Indian Army's High-Altitude Artillery Drill In Arunachal Sharpens Joint Combat Edge Amid Border Tensions

The Indian Military has carried out a pivotal three-day joint artillery discipline firing train in Tezu, Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, from 23 to 25 February 2026.

This train concerned seamless collaboration with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Arunachal Scouts, Para Particular Forces, and the newly raised Bhairav Battalion.

A defence spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat, highlighted that the drill considerably bolstered inter-agency coordination and operational readiness in high-altitude terrain. Arunachal Pradesh’s rugged, strategically delicate mountainous areas demand such specialised coaching, given their proximity to the Line of Precise Management (LAC) with China.

The train targeted on strengthening synergy amongst numerous forces whereas enhancing fight preparedness in difficult environments. Reside artillery hearth missions have been validated below practical battlefield situations, marking a key step in joint operational integration.

Troops built-in superior applied sciences, next-generation gear, and refined procedures to use artillery firepower successfully. Simulated situations mirrored real-time fight challenges, enabling exact execution of coordinated hearth missions.

Masterclasses and drills emphasised assimilation of artillery procedures, fostering mutual confidence, responsiveness, and coordination amongst individuals. This strategy ensures forces can function cohesively in high-altitude warfare, the place fast adaptation is important.

The Bhairav Battalion, a current addition to the Japanese Command’s order of battle, performed a starring function. Raised to bolster defences alongside the northern borders, it specialises in mountain warfare, complementing the ITBP’s border-guarding experience and the Arunachal Scouts’ native terrain data.

Para Particular Forces introduced elite insertion and precision strike capabilities, underscoring the train’s emphasis on multi-domain operations. Artillery items, seemingly that includes methods just like the K9 Vajra or superior 155mm howitzers, demonstrated firepower dominance in elevations exceeding 3,000 metres.

Arunachal Pradesh stays a flashpoint in India-China relations, with previous standoffs like Galwan in 2020 highlighting the necessity for sturdy high-altitude readiness. Tezu’s location in Lohit district, close to the McMahon Line, amplifies the train’s geopolitical relevance.

Such drills align with India’s broader army modernisation below the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, incorporating indigenous artillery just like the Superior Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). Additionally they counter China’s infrastructure build-up in Tibet, together with airfields and rail networks.

The profitable train reaffirms the Indian Military’s dedication to built-in warfighting. It addresses evolving threats by way of practical coaching, enhanced cooperation, and technological edge in high-altitude domains.

Trying forward, related workout routines may develop to include drones, AI-driven concentrating on, and network-centric warfare, additional fortifying India’s northern frontiers.

PTI