Nepalese Army
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Roundel of the Nepalese Army
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| Active | 1768 – present (248 years) |
| Country |  Nepal |
| Allegiance | Government of Nepal |
| Type | Army |
| Size | 95,000 (62,000 reserve)[1] |
| Garrison/HQ | Kathmandu |
| Motto(s) | It's better to die than to be a coward |
| Anniversaries | Maha Shivaratri |
| Engagements | Battle against Mir Qasim 1763 Battle of Pauwa Gadhi against Captain Kinloch, 1767 Anglo-Nepalese War First Nepal – Tibet War Nepal-Tibet/China War Last Nepal-Tibet War World War I (Casualties) Nepalese Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
General Rajendra Chhetri |
| Notable commanders |
Abhiman Singh Basnet |
The Nepalese Army (Nepali: नेपाली सेना) or Gorkhali Army (Nepali: गोर्खाली सेना) is the armed military Land warfare force of Nepal available internationally and a major component of the Military of Nepal. Service is voluntary and the minimum age for enrollment is 18 years. The army was known as The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) during the monarchy system in Nepal. It was renamed into Nepalese Army since 28 May 2008 with the abolishing of 238-year-old monarchy. Unlike other military forces around the world, the Nepalese Army has a very strict joining policy[not specific enough to verify].
Contents
History[edit]
Nepal unification campaign was a turning point in the history of the Nepalese army. Since unification was not possible without a strong army, the management of the armed forces had to be exceptional. Apart from the standard Malla era temples in Kathmandu, army being organized in Gorkhas, technicians and experts had to be brought in from abroad to manufacture war materials. After the Gorkhali troops captured Nuwakot, the neighbouring principality of Kathmandu (Kantipur) in the year 1744, the Gorkhali armed forces came to be known as the Royal Nepalese Army.
Their gallantry, sincerity and simplicity impressed even their enemy so much that the British East-India Company started recruiting Nepalese into their forces. Since the British had fought against then RNA, which was till that time, still colloquially known as "Army of Gorkha" or "Gorkhali" army, the British called their new soldiers "Gurkhas". The Indian army, after gaining their independence from the British, started calling them "Gorkha". In 1946, the Royal Nepalese Army troops were led by Commanding General Sir Baber Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana at the Victory Parade in London.[2]
The Gurkha Rifles existing in India and Britain are part of foreign military organizations where Nepalis are recruited. The NA are rightfully the true heir of the title of "The original Army of the Gorkha".
Prior to 2006 the Nepalese Army was known as the Royal Nepalese Army and was under the control of the King of Nepal. Yet following the Loktantra Andolan (People's Movement for Democracy) on May 18, 2006 a Bill was passed by the Nepalese parliament curtailing royal power, this included renaming the army.[3]
In 2004 Nepal spent $99.2 million on its military (1.5% of its GDP). Since 2002 the RNA had been involved in the Nepali Civil War they were also used to quell the pro-democracy protesters in April 2006 Loktantra Andolan. Most of its arms are supplied by India.
Organization[edit]
The Nepalese Army has about 95,000 infantry army and air service members protecting the sovereignty of Nepal.
Supreme Command[edit]
The position of the Supreme Commander of the Nepalese Army is the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Until 2006, the King of Nepal (monarchy abolished) was in control of all military forces in the country. The National Army was renamed from Royal Nepalese Army to Nepalese Army after the recent national conversion from a monarchy to a republic on 4th Jestha 2063 B.S.
The National Defence Council[edit]
This Council has seven members, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, the Chief of the Army Staff, Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Home Minister and the Chief Secretary.
Now, Nepal is officially known as Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The declaration of republic meant that the king is consigned to the history books making the President the supreme commander of NA.
Divisions[edit]
The Nepalese Army is divided into six divisions:
- Far-Western
- Mid-Western
- Western
- Central
- Eastern (2nd Brigade, 18th Brigade, 21st Brigade)[4]
- Valley
- HQ
In addition there are 3 independent brigades:
- Aviation Brigade
- Parachute Brigade
- Security Brigade
Operations[edit]
The Primary role of the NA is to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Nepal. Their secondary role is to provide assistance to the Civilian Government of Nepal in the maintenance of internal security. Other duties include humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations, assisting in national development, nature conservation efforts and participation in international peacekeeping mission.
Foreign Involvements[edit]
- Royal Nepalese Army in Indian Sepoy Mutiny
- Royal Nepalese Army in The First World War 1914–1918
- Royal Nepalese Army in Waziristhan War
- Royal Nepalese Army in Afghan War −1919
- Royal Nepalese Army in The Second World War
- Royal Nepalese Army in Hyderbad Action – 1948
Domestic Operations[edit]
Disarmament of the Khampas – 1974
In 1974, the then Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) was mobilized to disarm the Tibetan Khampas, who had been using Nepalese soil to engage in guerilla warfare against the invading Chinese forces. The Khampas operated mainly from a base secretly established at Mustang in northwest Nepal. The RNA, under immense diplomatic pressure from China and the international community, moved nine infantry units toward Mustang, and gave the Khampas an ultimatum to either disarm themselves and surrender, or face attack. The terms and conditions of their surrender were that they would be given Nepalese citizenship, land, and money, and free schooling for their children. The Khampa commander, General Wangdi, agreed to surrender but eventually fled the camp. He was later killed by RNA forces in Doti, in far western Nepal, while trying to loot a Nepal Police post. This was the first time the RNA had mobilized domestically in such large numbers. The Nepali government failed to provide any of the compensation agreed to in the surrender terms.
International Operations[edit]
The Nepalese Army has contributed more than 100,000 peacekeepers to a variety of United Nations-sponsored peacekeeping missions such as:
- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL),
- UNOSOMII the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), UN Operational Mission Somalia II,
- MINUSTAH the United Nations Mission in Haiti.
- UNAMSIL – Currently, Nepal is sending an 800-man battalion to serve in the peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).
- UNMIS – The Nepalese Army has sent a protection company of 200 personnel in United Nations Mission In Sudan. The Redeployment Coordination HQ at Kassala is also manned by the Nepalese contingent. The RCHQ was intended to monitor withdrawals from the eastern sectors of the UNMIS area in accordance with the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Accord.
- UNDOF
- MINUSMA – For the first time,[5][6] the Nepalese Army has a company of EOD of 140 personnel specially dedicated for improvised explosive device (IED) and ordnance disposal mission in Mali.
U.S./Nepal military relations[edit]
The U.S.-Nepali military relationship focuses on support for democratic institutions, civilian control of the military, and the professional military ethic to include respect for human rights. The US would support Nepal with arms, ammunition and additional commandos and soldiers if war began with its neighbouring China and India. Both countries have had extensive contact over the years. Nepali Army units have served with distinction alongside American forces in places such as Haiti, Iraq, and Somalia.
U.S.-Nepali military engagement continues today through IMET, Enhanced International Peacekeeping Capabilities (EIPC), Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), and various conferences and seminars. The U.S. military sends many Nepalese Army officers to America to attend military schooling such as the Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. The IMET budget for FY2001 was $220,000.
The EPIC program is an interagency program between the Department of Defense and the Department of State to increase the pool of international peacekeepers and to promote interoperability. Nepal received about $1.9 million in EPIC funding.
Commander in Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC) coordinates military engagement with Nepal through the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC). The ODC Nepal is located in the American Embassy, Kathmandu.
Bases[edit]
- Kathmandu Army HQ
- Panchkhal Military Base (UN Peacekeeping Training Center)
Major Base Camps are located in all 75 districts of Nepal with at least 20 major base camps and 9500 Army in each districts.
Schools[edit]
- Nepalese Army Command and Staff College, Shivapuri
- Nepalese Army War College, Nagarkot
- Nepalese Military Academy, Kharipati
- Nepalese Army Recruit Training Center, Trishuli
- Nepalese Army Jungle Warfare School, Amlekhgunj
- Nepalese Army High Altitude and Mountain Warfare School, Mustang
- Nepalese Army Intelligence School, Kharipati
- Nepalese Army Logistics School, Chhauni
- Birendra Peace Keeping Operation Training Center, Panchkhal
- Nepalese Army Para Training School, Maharajgunj
- Nepalese Army EME school,kharipati
Units[edit]
- Shree Gorkah Bahadur Battalion – established 1952 (best infantry unit of NA, then was established for special duty of Royal Guards).
- Shree Nath Battalion – established 1762
- Shree Kali Buksh Battalion (Engineers) – established 1762
- Shree Kali Prasad Battalion (Engineers) – established 1863
- Shree Barda Bahadur Battalion – established 1762
- Shree Sabuj Battalion – established 1762
- Shree Purano Gorakh Battalion – established 1763
- Shree Devidutta Battalion – established 1783
- Shree Naya Gorakh Battalion – established 1783
- Shree Bhairavi Dal Battalion – established 1785
- Shree Singhanath Battalion – established 1786 (Commando)
- Shree Shreejung Battalion – established 1783
- Shree Ranabhim Battalion – established 1783
- Shree Naya Shree Nath Battalion – established 1783
- Shree Bhairavnath Battalion – established 1910 – (Parachute Battalion)
- Shree Ganeshdal Battalion – established 1846 – signals and communications
- Shree Nepal Cavalry – established 1849 – Household Cavalry ceremonial unit since 1952
- Shree Vajradal Company – established 1806
- Shree Bhagvati Prasad Company – established 1927
- Shree Parshwavarti Company – established 1936 – served as PM's Body Guard unit and disbanded 1952
- Shree Rajdal Battalion (Artillery & Air Defence)
- Shree Yuddha Bhairav Battalion (Special Forces)
- Shree Yuddha Kawaj Battalion (Mechanized Infantry)
- Shree Mahabir Battalion (Rangers Battalion. Equivalent to U.S Army Rangers (Part of Nepalese Army Special Operation Force))
- Shree Chandan Nath Battalion – established 2004 (Infantry Unit)
- Shree Tara Dal Battalion – established 2002 (Infantry Unit)
- Shree No 1 Disaster Management Battalion – established 2012
- Shree No 2 Disaster Management Battalion – established 2012
Equipment[edit]
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The majority of equipment used by the Nepalese Army is imported from other countries. India is a major supplier of arms and ammunition as well as other logistical equipment. The Nepalese Army also uses equipment imported from the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, Israel and other countries. A small amount of small arms and ammunition are also produced at the Sundarijal arsenal.
Small Arms[edit]
| Manufacturer | Type | Number | Origins | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colt's Manufacturing Company | M16 rifle | 10,000 | United States | Will be standard issue assault rifle replacing INSAS & SLR. |
| Colt's Manufacturing Company | Colt Commando | 750 | United States | Used by 10th Brigade ('Gha' Gulma, 'Nga' Gulma) Special Forces & Counter Terrorism |
| Colt's Manufacturing Company | M4 carbine | 750 | United States | Used by Military Police, Nepalese Army Rangers and Nepalese Army Special Forces |
| Heckler & Koch | MSG90 Military Sniper Rifle | 600 | Germany | Used by Nepalese Army Sniper Units, Special Forces and Nepalese Army Rangers |
| FNH USA | FN SCAR | 500 | USA/BEL | Used by special units as both a battle and assault rifle of the Armed Police Force, Rangers, and No.10 Para Brigade . |
| Ishapore Rifle Factory | L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle | 60,000 | India | Once the standard issue assault rifle, some of which are transferred to Armed Police Force & some to special units of Nepal Police |
| Heckler & Koch | MP5 | 500 | Germany | Used by Special Force and other Special Forces Units. |
| Israeli Military Industries | IMI Galil | 230 | Israel | Used by Paratroopers No.10 Brigade |
| Heckler & Koch | Heckler & Koch G36 | 300 | Germany | Used by Special Forces. Upgrade to the G36 was contested with the M16A2 Assault Rifles for the Nepalese Army. The M16A2 later became the standard issue. |
| Fabrique Nationale | M249 Light Machine Gun | 5,000 | Belgium | Squad / Infantry support role |
| Various | GPMG | 5,000 | Various | Infantry support and suppressing fire role by various Army Units. Some variants of the Bren light machine gun#L4 is still in use. |
| Israel Military Industries | UZI | 200 | Israel | Used by Special Forces & VIP protection Units |
| Sterling Armaments Company | Sterling submachine gun | 25,000 | UK | Still the standard issue SMG which will be replaced by Colt Command M4 Carbine, some of it are transferred to Armed Police Force and Nepal Police |
| Indian State Ordnance Factory Board | INSAS assault rifle | 40,000 | India | INSAS rifles were supplied to the Nepalese Army at a 70% subsidy price. Due to unwillingness of the Nepalese Maoist government to continue using INSAS, it will be then transferred to Armed Police Force. |
Machine Guns[edit]
| Manufacturer | Type | Number | Origins | Details |
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| Many | Bren light machine gun | 2,400 | UK | |
| Minimi | 700 | Belgium | ||
| FN Herstal | FN MAG | 400 | Belgium |
Vehicles[edit]
| Manufacturer | Type | Number | Origins | Details |
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| Norinco | WZ551#WMZ-551B APC | 175 | China | similar to Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé |
| Tata Motors | Mahindra Mine Protected Vehicle | 500 | India | |
| Daimler | Ferret Armoured Car | 85 | UK | |
| Ordnance Factory Board | Indian Mine Protected Vehicle/APC | 240 | India | based Alvis plc/BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa/Land Systems OMC Casspir on Ashok Leyland Stallion MKIII truck chassis (based on Ford Cargo) |
| Military Industrial Company LLC (GAZ Group division) | GAZ-2975 | 350 | Russia | The GAZ-2975 is a Russian high-mobility multipurpose military vehicle.It is equipped with a powerful diesel, turbocharged, air-cooled engine and five-speed manual transmission. Independent torsion suspension, telescopic shock absorbers and regulated-pressure tires ensure exceptional cross-country ability, top speed of 90 km/h over rough terrain and up to 150 km/h on the road. The Tiger can ford water up to 1.3 meters deep. Its chassis can support various specialized bodies emphasizing armor, passenger capacity, cargo, etc. |
Artillery[edit]
| Manufacturer | Type | Number | Origins | Details |
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| Vickers | QF 3.7 inch AA gun | 45 | UK | |
| SPG-9 Rocket-propelled grenade system | 100 | Russia | ||
| 25 mm gun (Indian Field Gun) | 100 | India | ||
| 3.7 inch Mountain Howitzer | 100 | UK | ||
| Fort Halstead | 105 mm artillery pack | 14 | UK | |
| 160 mm M43 mortar | 1,070 | USSR |
Uniform[edit]
The Nepalese Army currently have three types of uniform.
Formal Dress[edit]
This dress is used primarily for parading and official duties. In August 2010 the Nepalese Army introduced a new ceremonial uniform replacing that worn by the former Royal Army, in order to make it more relevant to the changing context and time. The new uniform comprises an olive green tunic and trousers of modern style, green coloured shirt and tie, leather belt and peaked cap.
Combat Dress[edit]
This dress is used by the Nepalese Army for regular operational duties.
Nepalese army uses two type of camouflage patterns:
- Swirl
- Nepalese 4-Color Camouflage – similar to the Japan Air Self Defense Force camouflage
Rank Structure[edit]
| Rank | English equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paramadhipati- परमाधिपति | Supreme Commander-in-Chief | President of Nepal |
Officers
| Rank | English equivalent | Insignia | Description |
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| Atirathi- अतिरथी | Field Marshal | – | Five-star rank |
| Pradhan Senapati – प्रधान सेनापति | General | Usually translated as "Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)". Army commander;four-star rank. | |
| Rathi – रथी | Lieutenant General | Held by the Chief of the General Staff (CGS) and the Chief of Staff (COS); Three-star rank.
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| Uparathi – उपरथी | Major General | Two-star rank:
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| Sahayakrathi – सहायक रथी | Brigadier General | Support Directorate, Combat Brigade or Combat Service Support Brigade commander; One-star rank | |
| Mahasenani – महासेनानी | Colonel | ||
| Pramukhsenani – प्रमुख सेनानी | Lieutenant Colonel | Battalion commander | |
| Senani – सेनानी | Major | Company commander | |
| Sahasenani – सह सेनानी | Captain | Company 2IC | |
| Upasenani – उप सेनानी | Lieutenant | Platoon leader | |
| Sahayaksenani – सहायक सेनानी | Second Lieutenant |
Junior Commissioned Officers(JCOs)/Warrant Officers
| Rank | English equivalent | Insignia | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subedar Major – सुवेदार मेजर | Chief Warrant Officer | ||
| Subedar – सुवेदार | Warrant Officer 1 | ||
| Jamadar– जमदार | Warrant Officer 2 |
Non Commissioned Officers(NCOs) and Other Ranks
| Rank | English equivalent | Insignia | Description |
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| Hudda- हुद्दा | Sergeant | Section leader | |
| Amaldar- अमल्दार | Corporal | Section 2IC | |
| Piuyth -प्युठ | Lance Corporal | ||
| Sipahi – सिपाही | Private | ||
| Followers – | Non-Combatants |
Chiefs of the Army Staff (1960 AD–present)[edit]
Historically the Chief of Nepalese Army have been mostly from noble families such as "Shah", "Basnyat", "Pande", "Thapa" and "Rana". The first army chief during the unification campaign of Nepal by the Great King Prithvinarayan Shah was Kaji Biraj Thapa Magar. He was followed by was Kaji Kalu Pande.
15.
| No. | Rank | Name | In office |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | General | Nir Shumsher JB Rana | 15 Baisakh, 2017 B.S (1960) – 15 Baisakh 2022 B.S (1965).[10] |
| 2. | General | Surendra Bahadur Shah | – |
| 3. | General | Singha Bahadur Basnyat | −10 May 1975 |
| 4. | General | Guna Shumsher JB Rana | 10 May 1975 – 10 May 1979 |
| 5. | General | Singha Pratap Shah | 15 May 1979 – 15 May 1983 |
| 6. | General | Arjun Narsingh Rana | 15 May 1983 – 15 May 1987 |
| 7. | General | Satchit Shumsher JB Rana | 15 May 1987 – 15 May 1991 |
| 8. | General | Gadul Shumsher JB Rana | 15 May 1991 – 4 May 1995 |
| 9. | General | Dharmapaal Barsingh Thapa | 15 May 1995 – 15 May 1999 |
| 10. | General | Prajwalla Shumsher JB Rana | 19 May 1999 – 9 Sep 2003 |
| 11. | General | Pyar Jung Thapa | 10 Sep 2003 – 9 Sep 2006 |
| 12. | General | Rukmangad Katawal | 9 Sep 2006 – 9 Sep 2009 |
| 13. | General | Chhatra Man Singh Gurung | 9 Sep 2009 – 5 Sep 2012 |
| 14. | General | Gaurav Shumsher JB Rana | 6 Sep 2012 – 10 Sep 2015 |
| 14. | General | Rajendra Chhetri | 10 Sep 2015 – present |
Battles[edit]
Nepalese army fights various battles on the unification campaign these battles of Nepal unification help royal Nepalese army to gain more experiences with a gift of Unified Nepal.
Battles on Defending Kingdom of Nepal[edit]
- Battle against Mir Kassim – 1763 CE
- Battle of Pauwa Gadhi against Captain Kinloch- 1767 CE
- Anglo-Nepalese War – 1814 CE
- First Nepal – Tibet War
- Nepal-Tibet/China War
- Last Nepal-Tibet War
Medals and Awards[edit]
- Mahendra Mala
- Parama Nepal Pratap Baskara
- Ati Nepal Pratapa Bhaskara
- Nepal Pratapa Bhaskara
- Ojasvi Rajanya (Sovereign – A)
- Ojasvi Rajanya (Sovereign – B)
- Ojasvi Rajanya (Grand Master – A)
- Ojasvi Rajanya (Grand Master – B)
- Parama Ujjvala Keertimaya Nepal – Shreepada
- Ati Ujjvala Keertimaya Nepal – Shreepada
- Maha Ujjvala Keertimaya Nepal Shreepada
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Nepal Military Strength". Retrieved 23 October 2014.
- ^ "Lamb6". Retrieved 23 October 2014.
- ^ Haviland, Charles (2006-05-19). "Erasing the 'royal' in Nepal". BBC News. Retrieved 2006-09-23.
- ^ "Nepalese Army – नेपाली सेना". Retrieved 23 October 2014.
- ^ "In a first, NA peacekeepers to dispose explosives under UN mission". Retrieved 23 October 2014.
- ^ "NA to deploy 140 soldiers to Mali for peacekeeping – News – :: The Kathmandu Post ::". Retrieved 23 October 2014.
- ^ "Nepalnews.com". Nepalnews.com.
- ^ "Organization". nepalarmy.mil.np.
- ^ "Ranks". nepalarmy.mil.np.
- ^ "First Field Marshal Nir Shumsher passes away".
External links[edit]
- Official website of the Nepalese Army
- Official website of the Nepalese Army Command and Staff College
- Nepal
- Indian MPV
- Background Note: Nepal
- Nepal
- List of photographs of 49 Nepalese army generals
- [1]
- http://thediplomat.com/2013/10/the-deft-politicking-of-nepals-army/1/, 2013
- Ghimire, S. (2016). Security Sector Reform Organic: Infrastructure for Peace as an Entry Point? Peacebuilding.
