India Deploys 100 T-72 Tanks To China Border

India is positioning one full armored brigade to the Ladakh region of Jamu & Kashmir. The deployment started in 2014 with the positioning of a single regiment, continued in 2015 with the addition of another regiment, and will continue this year when the third regiment is added forming the regular brigade. On July 19, 2016, The Hindu reported that the third regiment would be moved soon.

A total of 100 vintage Russian-built T72 tanks will be positioned in Ladakh to counter a reported Chinese buildup of armored forces and infrastructure. The Ladakh area is mountainous, but punctuated with plains, terrain that is ideal for armored maneuver and warfare. Due to the 15,000 ft. altitude and severe cold, special measures are required to keep the vehicles running and combat-ready.

India has been seen to be at a disadvantage in its ongoing dispute over the border, which is referred to as The Line of Actual Control. Moving these armored forces to the border can be seen as India sending a clear message to China that it will not back down from its position regarding ongoing differences about their border at the top of the world

Photo: Vivek Patankar via flickr