Future of high altitude warfare lies in use of cutting-edge tech: Army Commander

Discover the latest drone technology showcased at the Army's Drone-a-thon in Ladakh, highlighting India's industry capabilities.

The Drone-a-thon conducted by the Army in Ladakh gave an overview of the capabilities of the Indian industry in terms the various types and categories of drones available, officials said on the sidelines of Himtech symposium, exclusively showcasing high altitude technologies, that began in Leh on Friday.

Since the 2020 standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh, the Army has taken up major technology accretion, especially in high altitude areas as it reoriented its order of and redeployed troops.

Addressing the two-day news exhibition, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchindra Kumar said the rugged terrain of Ladakh demands specialised equipment whether it be cold weather gear, terrain adaptive vehicles or energy-efficient shelters.

“Future of warfare especially in high altitude areas lies in the strategic use of cutting-edge technology by using AI-infused autonomous systems like UAVs and UGVs. We can reduce the burden of our soldiers to some extent and extend our operational reach to areas previously inaccessible,” he said.

Also Read: AI solution for real-time inputs for the Army

Noting that Ladakh’s extreme altitudes often exceeding 15,000 feet present unique hurdles, Lt. Gen. Kumar said the extreme cold, reduced oxygen levels, rough terrain test both human endurance and equipment. With temperatures dropping to -40 degrees Celsius or less, maintaining operational preparedness becomes a daunting task, and basic activities such as mobility, communication and logistics turn into complex challenges in these conditions, he said.

Stressing that the armed forces rise to the occasion every day and on every occasion, he added, “But courage alone if not enough. To protect our sovereignty, we must equip our forces with the best tools and technology available.”