One of the mainstream media, during the mid of July reported that “The government, amid border tensions with China, has given the approval to the Army for emergency procurement of lightweight tanks that can be deployed in high-altitude conditions.” It also reported that the army has been given the go-ahead for urgent purchases amid signs that Beijing intends to keep the border hot. Apparently the Indian Amy has opted for 2S25M Sprut-SDM1, an upgraded version of BDM2 with T-90 Turret System of Russian origin which essentially is a tank destroyer to be the new light tank in it’s inventory.

Light tanks have been exploited in practically every operation since independence in India. Stuarts and Sherman tanks were used in the battle of Kohima in 1944. In1948 these came very handy in the battle of Zojila to push back the Pakistani forces. In 1962 AMX-13 were used in the battle of Gurung Hill and also deployed in Bombdila and Darrang. In Bangladesh war AMX-13 and PT-76 turned the tables in the battle of Garibpur.

Indian Army continued to maintain three regiments of light tanks through the 80’s and a regiment till late 90’s. The importance of light tanks has been flagged time and again including in the Krishna Rao Committee Report(1976) with General Sunderji as one of the members of that Committee. Despite many studies and papers including by the Perspective Planning Directorate on the need of having light tanks for our Northern borders and Rann of Kutch as well as part of the Armoured Division, the mandarins felt otherwise and continued to vacillate. And now that China has deployed T-15/36T category tanks, the sanction has come for emergency purchases.

The broad concept of employment of light tank revolves around its superior mobility (Strategic, Operational and Tactical), versatility, enhanced manoeuvrability (small turning radius, high power to weight ratio and low nominal ground pressure), and lethal firepower. While strategic mobility advantage of light tank certainly provides strategic flexibility, however it is the superior agility which enhances the ability in inter and intra valley movement in high altitude terrain.

Given the terrain and the operational history, light tanks have not been inducted after AMX and PT-76 were phased out, not because they were not required but only because we didn’t have them. With our focus mainlyon the Western adversary and hence concern was to match him with tank to tank instead of building capability. As a result we continued to buy medium and heavy tanks. Deployability of light tanks, however, is across the border with China i.e. entire Northern Borders to include Ladakh, Sikkim Plateau and in RALP(Rest of Arunachal Pradesh). On the Western Front light tanks give a strategic advantage in the Rann of Kutch and also as part of the Recce Regiments for flank protections. One of the studies had recommended up to 12 Regiments of light tanks to be inducted over a period of 5-7 years.