New Delhi: The Army’s 15 and 16 Corps, which are responsible for operations in Kashmir and Jammu regions respectively, are seeking to buy multiple under-barrel grenade launchers (UBGLs), wheeled armoured personnel carriers, drones and surveillance cameras, besides a range of other equipment, ThePrint has learnt.
The list for the 15 and 16 Corps comes soon after the 14 Corps, which is in charge of operations in Ladakh, came up with its own separate wish-list of equipment, which will be utilised in the stand-off with China along the Line of Actual Control.
ThePrint had reported last week that the Ladakh Corps was looking to urgently procure unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), fast interceptor boats and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), besides wheeled armoured personnel carriers.
The procurement lists for all three corps will be vetted by the Army’s Northern Command, with the purchases to be made under the emergency powers delegated to the Vice-Chief of Army Staff under Schedule 23.
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Needs at Line of Control
Defence sources told ThePrint both the corps, in Kashmir and Jammu, are seeking to procure nearly 350 UBGLs, to be used with the INSAS and AK-47 rifles.
UBGLs are fitted under the barrels of the rifles, and used to fire grenades to a distance of around 400 metres.
The Army is also looking to buy surveillance cameras of different ranges for detecting movements of terrorists, both inside the hinterlands and along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.
This year, until June, there have been 2,215 ceasefire violations along the LoC. Four divisions of the Army are deployed there, but this summer, the strength was enhanced with additional battalions and brigades. In addition, there are five Rashtriya Rifles divisions and reserve formations, which are deployed in the hinterland of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Israeli ‘Spike’ missile launchers, drones
The Kashmir and Jammu Corps’ list of requirements also includes around 50 Israeli ‘Spike’ anti-tank guided missile launchers and about 15 UAVs for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.
The strong push by all three Corps of the Northern Command to buy UAVs reflects the effort to expand and strengthen ISR capabilities, which a defence source said is necessary.
“The additional surveillance equipment is to be procured to enhance the efficacy of the anti-infiltration and counter-terrorism grid,” the source explained.
“As we move into the winter posture, and movement through snow becomes difficult, UAVs would help the Army in effective domination of the area.”
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