Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday delivered to the Army extensive indigenous military equipment, including unmanned aerial systems and quick response fighting vehicles, to increase its combat potential in eastern Ladakh, given the continuous border disputes with China.
The army received other vital equipment such as surveillance hardware, a new anti-personnel mine ‘Nipun’ patrolling boats, ‘Future Infantry Soldier as a System’, infantry-protected mobility vehicles, an upgraded sights system for tanks, a rugged and automatic communication system, and advanced thermal imagers.
The new boats — Landing Craft Assault (LCA)—that possess advanced surveillance gadgets and other equipment are being positioned to keep a strict watch over the 134-km-long Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh.
The lake that is at an altitude of 13,900 feet is considered strategically important. Around two-thirds of the lake is controlled by China. Last year, 12 LCA boats were ordered by the army to intensify its existing fleets of vessels.
“The LCA is much more versatile and has overcome the limitations of launch, speed, and capacity. It has enhanced the capability to operate across the water obstacles in eastern Ladakh,” the defense ministry said. According to the Ministry, these vehicles will offer mobility and more protection to a huge number of infantry soldiers posted at the Northern borders.
