How are tanks arming Ladakh?

• The Ukraine war front has demonstrated the adaptability of battle tanks, emphasizing the importance of armour in the modern battlefield.
• Post the May 2020 stand-off in Eastern Ladakh, armies and tanks have been deployed at altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet.
• The Army demonstrated the capabilities of T-90 tanks and BMP-2 armoured carriers in September 2024, crossing the Indus river at Nyoma.
• The T-90, manufactured in India as the Bhishma, is considered one of the best tanks in the world.
• The Army plans to upgrade the T-72s with a 1,000-hp engine.
• Since 2012, India has been significantly augmenting its infrastructure and deployments in Ladakh, deploying troops on longer tenures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• The Army deployed tank regiments consisting of T-72s in Eastern Ladakh in 2014, 2016, and 2018, completing the full brigade.
• Post May 2020, there was a major force accretion and reorientation of troops from the western to the northern borders.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted over 68,000 troops, 330 infantry vehicles, and over 90 tanks in the initial phase.
• The Army deployed one regiment of K9 Vajra tracked self-propelled Howitzers to counter a massive Chinese build-up.

Indian Army’s Tank and Armoured Vehicle Maintenance in Pangong Tso

• In August 2020, tensions escalated between India and China, leading to dangerous close-ups of tanks on the Kailash ranges.
• The Indian Army had attempted using tanks at high altitudes, but faced challenges due to low oxygen levels and high wear and tear.
• The Army has created maintenance facilities for tanks and armoured vehicles, using special lubricants and fuel.
• Winterisation kits have been procured for K9s to ensure optimal performance.
• The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has upgraded troop strength and fire power along the Ladakh Autonomous Region (LAC).
• Other European countries have major tank acquisition plans, with major tank producers like the U.S., the U.K., and Germany adding new protective systems to existing tanks.
• The Army is seeking air burst ammunition to shoot down drones and more potent ammunition for the tanks.
• Plans are underway for upgrades for the armoured carriers, including a 3rd gen ATGM replacing the existing 2nd gen Konkurs wire guided ATGM.
• The Indian Army is looking to procure a new generation ‘Future Tank’ under the FRCV project in a phased manner, with expected induction by 2030.
• The most pressing project is the light tank weighing 25 tonnes, which was felt by the Army during the stand-off.
• The Indian Army plans to hand over the light tank for user trials by August 2025.