Contemporary/325-SAD.html|access-date=22 August 2012|newspaper=Bharat-Rakshak|date=2 July 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804052802/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today/Contemporary/325-SAD.html|archive-date=4 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=DNews>{{cite news|title=India To Boost Airfield Defenses|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120410/DEFREG03/304100001/India-Boost-Airfield-Defenses|access-date=22 August 2012|newspaper=DefenceNews|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

 

== Defence intelligence ==

 

 

DIA has control of MoD's prized technical intelligence assets – the Directorate of Signals Intelligence and the Defence Image Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC). While the Signals Directorate is responsible for acquiring and decrypting enemy communications, the DIPAC controls India's satellite-based image acquisition capabilities. The DIA also controls the Defence Information Warfare Agency (DIWA) which handles all elements of the information warfare repertoire, including psychological operations, cyber-war, electronic intercepts and the monitoring of sound waves.

The DRDO's avionics programme has been a success story with its mission computers, [[radar warning receivers]], high accuracy direction finding pods, [[synthetic aperture radar]], [[Active Phased Array Radar]], airborne jammers and flight instrumentation in use across a wide variety of Indian Air Force aircraft and satellites. DRDO labs have developed many [[electronic warfare]] systems for IAF and the Indian Army and high-performance [[Sonar]] systems for the navy.

 

 

India has created the [[Defence Cyber Agency]], which has the responsibility of conducting [[Cyberwarfare]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-defence-cyber-agency-may-rear-admiral-mohit-1513381-2019-04-30|title=India to have Defence Cyber Agency in May; Rear Admiral Mohit to be its first chief|date=30 April 2019|website=India Today|access-date=2 August 2019}}</ref>

{{Main|Indian Army United Nations peacekeeping missions}}

 

 

=== Anti-piracy mission ===

 

=== Relief operations ===

The Indian Air Force provides regular relief operation for food and medical facilities around the world using its [[cargo aircraft]] most notably the [[Ilyushin Il-76]]. The most recent relief operation of the IAF was in [[Kyrgyzstan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/news/indian-aid-flown-to-kyrgyzstan-news-national-khgruccjede.html |title=Indian aid flown to Kyrgyzstan |website=[[Sify]] |date=6 July 2010 |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709181429/http://sify.com/news/indian-aid-flown-to-kyrgyzstan-news-national-khgruccjede.html |archive-date=9 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-sends-aid-to-Kyrgyzstan/Article1-565986.aspx |title=India sends aid to Kyrgyzstan |work=Hindustan Times |date=1 July 2010 |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711024631/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-sends-aid-to-Kyrgyzstan/Article1-565986.aspx |archive-date=11 July 2010 }}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}}

During the [[2010 Ladakh floods]], two Ilyushin Il-76 and four Antonov-32 aircraft of the IAF carried 30 tonnes of load, which include 125 rescue and relief personnel, medicines, generators, tents, portable X-ray machines and emergency rescue kits. A MI-17 helicopter and Cheetah helicopter were used to increase the effectiveness of the rescue operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=80 foreigners rescued from Leh: IAF|url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2010/aug/10/80-foreigners-rescued-from-leh-iaf-41.asp|access-date=17 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127184637/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2010/Aug/10/80-foreigners-rescued-from-leh-iaf-41.asp|archive-date=27 January 2014}}</ref>

 

=== IAF efforts in eclipse study ===

 

== Misconceptions in nomenclature ==

 

To remove such confusion, in 2011 the Ministry of Home Affairs adopted the uniform nomenclature of [[Central Armed Police Forces]] for only five of its Primary Police organisations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Office Memorandum|url=http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/OM2-020513.pdf|website=MHA|publisher=MHA, GoI|access-date=26 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183848/http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/OM2-020513.pdf|archive-date=17 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=For the paramilitary, all's in a new name|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|website=The Telegraph|publisher=The Telegraph Calcutta|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> These were formerly called as Paramilitary Forces. [[Central Armed Police Forces]] are still incorrectly referred to as "Paramilitary Forces" in the media and in some correspondences. These forces are headed by officers from the [[Indian Police Service]] and are under the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]].