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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 07, 2024

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How are tanks armouring Ladakh sector?

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS II, GS III- International relations, Border Security Issues

Context:

The Ukraine war front has showcased the adaptability of battle tanks, proving that armour is even more essential in the new-age battlefield in addition to long-range firepower. In another arena, after the May 2020 stand-off in the Eastern Ladakh sector between India and China, armies and tanks of both have been deployed at altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet, in some cases barrels facing each other 100 metres apart.

Read about:

What is Line of Actual Control (LAC)?

What is Galwan Clash 2020?

Key takeaways:

The Ukraine war has highlighted the continued relevance of battle tanks, demonstrating that armored vehicles remain critical on modern battlefields alongside long-range firepower. Similarly, following the May 2020 standoff between India and China in Eastern Ladakh, both nations have stationed troops and tanks at altitudes between 13,000 and 15,000 feet, sometimes with tanks positioned as close as 100 meters from each other.

Current Situation

In September 2024, the Indian Army displayed the capabilities of its armored units stationed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. T-90 tanks and BMP-2 armored carriers were shown crossing the Indus River at Nyoma, situated at an elevation of 13,700 feet and approximately 30 kilometers from the LAC. During this demonstration, soldiers explained the technical challenges of maintaining these machines in extreme weather conditions. One soldier, Manoj Kumar, emphasized that the T-90, referred to as the Bhishma in India, is among the world's best tanks and is capable of overcoming obstacles and deep-fording water bodies at high altitudes.

Challenges of Cold Weather

Tanks face performance issues in thin, oxygen-poor air at these altitudes. As temperatures drop at night, crews must restart the engines multiple times to ensure they remain functional. The T-90, operated by a three-person crew, features a 125-mm main gun, machine guns, and can fire anti-tank guided missiles. Plans are in place to upgrade the T-72 tanks with more powerful engines. BMPs, faster and more versatile than tanks, can float and operate underwater, making them suitable for this rugged terrain.

Deployment in Ladakh

Since 2012, India has been enhancing its infrastructure and military presence in Ladakh. The Army has deployed troops for longer durations along the LAC and expanded patrols in disputed areas. By 2018, three regiments of T-72 tanks had been deployed, forming a full brigade. Following the 2020 standoff, more tanks, BMPs, and artillery were moved into the region. The landscape in Eastern Ladakh, which includes plains between mountain ranges, is suitable for the deployment of mechanized units.

Post-Galwan Incident Response

Following the Galwan clash in May 2020, India rapidly increased troop numbers and repositioned forces from the western to northern borders. The Indian Air Force played a significant role, transporting tens of thousands of troops, tanks, artillery, and other equipment. During a period of heightened tension in August 2020, tanks from both India and China came within 100 meters of each other near Pangong Tso but were later pulled back as part of a disengagement agreement.

High-Altitude Challenges

Historically, tanks have struggled in these altitudes, as seen during the 1962 India-China war wh