Why army import Cold weather equipments from foreign countries?
The remarks come at a time when the Army is preparing to meet the requirements of additional troops for a harsh winter in Ladakh, where they have been deployed due to the ongoing standoff with China.
“Special clothing and mountaineering gear are among important equipments for protection of the forces as the country has a large number of troops in extremely in high altitude areas” by Vice Chief of Army.
Indian Army is still importing cold weather equipments from Russia, US, Australia and Switzerland , due lack of proper indigenous solutions.
A large number of our troops are deployed in super high altitude areas where the temperature touches – 50 degrees Celsius. India needs push collaborative efforts to fulfill our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
India spends around Rs 800 crore annually in import of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) and mountaineering kits for soldiers guarding at the heights ranging from 16,000 feet to 20,000 feet.
Though India is trying to manufacture thermal insoles, snow goggles, ice axe, boots, avalanche victim detector, rock pitons, karabiner-related mountaineering equipment and sleeping bags but it not match army requirements.
The high-altitude equipment are being divided into two categories. The first lot will be for those deployed in the range of 9,000 feet to 12,000 feet and second category will be for those guarding the border beyond the heights of 12,000 feet. Indian manufacturers does fulfill both categories equipments.
A number of foreign companies have also shown interest in co-production of ECWCS and high-altitude equipment along with Indian firms.
The Army first mooted the idea of indigenous production of the high-altitude clothing and equipment around 11 years ago.
