The Army is strongly pushing for modern weaponry that will boost its mountain warfare capabilities, a significant step considering the recent Chinese incursion in eastern Ladakh. The Army has already conveyed to the ministry of defence the need for ultra-light artillery guns and more surveillance equipment (radar and sensors).
The Army is also pushing strongly for establishment of a mountain strike corps that will give the Indian Army offensive capabilities for the first time vis-à-vis China in any eventuality. The Indian Army has, till now, adopted only a defensive posture vis-à-vis China. The proposal for establishment of a mountain strike corps is currently under the consideration of the government, with sources saying the proposal is currently being scrutinised by the finance ministry. “The financial cost will be high but it is in national interest,” sources said, adding that the processing of the proposal could be expedited. Army UAV imagery has now confirmed that the Chinese troops have now returned from the Daulat Beg Oldi area of eastern Ladakh to the pre-April 15 position across the LAC. The recent incursion by Chinese troops into eastern Ladakh had seen the Chinese establishing a tented post for nearly three weeks from April 15 before withdrawing on Sunday.