In the midst of the prolonged military standoff between India and China in the Eastern Ladakh sector, the Indian Army has been actively fortifying its capabilities and deploying cutting-edge weapon systems to efficiently address emergencies and carry out conventional operations.
The Eastern Ladakh sector will soon witness the incorporation of Made in India K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns, supplied by the L&T group from its Hazara plant. With more than 100 of these indigenous guns expected to be deployed, the Army’s firepower will receive a substantial boost.
Notably, the troops in the region will be equipped with the formidable Spike anti-tank guided missiles to counter enemy tanks and armoured fighting vehicles effectively. Plans to acquire more third-generation missiles under the ‘Make in India’ initiative are also underway, thus further enhancing the Army’s capabilities.
In recent times, the Indian Army successfully inducted the Dhanush howitzer, an advanced version developed based on the Bofors howitzer’s Transfer of Technology. Capable of striking targets up to 48 kilometres away, the Dhanush howitzer has been steadfastly serving in the Eastern Ladakh sector since last year. Additionally, the Army is set to receive 114 guns developed and produced by the former Ordnance Factory Board, further bolstering its artillery might.
Focus On Enhanced Mobility
The focus is on enhanced mobility to tackle the rugged terrain of Ladakh effectively. The Kalyani M4 Quick Reaction Vehicle, an indigenous platform, allows for the swift deployment of 10 combat-ready armed troops to forward locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at speeds of 60-80 kilometres per hour. This move was driven by the adversary’s use of fast-moving vehicles during initial face-offs in the standoff.
The Indian Army is keen on increasing the number of M4 vehicles in the Eastern Ladakh sector to augment mobility. All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have also been inducted in substantial numbers to support operations in post-2020 standoff scenarios. These versatile vehicles can accommodate four to six troops, showcasing their efficacy in carrying loads and equipment to sustain troops at forward posts. Moreover, ATVs play a pivotal role in swiftly deploying troops and their equipment to handle emergency situations effectively.
Strengthening Surveillance Capabilities
Gen. MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff, was presented the Indigenous Rajak Ultra Long Range Observation System by the TASL Team. The product designed & manufactured by TASL can detect a human target up to 18km and a vehicle up to 26km, both during day & night. pic.twitter.com/Iji2OuOQMi
— TATA Advanced Systems (TATA Aerospace & Defence) (@tataadvanced) April 14, 2022
To bolster its surveillance capabilities, the Indian Army has adopted the TATA Rajak system, which boasts advanced observation and detection capabilities. This system can detect humans from distances exceeding 15 kilometres and vehicles from distances beyond 25 kilometres. By employing this sophisticated equipment, the Army can efficiently monitor adversary movements along the LAC, ensuring utmost preparedness.
With continuous efforts to enhance weaponry, surveillance systems, and mobility infrastructure in the Eastern Ladakh sector, the Indian Army remains steadfastly committed to effectively responding to any contingencies while safeguarding the security and integrity of the region.