Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov.2: The Indian Army is conducting aerial operations to induct troops into high-altitude zones and confirm its rapid response capabilities close to the border in eastern Ladakh.
This comes amid a nearly 18-month military standoff between India and China in the region.
The Army’s Shatrujeet Brigade is conducting “an airborne insertion along the northern borders in eastern Ladakh to confirm its Rapid Response Capabilities, as part of an airborne exercise and combat manoeuvres,” according to sources.
On Monday, the airborne troops were inserted at a drop zone at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet, it is learnt.
According to sources, the troops had been pre-acclimatized. The troops were “transported via C-130 and AN 32 aircraft from five different mounting sites to confirm inter-theatre mobility, accurate stand-off drops, fast grouping, and capture of selected targets with speed and surprise,” according to the statement.
The descent at such a high altitude, especially as winter approached, was “particularly difficult due to the cold temperatures” — the temperature dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius — and the rarified atmosphere of super-high-altitude territory.
“Airborne forces, mechanised columns, and attack helicopters will conduct Oxygen Combat Free Fall jumps and integrated war drills as part of the exercise, confirming capabilities and seamless integration,” sources stated.
Both India and China are expanding infrastructure in various areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Since 2020, China has escalated patrolling, particularly area dominance patrols in the eastern sector, despite the ongoing conflict in eastern Ladakh. India has also beefed up its defences all along the LAC.
