Indian Army undertaking high altitude airborne drill in Eastern Ladakh

In a show of strength on the border with China, the Army is carrying out high-altitude airborne drills in Eastern Ladakh, demonstrating the ability to land soldiers and equipment behind enemy lines. The drills, being carried out by the 50 Para brigade (also known as Shatrujeet), include dropping of missile detachments and specialist vehicles at altitudes of over 14,000 feet.

Currently in progress, the exercise is being conducted to validate rapid response capabilities of the army, sources say. On Monday, airborne troops were inserted at a drop zone located at over 14,000 feet.

"Pre-acclimatised troops along with specialist vehicles and missile detachments were transported via C-130 and AN 32 aircrafts from five different mounting bases to validate inter-theatre move, precision stand-off drops, rapid grouping and capture of designated objectives with speed and surprise," sources said.

The decision to carry out such a large scale exercise, which simulates bringing in troops from other theatres to the frontier, is of significance, given the continued Chinese military aggression on the border, with incidents of transgressions being reported from all sectors of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The exercise was carried out at temperatures of minus 20 degrees, signalling the capability of troops to carry out operations at super high altitude areas even in the winter months if the need arises.

"The exercise also involves conduct of Oxygen Combat Free Fall jumps and integrated battle drills by Airborne forces, mechanised columns and attack helicopters, validating capabilities and seamless integration," sources said.

This would possibly be the biggest show of strength on Eastern Ladakh after the PLA moved in troops at several locations on the LAC in May last year. Though most of the flashpoints have now been resolved through dialogue, over 50,000 Chinese troops are still amassed along the border in Eastern Ladakh, with their deployment likely to continue into winter months as well.