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Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, often hailed as the “Real Lion of Ladakh,” stands as a symbol of unyielding courage and strategic brilliance in the annals of Indian military history. Born on May 11, 1964, in the serene village of Sankar near Leh in Ladakh, India, Wangchuk’s life journey from a modest Himalayan upbringing to becoming a decorated war hero encapsulates the spirit of resilience that defines the people of this high-altitude region. His story, particularly his pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War, continues to inspire generations, blending tales of battlefield valor with a post-retirement commitment to community

Roots in Ladakh: Family, Education, and Early Influences

Wangchuk’s early life was deeply intertwined with Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual fabric. A native of Khakshal village near Leh town, he was born into a family with notable connections his mother was the sister of politician Thupstan Chhewang and the niece of the revered spiritual leader Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. His father, initially a forest ranger, later served as the security officer for the 14th Dalai Lama, exposing young Wangchuk to influences of Tibetan Buddhism and monastic discipline. This environment instilled in him a profound respect for nature and a calm demeanor under pressure, traits that would prove invaluable in his military career.

At around five years old in 1969, Wangchuk moved to Solan, Himachal Pradesh, attending St. Luke’s School until the fourth standard. By 1973, the family relocated to Dharamshala, where he studied at Sacred Heart High School and had personal interactions with the Dalai Lama due to his father’s role. In 1975, a transfer to Delhi led him to The Modern School on Barakhamba Road. He pursued higher education at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history. Despite his father’s aspirations for him to enter civil services, Wangchuk was drawn to the army, inspired by his relative, Colonel Wangdus, who exemplified military service.

These formative years in diverse settings from the stark beauty of Ladakh to the bustling capital honed his adaptability and fostered a deep patriotism. Growing up amid the Himalayas, he developed an innate understanding of mountainous terrain, which later became a strategic advantage in his military exploits.

Forging a Military Career: From Commissioning to Specialized Service

Wangchuk’s entry into the Indian Army marked the beginning of a distinguished three-decade career. He attended the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment on June 13, 1987, with service number IC-45952M. His initial postings tested his mettle: as a company commander in Ukhrul, Northeast India, he handled counter-insurgency operations in challenging tribal areas. He then served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, gaining experience in international conflict zones.

Recognizing his affinity for high-altitude warfare, Wangchuk was deputed to the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts, a regiment comprising local Ladakhi soldiers known as the “Snow Tigers” or “Snow Warriors.” Formed originally as the Nubra Guards in 1948 and reorganized as an infantry regiment in 2000, the Ladakh Scouts specialize in mountain warfare, leveraging their physiological adaptations to extreme altitudes. Wangchuk’s leadership in this unit would culminate in his promotion to Major and, eventually, Colonel before his retirement in 2018.

Throughout his service, Wangchuk accumulated a host of decorations beyond his gallantry award, reflecting consistent excellence:

Award/Medal	Description	Year/Awarded For
Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)	Second-highest gallantry award for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy	1999, Kargil War
Samanya Seva Medal	For active service	Various
Special Service Medal	For specialized service	Various
Operation Vijay Star	For participation in Operation Vijay (Kargil)	1999
Siachen Glacier Medal	For service in Siachen Glacier	Various
Operation Vijay Medal	For service during Kargil War	1999
Sainya Seva Medal	For non-combatant service	Various
High Altitude Service Medal	For high-altitude duties	Various
Videsh Seva Medal	For overseas service (e.g., IPKF)	Various
50th Anniversary of Independence Medal	Commemorative	1997
20 Years Long Service Medal	For long service	Various
9 Years Long Service Medal	For long service	Various

This table illustrates the breadth of his contributions, from frontline combat to sustained operational duties.

The Hero of Kargil: The Battle of Chorbat La

The 1999 Kargil War thrust Wangchuk into the national spotlight. As Pakistani forces, disguised as militants from the Northern Light Infantry, infiltrated Indian territory during the harsh winter, occupying strategic heights 10-15 km inside the Line of Control (LOC), India mounted Operation Vijay to evict them. Wangchuk, then a Major leading a column from the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts in the Batalik sector, was tasked with securing a ridge line at Chorbat La a glaciated pass at approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) elevation.

On May 30-31, 1999, his patrol of about 25-40 men encountered an ambush by heavily armed Pakistani intruders, estimated at around 135 troops entrenched in 12-13 tents beyond the LOC. The enemy, positioned advantageously, opened fire, killing Havildar Tsewang Rigzin (or another NCO) due to excessive bleeding in the sub-zero temperatures of minus 6 degrees Celsius amid two feet of snow. Undeterred, Wangchuk held his column together, splitting them into flanking positions for a counter-ambush. Waiting for nightfall and aided by mist, his team blessed with sacred threads from the Dalai Lama launched a surprise dawn attack on June 1, killing 10+ enemy soldiers and forcing the rest to retreat.

They recovered significant enemy assets: one heavy machine gun, one universal machine gun, ammunition, controlled stores, and three enemy bodies. This three-day battle cleared the Chorbat La axis up to the LOC, preventing Pakistan from blocking vital supply routes and marking India’s first clear territorial gain in the war. Wangchuk’s unit held the position for 14 days before handing it over to the 14th Sikh Regiment. Six of his soldiers also received gallantry medals for their roles.

The official Maha Vir Chakra citation captures the essence: “Major Sonam Wangchuk displayed exceptional bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the presence of enemy fire and in extreme conditions in the glaciated area.” This victory boosted Indian morale and laid the groundwork for subsequent operations, as Wangchuk himself noted in recent reflections, calling the Pakistani infiltration a “clear act of treachery.”

Wangchuk praised the Ladakh Scouts’ unique edge: as “born mountain warriors,” their physiological strength, mental toughness, and patriotism make them unparalleled in high-altitude combat, outperforming in wars like 1962, 1965, and 1999. He emphasized their stamina, endurance, and calm under pressure, asserting that in mountain warfare, they have “no match.”

Post-Retirement: A Life of Quiet Service and Inspiration

Retiring in 2018, Wangchuk eschewed the limelight, focusing instead on meaningful contributions. He works with youth programs, supports veterans’ families, and advocates for protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. As a concerned citizen, he has voiced support for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh post the abrogation of Article 370, though not in a leadership role.

His story gained wider reach through the 2017 documentary The Lion of Ladakh, directed by Soumil Shetty and released by President Ram Nath Kovind to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ladakh Scouts. Featuring interviews with Wangchuk, his wife Padma Angmo, his men, and retired officers like Lieutenant-General Mohinder Puri, it has amassed over 2.5 million views. The film highlights his remarkable fitness he runs 14-15 kilometers daily at 18,000 feet and his light-hearted personality.

In recent years, Wangchuk has delivered motivational talks, such as at the OTA in Gaya in September 2024, sharing personal anecdotes to inspire cadets. Returning to Chorbat La after 26 years in 2025, he noted improved infrastructure like roads and communications, affirming the Indian Army’s readiness. Social media tributes in 2025 continue to celebrate him, with posts recounting his defeat of overwhelming odds and calling for recognition of such heroes.

Legacy: The Enduring Symbol of Ladakhi Valor

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk’s moniker, “The Real Lion of Ladakh,” stems from his ferocious defence of his homeland, embodying the quiet bravery that turned the tide in Kargil. While accounts vary slightly such as enemy numbers or exact casualties, reflecting the complexities of wartime reporting his impact is unequivocal: a first victory that inspired the nation and highlighted the Ladakh Scouts’ indispensable role. Married to Padma Angmo, Wangchuk lives a life of humility, reminding us that true heroes often speak through actions rather than words. His story urges remembrance of soldiers’ sacrifices and the importance of safeguarding border regions like Ladakh, ensuring their legacy endures in India’s collective memory.

Accused was posted at Sector 29 office in Chandigarh

An official of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has allegedly been caught red-handed while accepting a bribe.

According to the police, Ashutosh Singh, branch manager of Shakti Enterprises, had lodged a complaint, alleging that Amit Solanki, Technical Officer at the DRDO, Sector 29, demanded Rs 2.3 lakh as bribe for clearing bills related to manpower supply.

Acting on the complaint, the Vigilance team laid a trap and apprehended the accused while receiving the bribe amount from the complainant.

A case under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at the Vigilance police station today. Searches were conducted at his residence, and further investigation in the case was underway, said the police.

The Defence Minister said that joint operations during Operation Sindoor delivered ‘decisive results’ and that success must be a ‘benchmark’ for future operations

Terming “jointness” among the three-armed forces as a “core operational necessity”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said joint operations during Operation Sindoor, delivered “decisive results” and that success must be a “benchmark” for future operations.

The minister was speaking at a seminar on ‘Fostering greater jointness’, hosted by the Indian Air Force on Tuesday. Referring to the efficacy of joint operations during Operation Sindoor, he said: “The tri‑service synergy produced a unified, real‑time operational picture. It empowered commanders to make timely decisions, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced the risk of fratricide. This is a living example of jointness delivering decisive results, and this success must become the benchmark for all future operations.”

The event took place just two weeks after PM Modi instructed the Ministry of Defence to swiftly implement “concrete steps” to achieve greater jointness among the forces to meet future challenges and prevail under any eventuality. In military terms, jointness is the first step toward creating “theatre commands.” It entails coordination in planning, operations, training, communications and acquisitions.

This should be followed by the integration, or the amalgamation, of different sensors, systems, weapons and networks of each service. The creation of a common commander — the theatre commander — for the execution of tasks should be the next step.

Meanwhile, the minister was categorical on the government’s objective to promote jointness and integration among the three services – the Army, IAF and Navy. “This is not only a matter of policy but a matter of survival in the fast-changing security environment,” Rajnath added.

“The evolving character of warfare makes jointness a core operational necessity rather than a matter of choice… No single service can operate in isolation. Interoperability and jointness are now essential for success in any conflict,” he asserted.

This does not mean erasing the unique identity of each of the services, the minister said adding “integration must respect uniqueness of each force… We cannot impose uniformity where it does not fit. Our task is to create a shared baseline that preserves uniqueness while building interoperability”.

“Each service must feel others understand their challenges, and every tradition must be honoured as we build new systems together,” he said.

Each service possesses the capacity to respond independently; however, the interconnected nature of war makes collaborative strength the true guarantor of victory. The minister announced that work has begun on a joint logistics application, which will integrate the systems of the three services to provide shared visibility of stocks, optimise cross‑service resources and reduce redundant procurement.

Rajnath Singh said that in today’s security climate, compartmentalisation must give way to open sharing and collective learning. He warned that in critical domains such as aviation safety and cyber warfare, divergence in standards could prove disastrous. Even a minor error in inspection can create cascading effects. And if our cyber‑defence systems differ across services, adversaries can exploit the gap, he added.

He succeeds Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh

Lt Gen Virendra Vats on Wednesday assumed charge as the Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

He succeeds Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh.

Lt Gen Vats takes over at a significant juncture when NCC, the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation, is expanding its cadet strength to 20 lakhs across 28 States and 8 Union Territories. With its motto of unity and discipline, NCC is evolving in step with Viksit Bharat@2047 (developed India by 2047).

Commissioned into the 19 battalion of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, Lt Gen Vats has carried out counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations.

He has held key appointments in Arunachal Pradesh, the Kashmir Valley, and Army Headquarters. He also commanded an Infantry Brigade under a United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Prior to this appointment, he was the Commandant at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

The Bombay High Court ruled that the officers cannot face criminal proceedings after being tried under the Army Act.

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the Bombay High Court ruled that the officers cannot face criminal proceedings after being tried under the Army Act. (File Photo)

The Mumbai High Court has quashed the prosecution sanction accorded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) against two Army officers of the rank of Lt Colonel in an eight-year-old case of the death of an Army officer’s child.

The judgement by the division bench in Goa, uploaded in public domain on September 25, quashed the prosecution sanction, granted under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), to prosecute Lt Col Umesh Kanadikar and Lt Col Gurinder Singh Uppal of the Corps of Engineers. They were to face trial before a criminal court in Goa under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code, along with a few civilians.

The writ petitions filed by the two officers challenging their prosecution revolved around an incident on April 6, 2017, when a child aged four-and-a-half years, son of Lt Col Narendra R Taralkar and Surgeon Lt Commander Trishna Taralkar, fell from the 6th floor of the newly constructed Married Accommodation Project-II, at the naval officers’ accommodation in Goa.

The incident resulted in the filing of a case at the Vasco police station on the complaint filed by the headquarters of Goa naval area against Naresh Kumar Garg, chairman, and Pradeep Kumar Garg, managing director of NKG Infrastructure Ltd, New Delhi. They were accused of failure to take proper care and safety while constructing the said building, leading to the death of the minor boy falling from the sixth floor, along with the window grill, which was not properly fixed by screws to the wall.

The first COAS Quadrennial Training Directive for 2025–29, prepared by Army Training Command, was issued earlier this year

Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Army Training Command, felicitates a soldier during the Command’s 35th Raising Day. Photo: ARTRAC

In a major revamp of its training policy aimed at ensuring long-term continuity and coherence, the Army has extended the periodicity of the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Training Directive from two years to four years.

The COAS Training Directive, which lays down the foundation of training in the Army, modalities and key result areas, will now be issued once every four years instead of biennially.

“The periodicity of the COAS Training Directive has been revised from biennial to quadrennial, ensuring longer-term coherence,” Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Army Training Command (ARTRAC) said at the Command’s 35th Raising Day in Shimla on Wednesday.

The first COAS Quadrennial Training Directive for 2025–29, prepared by ARTRAC, was issued earlier this year.

Army sources said that the earlier two-year period was considered very short for the implementation of guidelines and achieving tangible results. The increased time frame from the 2025-26 training year will provide adequate time to formations and units to implement the directives.

This would also provide a reasonable timeframe for structuring and validating the absorption of niche technologies, maintain correct operational focus by de-cluttering the training calendar and ensure continuity and coherence over a longer time horizon, sources added.

The ARTRAC chief said that the Command has also accelerated the rollout of drone training, aiming to prepare combatants in accordance with the Army’s vision of ‘Drones as Eagle on the Arm of every Soldier.’

He said that ARTRAC is on track to integrate 34 niche technologies into its curriculum by 2030, having provided advanced training to over 18,000 soldiers this year, with a plan for 12,000 more in the coming year.

In pursuit of greater technology absorption, ARTRAC has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding with leading institutions, including Indian Institutes of Technology, to promote joint research and innovation.

Further, to refine the planning process, the concept of ‘Red Teaming’, which is a contrarian tool, has been institutionalised and the expertise gained over past one year is being shared with the other two sister Services, the Army Commander said.

Referred to as the Indian Army’s strategic think-tank’ for doctrine and training, ARTRAC was raised on October 1, 1991 at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh to meet the critical requirement of a centralised agency focused exclusively on all aspects of training and formulating concepts of modern warfare.

Since its move to Shimla in March 1993, this role has expanded significantly. ARTRAC now provides oversight in enabling the highest standards of institutionalised training across its 34 ‘Category-A’ training establishments spread all over the country.

Other important roles include provision of doctrinal support to the Army and bringing of adversarial perspective in operational planning.

ARTRAC also conducted the first ever tri-service seminar, Ran Samwaad – 2025, at the Army War College, Mhow in August, wherein participants from the three services deliberated upon next generation warfare and strategic construct in the Indian context.

Gitanjali J Angmo questions Ladakh police, speaks out on detention and curfew

Wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Gitanjali J Angmo, refuted the Ladakh Police’s claim that the activist was in touch with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Gitanjali said that they attended a climate change conference organised by the United Nations and a Pakistani media outlet.

She said, ” This is absolutely wrong and false, we condemn it to the core. A narrative is being formed to frame someone…When the UT government was buying Chinese tablets, he (Wangchuk) was talking about tackling China not with bullets but with a wallet. How can such a person be anti-national?” “In February, we went to a conference organised by the UN and Dawn media on climate change. If India plays cricket with China, will the players and cricket bodies be anti-national? A conference on glaciers which provide water to all the countries from Bangladesh to Afghanistan… If a person participates in such a conference, will he be an ISI agent? What is the evidence behind it? They are saying a Pakistani entered here, so the MHA should answer.”

Replying to the DGP Ladakh’s allegations labelling Wangchuk as ‘anti-national’, Gitanjali asked if the government was awarding an anti-national when they awarded him for the solar-heated buildings and Ice Stupas.

“A person who works for the environment, for the army, who has dedicated his career to grassroots efforts for the youth, and has been recognised by the world–this very government, when RK Singh was energy minister, awarded HIAL the first prize for passive solar-heated buildings, which are currently used by the Army. Was this government blind before?” she asked.

“Do they not see that they are awarding someone who is anti-national? The Minister of Tribal Affairs awarded Ice Stupas–did they not realise that it was anti-national? How weak is their intelligence system?” Gitanjali added.

Gitanjali’s remarks came as Ladakh DGP Jamwal addressed a press conference, stating that the police had arrested a Pakistan PIO who was in touch with Wangchuk.

He said, “We arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Sonam Wanghchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. So, there is a big question mark on him…Investigation is being done.” She told ANI that Wangchuk only advocated for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which she said is important for democracy in the Union Territory.

Gitanjali said that the movement for statehood cannot be undermined as it has the support of the people of Ladakh.

She added, “It’s essential to acknowledge that not only does Sonam Wangchuk advocate for the Sixth Schedule, but the entire leadership supports him, as do all citizens of Ladakh and possibly the entire country. Because he is simply voicing the people’s wishes to the government… These individuals believe that by attacking their reputation from all angles, they can undermine this movement. However, this movement resides in everyone’s heart.”

“The Sixth Schedule is not anti-development. It doesn’t imply that the people won’t allow the government to do anything there. The Sixth Schedule simply states that democracy is important in any region, and that a fragile ecosystem or tribal area has its own ways; your development cannot be their development,” said Gitanjali.

Speaking about the climate activist’s detention amid the violence on September 24, she said: “I was at HIAL managing things and not physically present because he went to meet his family. The house was searched with 5-10 people inside, and about 100 police personnel were outside. I learned at 4 am from Inspector Rigzin that he was detained. They said it was detention, not arrest, and that once he lands in Jodhpur, ASP Shukla would call to explain our rights. Four days later, we haven’t received any call, detention order, or information about his condition…We’ve called and left messages, but he hasn’t responded, and we can’t go out due to curfew.”

Amid curfew and surveillance, she claimed that they are under a virtual house arrest, and HAIL staff and students were also kept under detention.

“Yesterday, CRPF followed you into our campus, is this democracy?… We’re virtually under house arrest; people are questioned when they come and go. Our staff and students were detained overnight, and others are being taken without reason. They aim to create fear in a peaceful area. Democracy is about dialogue, not oppression,” she said.

Meanwhile, the prohibitions under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, which were imposed in Leh following the violence on September 24, were lifted for three hours today, and people flocked to the markets to buy essential items. ANI

The project has successfully overcome natural disasters such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, cloudbursts, and floods in Teesta River

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has planned infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,152.66 crore in the north-eastern state of Sikkim, including the construction of the Western Sikkim Highway and National Highways 310A and 310AG.

These initiatives, undertaken by BRO’s Project Swastik, aim to enhance road connectivity, enable faster mobilisation of the Armed Forces, and incorporate advanced technologies such as geotextiles, slope stabilisation, avalanche mitigation, and eco-friendly construction methods to boost resilience and reduce maintenance costs.

Project Swastik, which commemorated it’s 65thRaising Day on Wednesday, has since its establishment in 1960, constructed and maintained over 1,412 km of roads and 80 major bridges, a defence spokesperson said.

In the last decade alone, the project completed more than 350 km of roads, 26 bridges and one tunnel ensuring year-round connectivity to remote valleys and forward areas while supporting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces. 

The project has also successfully overcome natural disasters such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts, and floods in the Teesta River.

As part of the celebrations, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Swastik Memorial, followed by a Sainik Sammelan, Barakhana, cultural programs and a Swastik Mela, fostering camaraderie among officers, personnel and their families. 

In line with its commitment to the welfare of its workforce, Project Swastik also launched new initiatives for Casual Paid Labourers (CPLs), including upgraded habitats, provision of protective gear, and health camps. 

A two-sided UAS and counter-UAS drill being conducted on the last day of exercise Vayu Samanvay at the Army Naraingarh Field Firing Ranges, Ambala, Haryana, on Monday. photo: Ravi Kumar

Incorporating lessons from Operation Sindoor, the Army today validated its operational concepts for employing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in future battles.

As part of a five-day exercise, Vayu Samanvay, conducted at the Naraingarh Field Firing Ranges near Ambala, formations from Western Command and South-Western Command carried out both offensive and defensive manoeuvres using various types of drones and counter-drone systems.

“Drones have been integrated into every arm and service of the Army, including the delivery of supplies in high-altitude areas. Operation Sindoor provided several lessons in drone operations, and these are now being implemented and refined for tactical employment. There is increased focus on the fabrication of drones, their local development, and training of troops in operating them,” Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, said.

He said a great deal of emphasis is being laid on drone warfare and strengthening training, because if the next such confrontation happens, the punishment that would be inflicted on the enemy would be much more severe.

The drones used in this exercise were tactical drones fabricated by different units and the local industry, having a range of up to five kms and a payload capacity of 5 kg that would be employed by units in the immediate battle space for precision strikes and surveillance.

Stating that the Army also has high-end drones with longer range and higher payload capacity, Lt Gen Katiyar said the Army would be requiring thousands of drones in the coming years to meet its operational and logistics requirement. The ammunition that these drones would be using is also being fabricated locally.

The Army also employed drones in rescue operations during the recent floods in many parts of north-west India, where they were used instead of helicopters for observation as well as delivering relief material to places that were cut-off.

Officers participating in the exercise said that the two basic aims of the exercise in the light of experiences during Operation Sindoor were how to counter enemy UAS and how to enhance our own offence capability.

Stating that besides the armed forces, drones are being used in many other fields, the Army Commander referred to the “drone didi’ scheme, where women in rural areas are being trained to use drones in agriculture and said that they would launch a training programme for such women shortly.

Formations and units from the two Commands played the role of opposing forces from two countries, designated as ‘Suryadesh’ and ‘Chandradesh’ during the drill and demonstrated a simulated drone attack and counter-drone measures using swarms. Drones were used to drop different types of live ordnance including artillery shells and mortar bombs.

VHF radars, according to experts, operate use longer wavelengths than traditional radars

To beef up its capabilities to detect stealth aircraft and to fill in certain existing gaps in the air defence network, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has drawn up plans to procure additional very high frequency (VHF) radars to deployment in remote high altitude areas.

VHF radars, according to experts, operate use longer wavelengths than traditional radars. These wavelengths are able to penetrate the radar-absorbing coatings on stealth aircraft, then making them easier to detect. They can also pick up targets at longer ranges.

The IAF’s move to procure VHF radars assume significance in the light of China fielding fifth generation J-20 fighters that have stealth capabilities and reports of Pakistan also moving to acquire these aircraft. Also the emerging nature of warfare revolving around low observable platforms like drones and cruise missiles require enhanced, multi-pronged surveillance capability.

“At present there are several areas where due to terrain limitation, long range radar cannot be deployed. Additionally, existing radars has limited stealth detection capability” a request for information (RFI) floated by the Ministry of Defence last week states.

“Thus, VHF radar system is planned to be effectively used for air defence surveillance, especially near border areas and mountainous terrain to fill the radar gaps and to effectively detect stealth aircraft,” the RFI adds.

The IAF wants VHF radars that can be fully compatible with its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This system, along with the Army’s Akashteer, had come into limelight during Operation Sindoor, the brief but intense military exchange majorly involving drones and missiles, during May this year.

The radars systems can be mounted on 6×6 high mobility vehicles capable of being fully functional at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet and in sub-zero, inclement weather conditions, along with having the required electronic counter measures.

While VHF radars, which operate in the frequency band of 30-200 megahertz, can detect stealth aircraft, experts however point out that these have some technical deficiencies like lower resolution and accuracy as compared to conventional radars which generally operate in the 1-28 gigahertz bandwidth.

VHF radars also have a larger antenna.

There have also been indigenous developments in his arena. The Defence Research and Development’s (DRDO) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment has developed a VHF Surveillance Radar, while a private Bengaluru-based firm has come up Surya VHF Radar. Both these radars have a claimed detection range of up to 500 km.

While DRDO’s system is undergoing operational trails, with the potential for further upgrades in its capability, some Surya radars were reportedly inducted into service earlier this year.