Indian Army Gets Two Super High-Altitude Firing Ranges In Arunachal Pradesh, Just 50 Km Short Of China Border

The Arunachal Pradesh government has handed over to the Indian Army, two super high-altitude firing ranges, for practicing various types of weapons and equipments.

These ranges are located within an aerial distance of 50 kilometres from the highly sensitive Line of Actual Control (LAC), opposite China's Tibet.

According to a report by Economic Times, Chief Minister Pema Khandu made the decision to provide land for the Mandala and Kamrala firing ranges, both situated at altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet, to the Indian Army.

"National interests come first. We have decided to hand over the land for the two firing ranges taking into account the need of the armed forces," Khandu stated when asked about the decision to hand over these two firing ranges to the Indian Army.

Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,129-kilometre-long LAC with China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Both of these ranges are in proximity to Yangtse in Tawang, where Indian Army and Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops clashed in December last year.

In May, the Indian Army conducted a large-scale artillery firing drill codenamed 'Buland Bharat' in the Mandala firing range in Tawang and the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

During the exercise, the Army utilised various large-calibre 155 mm artillery guns, including 155 mm Bofors and M-777 Ultra-light howitzers.

Additionally, 105 mm field guns and 120 mm mortars also were tested by the Army to enhance its integrated surveillance and firepower capabilities.