India's shopping for lightweight mountain-friendly tanks post China tussles
The government, amid border tensions with China, has given the army approval for emergency procurement of lightweight tanks that can be deployed in high-altitude conditions.
This will be a significant upgrade allowing the reintroduction of light tanks that can play a critical role in areas such as Ladakh, where they can be more nimble than the heavier main battle tanks, informed sources told ET. The acquisition will be made under the emergency purchase nod given after the recent Ladakh ..
The deployment of new Type 15 light tanks by China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh in late April has come as a wakeup call.
The army has been given the go-ahead for urgent purchases amid signs that Beijing intends to keep the border hot.
The army is looking for air-transportable tanks that can be landed or airdropped at forward locations for lightning-quick deployments to counter aggression, sources said. Unlike China, which has an extensive road network connecting the border, India’s infrastructure is still matching up and is being upgraded, though forward airfields have been developed at strategic location ..
The government, amid border tensions with China, has given the army approval for emergency procurement of lightweight tanks that can be deployed in high-altitude conditions.
This will be a significant upgrade allowing the reintroduction of light tanks that can play a critical role in areas such as Ladakh, where they can be more nimble than the heavier main battle tanks, informed sources told ET. The acquisition will be made under the emergency purchase nod given after the recent Ladakh ..
The deployment of new Type 15 light tanks by China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh in late April has come as a wakeup call.
The army has been given the go-ahead for urgent purchases amid signs that Beijing intends to keep the border hot.
The army is looking for air-transportable tanks that can be landed or airdropped at forward locations for lightning-quick deployments to counter aggression, sources said. Unlike China, which has an extensive road network connecting the border, India’s infrastructure is still matching up and is being upgraded, though forward airfields have been developed at strategic location ..