Bum La (Tawang): The Army is scaling up its firepower at Tawang with air transportable artillery guns, new assault rifles, helicopter-borne troops to carry out offensive operations and upgraded anti-drone systems, strengthening its posture along the Line of Actual control (LAC).

Now one of India’s most heavily defended sectors, it was here that the Chinese Army marched in from across Bum La (15,200 feet), heavily outnumbering a stretched border deployment and swiftly gaining territory in a matter of days. The first assault took place on October 20, 1962, after a massive Chinese buildup across the border, which Indian policy makers initially dismissed as posturing.

Defences in the Tawang sector have since been gradually built up, with the Sumdorong Chu faceoff in 1987 being the flashpoint that led to a strong Indian deployment that included taking dominating positions on heights and a layered defensive deployment of infantry troops.

Now, this is being strengthened even as border tensions have scaled up across the LAC following aggressive moves by the PLA in Ladakh last year, which led to a bloody clash at Galwan.

Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Manoj Pande said several new systems were being inducted along the LAC, which included all-terrain vehicles for enhanced mobility, drone and counter drone systems, precision guided ammunition, night vision capability and modern surveillance radars.

Among the new equipment being brought into the sector are the air transportable M 777 Ultra Light Howitzers, which officers describe as a significant capability enhancement. Located at forward positions near the LAC, these guns have been able to achieve accurate firing capabilities to a range of almost 40 km, thanks to high altitude conditions.

“These guns have enhanced our firepower capabilities. They can also be transported by Chinook to difficult-to-reach valleys as well,” Brig Sanjeev Kumar, who is commanding a forward located artillery brigade, said.

Infantry troops posted at locations upwards of 14,000 feet have been equipped with new Sig Sauer 716 assault rifles besides a range of force multipliers like tactical drones and battlefield surveillance radars that can track the movement of PLA troops close to the LAC.

A key enhancement has been the recent deployment of upgraded L 70 air defence guns at forward locations in the sector. Upgraded by Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) under a ₹575-crore contract, these legacy guns have now been integrated with a radar and a fire control system that can automatically track and lock on to flying targets. These low-cost guns are particularly effective at countering drone threats but can also effectively target enemy helicopters and low flying aircraft as well.

Adding teeth to firepower is the introduction of a new Army Aviation Brigade at Missamari last year. A drill being regularly conducted at high altitude areas, a senior officer explained, is the insertion of assault troops on the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter.