As Indian troops gear up for their fifth consecutive winter deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Army faces the daunting challenge of maintaining logistical lines in some of the harshest terrains. To meet this, the Army is contracting civil helicopters to support forward bases, reserving its own fleet for more critical roles like combat and emergencies.
Since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, India has bolstered its presence at forward positions along the 3,488-kilometer LAC. Despite ongoing diplomatic talks, the “trust deficit” between India and China persists, requiring sustained troop deployment. China’s continued infrastructure buildup, including permanent defences and air assets, has made it clear that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has no intention of returning to its peacetime positions.
In response, the Indian Army has recalibrated its posturing. In 2022, it shifted the focus of six divisions from the Pakistan front to China, particularly from the Ladakh sector to Arunachal Pradesh. Now, as winter approaches, civil helicopters from both public and private sectors will be employed to supply 44 remote posts across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
This move is aimed at reducing costs and preserving the service life of military helicopters for combat operations. The helicopters will ferry essential supplies—food, fuel, and medical items—ensuring these remote posts remain operational. The Army is considering expanding this model to other strategic regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast.
This strategy comes at a time when China continues to reinforce its presence along the LAC. The Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh remains a flashpoint, with China’s near-complete bridge and new garrison in the disputed area intensifying concerns. China’s deployment of advanced assets, including its Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, highlights the strategic importance of the region.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force is upgrading infrastructure at 20 airbases along the eastern border, with new runways, shelters, and munitions centers being constructed. The Leh airbase in Ladakh, a key strategic point, is undergoing major upgrades, including the construction of a second runway to ensure operational capability even in the event of conflict.
As both nations remain locked in a prolonged standoff, the Indian Army’s logistical innovations and strategic shifts will be crucial to maintaining its defensive posture along the LAC.
