Army conducts high-altitude para-drop exercises in Ladakh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 1

The Shatrujeet Brigade of Indian Army is conducting an airborne insertion of special forces along the northern borders in Eastern Ladakh to validate its rapid response capabilities as part of an airborne exercise and combat manoeuvres.

On November 1, airborne troops were inserted to a drop zone at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet, according to sources.

Pre-acclimatised troops along with specialist vehicles and missile detachments were transported via C-130 and AN 32 aircraft from five different mounting bases to validate inter-theatre move, precision stand-off drops, rapid grouping and capture of designated objectives with speed and surprise.

The drop was particularly challenging due to the low temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius and rarefied atmosphere in super high altitude terrain.

The exercise also involves conduct of oxygen combat free fall jumps and integrated battle drills by airborne forces, mechanised columns and attack helicopters to validate combat capabilities and seamless integration. The exercise is in progress.

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