74th Army Day: Indian Army’s new combat uniform makes debut
The new combat uniform has been designed in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) after the specifications were shared by the Indian Army.
Indian Army’s new combat uniform has an informal look compared to the older one as the shirt is not tucked in hiding the belt on the trouser, a change from the old one.
Soldiers of the Indian Army’s parachute regiment marched in the new combat uniform at the Army Day parade, making the first public display of camouflage. This comes as the Indian Army’s theme for the year 2022, “In Stride with the Future”, acknowledges the increasingly critical role played by niche and disruptive technologies in modern warfare.
The Indian Army confronts a plethora of security challenges, conventional and non-traditional, and is looking at Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Robotics and Quantum Technology to find innovative solutions to these emerging challenges.
INDIAN ARMY’S NEW COMBAT UNIFORM
- The new combat uniform has an informal look compared to the older one as the shirt is not tucked in hiding the belt on the trouser, a change from the old one.
- Another change is that the round-neck T-shirt is worn under the shirt.
- The new uniform has a digital pattern similar to that of the US army. It will also clearly distinguish the camouflage patterns worn by paramilitary forces that were similar to the Army’s old combat uniform.
- The new combat uniform has been designed in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) after the specifications were shared by the Indian Army.
- Four different fabrics, eight designs and almost 15 patterns were analysed before finalising it.
- The camouflage has a mix of colours and shades– a bit of olive green and earthen shades, suitable for different terrains and extreme weather conditions where the army is deployed.
- Not only is the light fabric more comfortable, but also better suited for tough climatic conditions across the area of deployment of the Indian Army.
- A contingent of Indian army troops will also be seen marching in the new camouflage uniforms at the Republic Day parade.
ARMY DAY CELEBRATIONS
The Army Day celebrations commenced with the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National War Memorial where the three Service Chiefs paid homage to the Bravehearts.
In his message to all ranks of the Indian Army, the Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane saluted the supreme sacrifice of all personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, reiterating his unstinted support to the “Veer Naris” and next of kin of the fallen soldiers. He assured the Nation that the Indian Army was operationally ready to deal with any adverse situation.
GALLANTRY AWARDS
The Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the Army Day Parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment and awarded 15 Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of gallantry and 23 COAS Unit Citations to units for their commendable performance. The Army Day Parade this year showcased the evolution of various weapon systems held in the Indian Army’s inventory.
DISPLAY OF MODERN WEAPON SYSTEMS
New and modern weapon systems and platforms were displayed alongside their old counterparts. Centurion tanks were followed by Arjun Main Battle Tanks and TOPAS was succeeded by the BMP-II.
Similarly, pairs of the 75/24 Indian Field Gun and Dhanush, PMP/PMS and Sarvatra bridges and Tiger Cat & Akash Surface to Air Missiles were also on display.
The parade also included International Sports awardees and seven marching contingents, including mounted horse cavalry.
A song titled ‘Maati’, sung by famed singer Hariharan, dedicated to the Army and the nation was exclusively released during the event. The Indian Army also unveiled the latest pattern of its combat dress during the parade.
